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A woman rooted in St.Kitts and Nevis will be featured on a stamp next year as part of the U.S. Portal Service’s ongoing Black Heritage series, according to an announcement on Monday.

Constance Baker Motley was born in 1921 and went to to become the first Black woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The trailblazer was also the first black woman to become a federal judge, and was the only female attorney involved in the Brown v. Board of Education case.

Constance Baker Motley, a formidable figure in American history, emerged from the serene shores of St. Kitts and Nevis. Born to Nevisian immigrants in New Haven, Connecticut, her roots in the Caribbean islands were a source of pride throughout her life. Maintaining a residence in Brownhill, Nevis, she remained deeply connected to her ancestral home until her passing.

Motley’s achievements are nothing short of remarkable:

– She shattered barriers by becoming the first African American woman elected to the New York State Senate.

– In 1965, she assumed the role of Manhattan Borough President, a groundbreaking achievement as the first woman to hold this position.

– President Lyndon Johnson appointed her as a district judge for the United States District Court Southern District of New York in 1966. This historic appointment marked her as the first African American woman to serve as a federal court judge. She later held the esteemed position of chief judge until her passing.

Motley’s profound impact on civil rights and the legal landscape is woven into the fabric of American society. Notably, she authored the original complaint in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1950, a pivotal step toward desegregating schools.

Her legacy endures through her groundbreaking work and a litany of honors, including induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame, the Presidential Citizens Medal, and the prestigious Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.

Constance Baker Motley’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the enduring influence of one individual’s unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Her heritage from St. Kitts and Nevis is a source of inspiration for generations to come.