Constance Baker Motley was a pioneering African American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. She was born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut. Motley was one of the first black women to graduate from Columbia Law School in 1946.

Motley became involved in the civil rights movement during the 1950s and 1960s, working as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She played a crucial role in many landmark civil rights cases, including being the lead lawyer in the case of Meredith v. Fair, which resulted in the desegregation of the University of Mississippi.

In 1964, Motley became the first African American woman to serve in the New York State Senate. She was later appointed as the first African American female federal judge in 1966, serving on the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.

Throughout her career, Motley fought tirelessly for civil rights and equality, breaking down barriers and paving the way for future generations of African American women in the legal profession and beyond. She passed away on September 28, 2005, leaving behind a lasting legacy of courage, dedication, and advocacy for social justice.