DeLauro, Clyburn, Meeks, Clarke, Torres Introduce Legislation Honoring Constance Baker Motley
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03), House Assistant Democratic Leader James Clyburn (SC-06), Congressman Gregory W. Meeks (NY-05), Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), and Congressman Ritchie Torres (NY-15) introduced the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2023, legislation to honor the life of civil rights pioneer Judge Constance Baker Motley by posthumously awarding her with a Congressional Gold Medal.
"Constance Baker Motley was a force," said Congresswoman DeLauro. "Born in New Haven, she was the daughter of immigrants and broke barriers throughout her legal career. Notably, she made history as the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. As we celebrate Black History Month, awarding Baker Motley a Congressional Gold Medal would be more than well-deserved. Her perseverance and determination led to many hard-won legal victories for civil rights and she set the path for so many who followed her. I am proud to lead my colleagues Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn and Representatives Meeks, Clarke, and Torres introducing legislation once again to honor Constance Baker Motley."
“I remember Constance Baker Motley as an astute political strategist and a woman of firsts. She was the first female attorney hired by the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, the first Black woman to argue a case before the U.S. Supreme Court, the first Black woman to serve in the New York State Senate, and the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. As the only woman on the landmark Brown v Board of Education legal team, Constance Baker Motley became a hero, authoring much of the original complaint. In her 20-year career at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and time on the federal bench, she helped advance civil and human rights for every American. Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer and should be celebrated as such. I am pleased to join my colleagues in honoring her legacy with the Congressional Gold Medal,” said Congressman James E. Clyburn.
“Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer and broke many barriers for African Americans by being the first Black woman to argue in a federal courtroom,” said Congressman Gregory W. Meeks. “She was the first Black woman to be elected to the New York State Senate, and later served as the President of the Borough of Manhattan. To have an official Congressional tribute for Motley would be a shining moment on her legacy. I am honored to join my colleagues by celebrating a Civil Rights icon with a Congressional Gold Medal.”
"The brilliant and Honorable Constance Baker Motley lived a life of trailblazing achievement that forged a path for countless Black women to follow. She played a pivotal role in the fight to end racial segregation and helped shape the course of American history. I am proud to join the chorus calling for her to receive the Congressional Gold Medal – an appropriate honor for her impeccable legacy," said Congresswoman Yvette Clark.
“As we continue to observe and celebrate the importance of Black History Month, I am honored to be a cosponsor of the Congressional Tribute to Constance Baker Motley Act of 2023,” said Rep. Torres. “Constance Baker Motley was a trailblazer in every sense of the word — from her decades of experience working to dismantle segregation to successfully arguing landmark cases before the U.S. Supreme Court to her historic election to the New York State Senate to her years of service on the federal bench. I can think of no higher honor than a Congressional Gold Medal to pay tribute to her remarkable, unforgettable, and transformative legacy, commitment to justice and civil rights, and enduring contributions to our country.”
Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and Chris Murphy (D-CT).
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