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| Constance Baker Motley (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) |
When I think of role models I think of a person who sets a respectable standard for someone to follow. We all need role models at one point or another--male and female. Today's feature is about prominent African American female who made history in America's judicial system and should be looked upon as a role model. Today we will honor Constance Baker Motley.
Motley was the person who wrote the original complaint for the legendary case of Brown v. Board of Education. A steady pioneer for African American women in politics; she was first African American woman ever to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, in Meredith v. Fair. A case in which she won. Because of her high level of knowledge pertaining to the legal system, Motley was able to lend her expertise to--and involve herself in, the civil rights movement by pushing the issue of desegregation in the south.
The mid-sixties was quite the prosperous time for Motley. In 1964, Motley became the first African American woman elected to the New York State Senate. The following year—In 1965, she was elected to Manhattan Borough President—the first woman in that position. Her greatest honor came In 1966,when President Lyndon Johnson named her a federal court judge—making her the first female federal judge.
Attempted female Role Models take notes on Constance Baker Motley. Her vast career in politics more--more specifically the judicial system, is an overwhelming example of what a role model should embody. I'm not requesting that young and older women alike strive to be just like prominent women in our black history, but I urge them try and create their own history. Constance Baker Motley, a template for African American women to follow and another reason why black history should be celebrated year 'round(K*W)
