Blumenthal & Schumer Lead Introduction of Legislation to Honor First Black Woman to Serve as Federal Judge With Congressional Gold Medal

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), and U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Tina Smith (D-MN) introduced legislation to posthumously award the Congressional Gold Medal to Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve on the federal bench in the United States and argue before the United States Supreme Court. As Congress’ highest expression of national appreciation for distinguished achievements and contributions, the medal would honor Judge Motley’s four decades of service on the bench and her role as a trailblazer in opening courthouse doors to Black women and men. The bill’s introduction comes ahead of Monday’s federal holiday to honor the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., who Motley represented.

“Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer who paved the way for so many – a New Haven native who spent her entire life giving back to her community and breaking barriers,” said Senator Blumenthal. “She was a legal giant who fought tirelessly for civil rights and for every person’s right to equal protection of the law. Her exemplary example and story set the stage for recent accomplishments in bringing historic diversity to the federal bench. As we approach Martin Luther King Jr Day, we also honor Constance Baker Motley’s legacy in fighting for civil rights and equality.” 

“Constance Baker Motley was nothing short of an icon, and her groundbreaking life and career were dedicated to advancing civil rights,” said Leader Schumer. “Both her historic appointment to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York and election to the New York State Assembly shattered the glass ceiling for black women and paved the way for increased diversity on the federal bench and in state legislatures. As the Senate takes up voting rights legislation and celebrates Martin Luther King’s legacy in the coming days, we will continue the fight for Judge Motley’s life work to ensure civil rights and equal representation for all Americans.” 

“Constance Baker Motley is the unsung civil rights hero who fought tirelessly for equality in the American legal system,” said Senator Coons. “Her achievements on the federal bench have only grown in stature with time, and I am proud to introduce this legislation to honor her legacy.”  

“As a Black woman and a daughter of immigrants, Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer in the courtroom. She not only paved the way for Black women and men in law, but her invaluable contributions to landmark civil rights cases have helped make our country more just and fair. As we yet again battle to protect the sacred right to vote, I’m proud to cosponsor the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act,” said Senator Hirono.

“Judge Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer who devoted her decades in the legal profession to fighting for equality,” said Senator Klobuchar. “As the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge, her legacy will continue to inspire those who dare to do something that has never been done before. With this legislation, we recognize her tremendous achievements and honor her contributions to our nation.” 

“Constance Baker Motley didn’t just lead fights to dismantle segregation and fight injustice, she won them,” said Senator Smith. “From her perfect record in front of the Supreme Court arguing major civil rights cases to her time at the NAACP and as a federal judge, Constance Baker Motley left us a more just and equal country than she inherited. I am proud to honor her legacy and with this legislation.”

The daughter of immigrants, Judge Motley began her legal career with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund (LDF) and soon became the first Black woman to argue a case before the United States Supreme Court. During her time with the NAACP LDF, Judge Motley won nine of the ten cases she argued before the high court, helped author the argument against, “separate but equal” in Brown v. Board of Education, represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and led litigation that desegregated public accommodations and integrated universities across the south.

Motley was nominated to the Southern District of New York by President Lyndon B. Johnson and confirmed by the Senate in 1966. With her deep commitment to civil rights and equal justice under the law, Judge Motley approached over 2,500 cases as a fair, skilled, dignified, and conscientious jurist until her death in 2005. Her service and legacy has inspired Black women and men for generations to come.

The Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2022 would add Judge Motley to the historic list of civil rights icons who have been awarded Congress’ highest honor, including the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, Rosa Parks, Jackie Robinson, the Little Rock Nine, foot soldiers who participated in the Bloody Sunday March from Selma to Montgomery, Jesse Owens, and Nelson Mandela.  

The text of the legislation can be found here, and a profile of Judge Motley can be found here.

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