In a significant tribute during Women’s History Month, Rutgers University-Newark and the United States Postal Service (USPS) will host a dedication ceremony for the recently released commemorative stamp honoring the Honorable Constance Baker Motley. The event is scheduled to take place at 10 am on March 26 at Ruth Bader Ginsberg Hall on the Rutgers-Newark campus.
The ceremony will feature distinguished speakers, including acclaimed Sociologist and Professor Dorothy Roberts from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. Professor Roberts, a former Rutgers Law professor and law clerk to Judge Motley, will share insights into the enduring legacy of the trailblazing judge. Additionally, Susan Davis ’81, a former law clerk for Judge Motley and Partner at Cohen, Weiss and Simon, LLP, will contribute to the celebration of Judge Motley’s impactful career.
Honorable Constance Baker Motley (1921–2005) left an indelible mark as an African American civil rights activist, lawyer, and judge. As the first Black woman appointed to the federal judiciary, she played a pivotal role in landmark civil rights cases, including the historic Brown v. Board of Education. Notably, she became the first Black woman known to have argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, securing victories in nine out of the ten cases she presented. Her tireless advocacy for justice and equality continues to define her legacy.
The USPS commemorative stamp serves as a lasting tribute to Judge Constance Baker Motley’s groundbreaking contributions to the legal field and civil rights movement. The dedication ceremony at Rutgers University-Newark underscores the university’s commitment to honoring and celebrating trailblazers who have left an indelible impact on American history.
