Constance Baker Motley

Date of Birth: September 14, 1921

Zodiac Sign: Virgo

Date of Death: September 28, 2005

Biography

Constance Baker Motley was an influential American civil rights activist, lawyer, judge, state senator, and Borough President of Manhattan, New York City. She was born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut. A trailblazer in the fight for civil rights, Motley was the first African American woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court and the first to serve as a federal judge. Her career spanned over several decades, during which she worked closely with notable figures such as Thurgood Marshall in the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Motley played a pivotal role in several landmark civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education. She passed away on September 28, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of significant contributions to the fight for equality and justice.

5 Interesting Facts about Constance Baker Motley

1. Constance Baker Motley was the first African American woman appointed to the federal judiciary.

2. She was the lead trial attorney in the case that allowed James Meredith to become the first African American student to attend the University of Mississippi.

3. Motley wrote the original complaint in the historic Brown v. Board of Education case.

4. She became the first African American woman to be elected to the New York State Senate in 1964.

5. In 1965, Constance Baker Motley became the first woman to serve as the Borough President of Manhattan.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Constance Baker Motley

1. “Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible in another decade.”

2. “The legal system can force open doors and sometimes even knock down walls. But it cannot build bridges. That job belongs to you and me.”

3. “We Americans have a wonderful way of minimizing our own faults while maximizing those of others.”

4. “I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my success in life.”

5. “In my view, I see no wise alternative to the peaceful solution of all problems.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures are not readily available, Constance Baker Motley’s highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, primarily derived from her extensive career in public service and law rather than private wealth accumulation.