Ray, Charlotte E.
1850-1911 · Contribution: 1872
Law & Civil Rights
First known African American woman lawyer in the United States

Portraits are AI-generated interpretations, not photographs.
Quick facts
- Born
- 1850-1911
- Category
- Law & Civil Rights
Impact on the world
Ray opened the legal profession to Black women, becoming the first to earn a law degree and a license, 150 years before a Black woman reached the Supreme Court.
Sources
- Britannica
1 more sources and references are available to members.
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