Topic: Judge Jane Bolin
Absolutely! Jane Bolin was a trailblazing figure in Black history as she was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School and the first to serve as a judge in the United States. Born in 1908 in Poughkeepsie, New York, Bolin attended Wellesley College and later enrolled at Yale Law School, where she earned her law degree in 1931.
In 1939, Bolin was appointed as a judge in the Domestic Relations Court in New York City by then-Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. This made her the first Black female judge in the United States. Throughout her judicial career, Bolin prioritized children's rights and welfare, advocating for equal protection under the law for all individuals regardless of race or background.
Bolin served on the bench for more than four decades, addressing issues related to juvenile delinquency, child welfare, and family law. She was known for her compassionate and fair approach to handling cases, and she was a strong advocate for social justice and civil rights.
Judge Jane Bolin's pioneering work in the legal field paved the way for future generations of Black women in law and the judiciary. Her legacy continues to inspire and empower individuals to pursue justice and equality for all.