Appointed on July 22, 1939, Bolin became the first Black woman judge in the U.S.
On July 22, 1939, Jane Bolin made history as the first Black woman to be appointed as a judge in the United States, when Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia selected her for the New York City Domestic Relations Court. This appointment was momentous within a period when both racial and gender barriers were significantly entrenched in American society.
Bolin's role was crucial at a time of institutional prejudice, contributing significantly to reforms that affected juveniles and families, advocating for equitable treatment of all, irrespective of race. Her tenure helped redefine the possibilities for both women and African Americans in the legal profession, setting a precedent for justice and equality nationwide.