Judge Jane Bolin was a trailblazing figure in Black history as the first African American female judge in the United States. She was appointed as a judge in New York City in 1939, making her the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the country.

Bolin was born on April 11, 1908, in Poughkeepsie, New York. She came from a family of trailblazers - her father was the first Black graduate of Williams College and the first Black lawyer admitted to the New York state bar, and her uncle was the first Black physician in New York City.

Bolin attended Wellesley College and then Yale Law School, where she was the only Black woman in her class. After graduating from law school, she worked as an assistant corporation counsel in the New York City legal department before being appointed as a judge.

During her time on the bench, Judge Bolin was a passionate advocate for children's rights and worked to address issues of juvenile delinquency and child welfare. She served as a judge for 40 years before retiring in 1978.

Judge Jane Bolin's legacy as a pioneer for women and people of color in the legal profession continues to inspire future generations.