My name is Jane Bolin. Before my coming as the first female african american judge, there were only male judges but on July 22, 1939, I was called to appear at the World's Fair before Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, who — completely unbeknownst to the attorney — had plans to swear me in as a judge. Thus I had made history again as the first African American female judge in the United States.

I was born in Poughkeepsie, New York, on April 11, 1908, to an interracial couple, Matilda Ingram Emery and Gaius C. Bolin. My father was an attorney who headed the Dutchess County Bar Association and cared for the family after his wife's illness and death, which occurred when I was a child.

I was a superb student who graduated from high school in my mid-teens and went on to enroll at Wellesley College. Though facing overt racism and social isolation, I had graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1928 and was officially recognized as one of the top students of my class. I then attended Yale Law School, contending with further social hostilities, yet nonetheless graduating in 1931 and thus becoming the first African-American woman to earn a law degree from the institution

I’m also known for my quotes. “I'd rather see if i can help a child than settle an argument between adults over money.” and “I don't want to sound trite, but families and children are so important to our society, and to dedicate your life to trying to improve their lives is completely satisfying.” and during the time that i spent as a judge i fought for the children and not for the people who just wanted money.

Having already been assigned to what would be known as Family Court, I was a thoughtful, conscientious force on the bench, confronting a range of issues on the domestic front and taking great care when it came to the plight of children.