Born: 1899 (Atlanta, Georgia).
Died: 1970.
Biography:
Eunice Roberta Hunton Carter (July 16, 1899 – January 25, 1970) was an American lawyer and trailblazer in the field of law. She was born in Atlanta in 1899 to William Alphaeus Hunton Sr. and Addie Waites Hunton, both of whom were college-educated. Her father, a prominent figure, founded the black division of the Y.M.C.A., while her mother was a dedicated social worker. Eunice came from a family with a strong commitment to education and civil rights.
After the Atlanta race riot in 1906, the family moved to Brooklyn, New York, where they continued to be active leaders in the fight for civil rights. Eunice and her brother, W. Alphaeus Hunton Jr., were exposed to the NAACP and the YMCA at an early age, shaping their commitment to social justice. Their mother, Addie Hunton, was selected as one of only two women to go to France during World War I, tasked with checking on the conditions of United States black servicemen.
Eunice excelled academically and attended Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts, where she graduated in four years with a bachelor’s degree. In an exceptional achievement, she also earned a Master of Social Work degree from Smith’s School for Social Work in 1921. After a period working as a social worker, Eunice decided to pursue a career in law.
In 1932, Carter achieved another groundbreaking accomplishment by becoming the first black woman to receive a law degree from Fordham University in New York City. She then passed the New York bar exam in mid-May 1933, solidifying her place as a qualified lawyer. Eunice’s dedication and commitment to her studies earned her an honorary doctorate in law (L.L.D.) from Smith College in 1938.
Building on her impressive academic background, Eunice Carter embarked on a remarkable career in law and international politics. In 1935, she made history again by becoming the first black woman assistant district attorney in the state of New York. Determined to combat organized crime and corruption, Carter played a pivotal role in a groundbreaking prostitution racketeering case involving notorious Mafia boss Charles Lucky Luciano.
As assistant district attorney, Carter meticulously investigated and gathered evidence to implicate Luciano in the prostitution ring. Her groundbreaking work ultimately led to the conviction of Luciano, who was sentenced to ten years in prison. This case marked a landmark moment in legal history, as it was the first successful prosecution against a major organized crime figure for something other than tax evasion.
Eunice Carter’s dedication to justice and her tireless efforts in the face of discrimination and adversity inspired countless individuals. She did not simply break barriers as a black woman in the legal profession; she also blazed a trail for future generations of women of color.
In addition to her legal work, Carter was active in advancing the status of women globally. She participated in the Pan-African Congress and served on United Nations committees focusing on women’s empowerment.
Eunice Carter leaves behind a lasting legacy as a pioneer in the legal field, a champion for civil rights, and a trailblazer for women. Her dedication to justice, equality, and women’s rights continues to inspire and guide generations of individuals striving to make a difference.