Judge Jane Bolin was a trailblazing African American woman who made history as the first Black female judge in the United States. Born on April 11, 1908, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Bolin graduated from Yale Law School in 1931, becoming the first African American woman to earn a law degree from that institution.

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 tenure on the bench, Bolin was known for her advocacy for children and families, and she worked to address issues of racial discrimination and inequality within the judicial system.

Bolin served on the bench for over four decades, empowering marginalized communities and advocating for social justice. Her legacy as a pioneering Black female judge and her impactful contributions to the legal field have paved the way for future generations of women of color in the judiciary. Judge Jane Bolin passed away on January 8, 2007, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of courage, resilience, and dedication to equality and justice.