Poughkeepsie, New York (April 11, 1908 -January 7, 2007) Age 98 yrs

Jane Bolin was a trailblazing attorney. She became the first African American female judge in the United States. She served in New York’s Family Court for four decades. Bolin was a thoughtful and conscientious force on the bench. She confronted a range of issues on the domestic front. She took great care when addressing the plight of children. She also changed segregationist policies that had been entrenched in the system, including skin-color-based assignments of probation officers. Additionally, Bolin worked with first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. Together, they provided support for the Wiltwyck School. This was a comprehensive, holistic program to help eradicate juvenile crime among boys. Bolin served on the boards of several organizations. These included the National Association of the Advancement of colored People. She also served on the board of the New York Urban League.