37 Facts About Jane Bolin

Early Life and Education

Jane Bolin's journey to becoming a trailblazer in law began with her early life and education. Here are some fascinating facts about her formative years:

1. Born on April 11, 1908, in Poughkeepsie, New York, Jane Bolin was the youngest of four children.
2. Her father, Gaius Bolin, was the first Black graduate of Williams College and a prominent lawyer.
3. Bolin's mother, Matilda Emery, passed away when Jane was just eight years old.
4. She attended Wellesley College, where she faced racial discrimination but graduated in 1928 as one of the top students.
5. Bolin was one of only two Black students at Wellesley and often felt isolated due to her race.
6. She went on to attend Yale Law School, becoming the first Black woman to earn a law degree from Yale in 1931.

Breaking Barriers in Law

Jane Bolin's career was marked by numerous groundbreaking achievements. Here are some key milestones:

7. In 1932, Bolin became the first Black woman to join the New York City Bar Association.
8. She was also the first Black woman to work as an Assistant Corporation Counsel for New York City.
9. On July 22, 1939, Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia appointed Bolin as a judge of the Domestic Relations Court, making her the first Black female judge in the United States.
10. Bolin served as a judge for 40 years, retiring in 1979.
11. She was known for her efforts to end segregation in child placement facilities.
12. Bolin also worked to ensure that probation officers were assigned without regard to race or religion.

Advocacy and Community Involvement

Beyond her judicial career, Jane Bolin was deeply involved in advocacy and community service. Here are some highlights:

13. Bolin was a member of the NAACP and worked closely with Thurgood Marshall.
14. She served on the boards of the Child Welfare League of America and the Neighborhood Children's Center.
15. Bolin was an advocate for children's rights and worked to improve the juvenile justice system.
16. She was a founding member of the Committee for the Employment of Negro Performers, which aimed to increase opportunities for Black actors in Hollywood.
17. Bolin also supported the New York Urban League and the National Council of Negro Women.
18. She was a vocal advocate for education and often spoke at schools and universities.

Personal Life and Legacy

Jane Bolin's personal life and legacy continue to inspire many. Here are some personal and lasting impacts:

19. Bolin married Ralph E. Mizelle, a lawyer, in 1933, and they had one son, Yorke Bolin Mizelle.
20. After her husband's death in 1943, Bolin never remarried.
21. She was known for her modesty and often shunned public attention.
22. Bolin received numerous awards and honors, including honorary degrees from Tuskegee Institute and Williams College.
23. In 1993, she was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
24. Bolin's work paved the way for future generations of Black women in law and public service.
25. She passed away on January 8, 2007, at the age of 98.

Impact on the Legal System

Jane Bolin's influence on the legal system was profound and far-reaching. Here are some ways she made a difference:

26. Bolin's appointment as a judge broke racial and gender barriers in the judiciary.
27. She advocated for fair treatment of all individuals in the legal system, regardless of race or background.
28. Bolin's efforts to desegregate child placement facilities helped ensure that children were placed based on their needs, not their race.
29. She worked to eliminate discriminatory practices in the assignment of probation officers.
30. Bolin's commitment to justice and equality inspired many young lawyers and judges.
31. Her legacy continues to be celebrated in legal circles and beyond.

Recognitions and Honors

Throughout her life, Jane Bolin received numerous recognitions and honors for her contributions. Here are some notable ones:

32. Bolin was awarded the Eleanor Roosevelt Medal for her work in child welfare.
33. She received the Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of Women Lawyers.
34. Bolin was honored by the New York City Bar Association for her trailblazing career.
35. In 2002, she was featured in the PBS documentary "The Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords."
36. Bolin's life and work have been the subject of numerous articles, books, and documentaries.
37. Her legacy is commemorated through scholarships and awards named in her honor.

Jane Bolin's Legacy

Jane Bolin's life and career left a lasting impact on the legal world and civil rights. As the first Black woman to become a judge in the United States, she broke barriers and paved the way for future generations. Her dedication to justice and equality was evident in her work, from advocating for children's rights to fighting against racial discrimination. Bolin's achievements remind us of the importance of perseverance and courage in the face of adversity. Her story continues to inspire many, showing that one person's determination can lead to significant change. By remembering her contributions, we honor her legacy and the progress she helped achieve. Jane Bolin's life serves as a powerful example of how dedication to justice and equality can transform society for the better.