Born: 1942 (Sparta, Georgia)
Died: 2020
Biography:
Edith Jacqueline Ingram Grant (16 January 1942 – 5 June 2020) was an American judge who made history as the first African American woman judge in the United States. She dedicated her life to public service and made significant contributions to the legal system, particularly in Hancock County, Georgia. Her trailblazing career paved the way for other women of color in the legal profession.
Born in 1942 in Sparta, Georgia, Edith was the daughter of Robert T. Ingram and Katherine Hunt Ingram. She grew up with two brothers, Jerold O. Ingram and Robert L. Ingram. Edith attended East End Elementary School and later graduated from L.S. Ingraham High School. After high school, she pursued a nursing degree at The City College of New York before returning to Georgia in 1960. In 1963, Edith obtained her Bachelor of Science in education from Fort Valley State College (FVSU).
Prior to her career in law, Edith worked as an elementary and high school educator in Griffin and Sparta, Georgia. Her passion for justice led her to pursue a legal career, and in 1968, she began her studies in law. Edith’s dedication and hard work paid off when she became the first African American female probate judge in the United States in 1973, when she was appointed to Hancock County’s probate court.
As a probate judge, Edith was responsible for overseeing important legal matters such as marriages, wills, and civil disobedience cases. Her commitment to justice and fairness in the courtroom earned her recognition from the Georgia General Assembly. President Jimmy Carter, during his tenure as Governor of Georgia, awarded Edith the honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel aide-de-camp and appointed her as a member of the State Democratic Executive Committee. She later served on the staff of Georgia Governor Joe Frank Harris.
Throughout her career, Edith Ingram Grant was a member of various professional organizations, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Hancock County NAACP, the Georgia Coalition of Black Women, and the Georgia Association of Probate Judges. As a member of the Georgia Coalition of Black Women, she advocated for increasing voter registration and addressing issues such as poverty and drug use within African-American communities.
In 2004, after 36 years of dedicated service, Edith retired as a probate judge for Hancock County. Her remarkable achievements were honored in the collection Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Historical Events, which celebrates the accomplishments of African-Americans. To further commemorate her contributions, Fort Valley State University established a scholarship in her name.
Edith Jacqueline Ingram Grant was not only a pioneering figure in the legal profession but also a champion for justice and equality. She left a lasting legacy through her groundbreaking achievements and dedication to her community. Her perseverance in the face of challenges and her commitment to public service serve as an inspiration to future generations.
Awards:
– Honorary title of Lieutenant Colonel aide-de-camp awarded by President Jimmy Carter during his term as Governor of Georgia
– Recognition from the Georgia General Assembly for her outstanding service as a probate judge for 36 years
– Inclusion in the collection Black Firsts: 4,000 Ground-Breaking and Pioneering Historical Events
– Scholarship established in her name at Fort Valley State University