Four African American Lawyers to Celebrate during Black History Month
Published February 26, 2025
The path to success in the legal profession has historically been far more challenging for Black attorneys, who have had to overcome systemic racism, exclusion from law schools and deeply entrenched prejudice in the courtroom. Despite these obstacles, Black lawyers have persisted, excelling in their fields and reshaping the legal system to be more just and inclusive. In our previous post, we highlighted trailblazers who broke barriers and set new precedents. Today, we celebrate four more Black lawyers whose impact continues to resonate in the legal field.
Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
Constance Baker Motley
A trailblazer in every sense, Constance Baker Motley was the first Caribbean-American woman appointed as a federal judge, the first to serve in the New York State Senate and the first to hold the position of Manhattan borough president. A key legal strategist in the Civil Rights Movement, Motley worked on landmark cases alongside Thurgood Marshall, including the litigation that led to the desegregation of schools. Her judicial career was marked by her unwavering commitment to justice and equality, paving the way for future generations of Black women in law.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration
William Henry Hastie, Jr.
William Henry Hastie, Jr. was a legal pioneer, becoming the first African American appointed as a federal district court judge and later, the first Black federal appellate judge. He also made history as the first African American Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Hastie was a staunch advocate for civil rights and worked to dismantle racial discrimination within the military and beyond. His legal acumen and dedication to justice influenced future civil rights rulings and expanded opportunities for Black lawyers in the judiciary.
Sherrilyn Ifill
A powerful voice in civil rights law, Sherrilyn Ifill served as the President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. Under her leadership, the organization played a crucial role in protecting voting rights, challenging racial injustice and advocating for police reform. Ifill’s career has been defined by her relentless pursuit of justice, making her a leading authority on issues of civil rights and racial equity. Her influence extends beyond the courtroom, shaping public discourse and policy on systemic discrimination.
Eric Holder Jr.
As the first Black U.S. Attorney General, Eric Holder Jr. led groundbreaking efforts in civil rights enforcement, criminal justice reform and voting rights protection. Serving under President Barack Obama, Holder played a pivotal role in addressing racial disparities in sentencing, defending the Voting Rights Act, as well as advocating for police accountability. His tenure reshaped the Justice Department’s approach to civil rights and laid the foundation for ongoing legal battles to protect democracy and equal justice.
The legacies of these four legal pioneers continue to inspire new generations of lawyers dedicated to justice and equality. As we celebrate Black History Month, their contributions remind us of the power of the law as a tool for progress and change.
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