Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazing civil rights advocate and the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. Born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut, Motley dedicated her life to fighting for justice and equality.

Motley began her career as a civil rights lawyer, working alongside Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. She was instrumental in litigating numerous landmark cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the Supreme Court's ruling that segregated schools were unconstitutional. Motley's work helped pave the way for the civil rights movement and the dismantling of segregation in the United States.

In 1964, Motley was appointed to the Southern District of New York as a federal judge, becoming the first Black woman to serve in this role. Throughout her tenure on the bench, she continued to champion civil rights and equality, presiding over many important cases that furthered the cause of justice.

Constance Baker Motley's legacy as a pioneering lawyer and judge is a testament to her dedication to the fight for equality and justice for all. She broke down barriers and blazed a trail for future generations of Black women in the legal profession.