No. 95: Constance Baker Motley

Episode Transcript

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What does it take to break barriers in both the courtroom and the halls of government, while laying the legal groundwork for some of the most significant civil rights victories in American history?

Hey there! I’m Shae, a PhD Candidate at Harvard, and welcome to another episode of the "100 Historic Black Women You Should Know by Election Day Series." Today, we’re delving into the trailblazing life of Constance Baker Motley—the brilliant legal mind who helped shape the civil rights movement and became the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States.

Born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut, Constance Baker Motley was a force to be reckoned with from the start. The daughter of Caribbean immigrants, she quickly developed a passion for justice and equality. Despite the barriers that stood in her way, she attended Fisk University before transferring to New York University, where she graduated with honors. She then went on to Columbia Law School, where she earned her law degree in 1946.

Constance’s legal career began at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, where she worked alongside Thurgood Marshall. She quickly became one of the most influential civil rights lawyers of the 20th century, playing a pivotal role in numerous landmark cases. She was the lead attorney in the case of Meredith v. Fair, which allowed James Meredith to become the first Black student to attend the University of Mississippi. Her legal brilliance was also on display in the desegregation of schools in the South, where she helped argue the historic Brown v. Board of Education case that led to the Supreme Court’s ruling that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

But Constance Baker Motley’s impact didn’t stop in the courtroom. In 1964, she became the first Black woman elected to the New York State Senate, and in 1965, she was appointed Manhattan Borough President—the first woman to hold that position. Then, in 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed her to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, making her the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. In this role, she continued to fight for justice, ruling on cases that ranged from civil rights to gender discrimination.

Constance Baker Motley’s legacy is one of unyielding courage and unwavering commitment to justice. Her work laid the foundation for countless civil rights victories and opened doors for future generations of Black women in law and government.

Here’s something you might not know: Constance Baker Motley was actually the first Black woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. She argued ten Supreme Court cases in total and won nine of them, showcasing her legal prowess at the highest level.

Constance Baker Motley’s story is a powerful reminder that breaking barriers takes not just talent, but tenacity and an unshakable belief in justice. If you’ve been inspired by her incredible journey, be sure to rate this podcast 5 stars—your support helps us share these important histories with a wider audience. And don’t forget to follow me on social media and subscribe to my YouTube channel for more stories of remarkable women like Constance. Join me next time as we uncover the life of another extraordinary Black woman who changed the course of history. Until then, keep listening, stay inspired, and let’s continue to honor the women who have shaped our world.