Charlotte E. Ray

Born: January 13th, 1850          Died: January 4th, 1911

Last week we featured a man who paved the way for African Americans in sports by breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball. This week, we highlight another incredible pioneer who earned an astonishing achievement. In 1872, Charlotte E. Ray became the first female African American attorney in the United States. From there, Charlotte started her own law office, focusing in commercial law. Following her law practice, she became involved in the women’s suffrage movement by joining the NACW.