Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazing African American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. She was born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut. Motley was the first African American woman to be appointed to the federal bench and the first African American woman to serve as a U.S. District Court judge.

Motley worked alongside Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, where she was involved in many landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education. She argued ten cases before the Supreme Court and won nine of them.

In addition to her legal career, Motley was also actively involved in the civil rights movement, working to dismantle segregation and fight for equal rights for all Americans. In 1964, she was elected to the New York State Senate, becoming the first African American woman to serve in that legislative body.

Throughout her career, Constance Baker Motley was a pioneer for civil rights and gender equality, breaking down barriers and inspiring future generations of activists and legal professionals. Her legacy continues to inspire and guide those who are committed to social justice and equality.