Judge Jane Bolin was a pioneering figure in Black history as the first African American female judge in the United States. She was born on April 11, 1908, in Poughkeepsie, New York. Bolin graduated from Wellesley College in 1928 and later earned her law degree from Yale Law School in 1931.

In 1939, Bolin was appointed as a judge in the Domestic Relations Court of New York City by Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, making her the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the United States. During her time on the bench, Bolin advocated for children's rights and pioneered efforts to address issues of juvenile delinquency and family welfare.

Judge Jane Bolin's legacy extends beyond her groundbreaking judicial career. She was a trailblazer for Black women in the legal profession and a tireless advocate for social justice and equality. Through her work, she broke down barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black female lawyers and judges.