Born: 1919 (Smithfield, North Carolina)
Died: 1998
Biography:
Elreta Melton Alexander-Ralston (March 19, 1919 – March 14, 1998) was a trailblazing black female American lawyer and judge who made significant contributions to the legal profession. Born in Smithfield, North Carolina, during a time when opportunities for black women were scarce, Alexander-Ralston overcame numerous obstacles to become one of the few practicing female lawyers in the state. Her refusal to let societal limitations define her destiny, along with her unwavering determination and commitment to justice, defined her remarkable career.
Raised in a family that deeply valued education, Alexander-Ralston’s father, Joseph C. Melton, a Baptist minister and teacher, instilled in his children the belief that education was essential for success in life. Her parents also refused to perpetuate racial injustice and actively opposed segregation. These values shaped Alexander-Ralston’s worldview and set the stage for her future endeavors.
After spending part of her childhood in Danville, Virginia, the family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where Alexander-Ralston attended North Carolina Agricultural & Technical College. In 1937, she graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in music, becoming one of the few African American women at the time to earn a college degree. Following graduation, she taught high school in South Carolina, where she met Girardeau Tony Alexander II, a physician whom she married in 1938. They had a son, Girardeau Alexander III, born in 1950. While her marriage ended in divorce in 1968, it was during this time that Alexander-Ralston’s passion for law began to flourish.
In pursuit of her dream of becoming a lawyer, Alexander-Ralston faced discrimination and limited access to law schools in North Carolina. Undeterred, she applied to Columbia Law School and became the first black woman admitted in 1943 at the age of twenty-four. This achievement highlighted her extraordinary determination to overcome societal barriers and served as a stepping stone for her groundbreaking legal career.
After graduating from Columbia Law School, Alexander-Ralston faced further challenges in finding employment as a black female lawyer in North Carolina. In 1945, she opened her own law office in Greensboro – a significant achievement in a profession dominated by white males. As a trial attorney, she fearlessly fought for justice and broke down racial and gender barriers with each case she took on.
Alexander-Ralston’s dedication to the legal field led her to become a North Carolina District Court Judge in 1977, making her one of the few black female judges in the state. Throughout her career, she exemplified fairness, impartiality, and a commitment to upholding the law. Her presence on the bench was a powerful symbol of progress and the unyielding potential of black women in the legal profession.
Although Alexander-Ralston’s contributions to the legal field were significant, her legacy and accomplishments have remained largely unrecognized. Her story serves as a reminder that black women lawyers have historically received minimal universal recognition for their tireless work and invaluable contributions to the legal profession. Alexander-Ralston’s determination, trailblazing spirit, and commitment to justice continue to inspire generations of aspiring lawyers.