New Haven, Connecticut (September 14, 1921 – September 28, 2005) age 84 yrs

Constance Baker Motley was an African American civil rights activist. She was also a lawyer and judge. Additionally, she served as a state senator and Borough President of Manhattan, New York City. In 1966, she became the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. She achieved this after the encouragement of New York Democratic Senator Robert F. Kennedy and Senator Jacob K. Javits. President Johnson appointed Motley to the federal bench of the South District of New York. During her time as a judge, Motley oversaw many civil rights cases. Motley went on to become chief judge of the district in 1982, and senior judge in 1986.