Charlotte Ray: The First Black Woman Lawyer in America
In 1872, Charlotte Ray made history as the first African American woman licensed to practice law in the United States. At a time when women were barred from law schools and Black women were denied higher education, Ray defied racism and sexism to earn her law degree from Howard University. Though her legal career was short due to discrimination, her courage and determination laid the foundation for generations of Black women attorneys who followed.
During the 19th century, it was unheard of for a Black woman to become a lawyer. Charlotte Ray refused to let this stop her. In 1872, she became the first African American woman to be a licensed lawyer, breaking through countless barriers. At the time, Black women were usually not allowed to attend college, most did not have jobs, and no women were permitted to take the bar exam. Charlotte defied all these limitations, and her legacy continues to inspire today.
Charlotte’s interest in law
As a child, Charlotte’s parents were passionate about ending slavery and challenging injustice. They were active in the Underground Railroad, opening their home to African Americans escaping slavery. Her father, a minister, devoted his life to helping others.
He worked with businesses and other ministers to assist citizens affected by the New York Draft Riots in 1863. Abraham Lincoln had just signed the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing enslaved African Americans. Many working-class white Americans feared losing jobs to Black workers, sparking riots that killed thousands and displaced families. The empathy and courage Charlotte witnessed in her father inspired her commitment to justice.
Charlotte’s parents also emphasized the importance of education. When she came of age, she moved to Washington, D.C., to attend college. Despite rampant discrimination and most schools refusing Black students, Charlotte was determined to learn. She was admitted to the Institution for the Education of Colored Youth in Washington, D.C.
At school, she was inspired by founder Myrtilla Miner, a strong advocate for educating African Americans despite the racist climate of the time. After graduating, Charlotte helped train aspiring teachers at Howard Preparatory School, embodying Miner’s belief that every young person deserves an education, regardless of background.
Charlotte’s law studies
Charlotte also dreamed of becoming a lawyer. Inspired by her parents’ fight against injustice, she wanted to make a difference through the law. At the time, law schools did not accept women, and no woman had ever become a licensed lawyer. But Charlotte was determined.
Howard University, connected to the school where she taught, accepted women. Charlotte seized this opportunity, continuing to teach during the day while attending law classes at night. In February 1872, she graduated with a law degree. Just two months later, she passed the bar exam, becoming the first African American woman licensed to practice law.
Charlotte’s most famous victory
Charlotte opened her own law practice in 1872. Her most well-known case involved domestic violence. Martha Gadley sought a divorce from her husband, an alcoholic who became violent when he drank. She had previously been denied, as women at the time had virtually no legal rights in divorce cases.
Charlotte represented Martha in court, presenting compelling arguments that convinced the court to allow the divorce to proceed. This trailblazing victory was extraordinary in an era when women had few legal protections.
Challenges Charlotte faced
As the only licensed African American female lawyer in the country, Charlotte faced enormous obstacles. Records do not fully document her cases, but she struggled to attract clients. Many people were hesitant to trust a Black woman to argue their cases.
By 1879, Charlotte no longer had enough clients to sustain her practice and made the difficult decision to close it. Yet she remained committed to helping others, joining Brooklyn’s public school system as a teacher and advocating for women’s rights through the National Association of Colored Women.
Despite leaving law practice, Charlotte is remembered for her bravery and determination. She broke barriers against overwhelming odds, inspiring women of all races to pursue careers in law.
Her courage paved the way for law schools to take female applicants seriously and ultimately admit women. As the first licensed female African American lawyer, Charlotte Ray’s legacy continues to open doors for future generations.
Alex Nellis is a recent communication graduate who grew up in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. He is passionate about social justice and has completed graduate certificates in gender studies and cultural diversity.