Edith Sampson was a pioneering African American woman who broke barriers in the legal profession and diplomacy. Born in Pittsburgh in 1901, Sampson became the first African American woman to be appointed as a judge in the state of Illinois in 1962. She also made history as the first African American delegate to the United Nations in 1950.

Sampson was a trailblazer in her field, overcoming racial and gender discrimination to achieve success. She was a prominent civil rights activist and a strong advocate for racial equality and justice. Sampson's achievements opened doors for future generations of African American women in the legal profession and diplomacy. She was truly a pioneer and a role model in Black history.