Constance Baker Motley Quotes

A collection of quotes by Constance Baker Motley.

Constance Baker Motley, born on September 14, 1921, in New Haven, Connecticut, was an influential American civil rights attorney and legal scholar. She played a pivotal role in the struggle for racial justice during the civil rights movement in the United States. Motley attended Fisk University and later earned her law degree from Columbia Law School in 1946, becoming the first Black woman to graduate from this prestigious institution.

Motley went on to join the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) as an attorney, working under Thurgood Marshall. During her tenure, she tackled numerous significant civil rights cases, including Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the Supreme Court's historic ruling against racial segregation in public schools.

In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Motley to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York, making her the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. She continued to champion civil rights from the bench, presiding over cases dealing with school desegregation, employment discrimination, and equal voting rights.

Motley's remarkable legal career spans over six decades and stands as a testament to her immense contribution to the advancement of civil rights in America. She passed away at the age of 84 on September 28, 2005, leaving behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and dedication to achieving equality for all.

Had it not been for James Meredith, who was willing to risk

Had it not been for James Meredith, who was willing to risk his life, the University of Mississippi would still be all white.

Constance Baker Motley


There is no longer a single common impediment to blacks emer

There is no longer a single common impediment to blacks emerging in this society.

Constance Baker Motley


King consciously steered away from legal claims and instead

King consciously steered away from legal claims and instead relied on civil disobedience.

Constance Baker Motley

Legal

The Constitution, as originally drawn, made no reference to

The Constitution, as originally drawn, made no reference to the fact that all Americans wre considered equal members of society.

Constance Baker Motley

Society

I never thought I would live long enough to see the legal pr

I never thought I would live long enough to see the legal profession change to the extent it has.

Constance Baker Motley

Legal

The legal difference between the sit-ins and the Freedom Rid

The legal difference between the sit-ins and the Freedom Riders was significant.

Constance Baker Motley

Freedom

I grew up in a house where nobody had to tell me to go to sc

I grew up in a house where nobody had to tell me to go to school every day and do my homework.

Constance Baker Motley

Teen

In high school, I discovered myself. I was interested in rac

In high school, I discovered myself. I was interested in race relations and the legal profession. I read about Lincoln and that he believed the law to be the most difficult of professions.

Constance Baker Motley

Legal

I rejected the notion that my race or sex would bar my succe

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

Constance Baker Motley

Success

Something which we think is impossible now is not impossible

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

Constance Baker Motley

Determination