Born: 1910 (Baltimore, Maryland)
Died: 1985
Biography:
Anna Pauline Pauli Murray (November 20, 1910 – July 1, 1985) was an American civil rights activist, advocate, legal scholar and theorist, author, and an Episcopal priest. Her groundbreaking work on civil rights and gender equality had a profound impact on American society. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Murray faced numerous challenges throughout her life but persevered to become a leading voice for justice and equality.
Murray’s childhood was marked by tragedy and hardship. She was essentially orphaned at a young age and raised primarily by her maternal aunt in Durham, North Carolina. Despite the difficulties she faced, Murray’s intellectual curiosity and determination propelled her forward.
At the age of 16, Murray moved to New York City to attend Hunter College. In 1933, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. Inspired by her experiences of discrimination, she became involved in activism and joined the socialist Workers’ Defense League.
Murray’s pivotal moment came in 1940 when she and a friend sat in the whites-only section of a Virginia bus and were arrested for violating segregation laws. This incident, along with her unwavering belief in justice, fueled her ambition to become a civil rights lawyer. She enrolled in Howard University School of Law, where she was the only woman in her class. Despite facing gender discrimination, Murray excelled academically and graduated at the top of her class.
Despite her impressive credentials, Murray encountered further gender-based prejudice when she was denied admission to Harvard University for post-graduate studies because of her gender. Undeterred, she attained a master’s degree in law from the University of California, Berkeley. In 1965, Murray achieved another groundbreaking accomplishment by becoming the first African American to earn a Doctor of Juridical Science degree from Yale Law School.
As a lawyer, Murray fought tirelessly for civil rights and women’s rights. Her book, States’ Laws on Race and Color, published in 1950, played a pivotal role in the civil rights movement and was often referred to as the bible of the movement by NAACP Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall.
Murray’s impact extended beyond her legal activism. She was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women from 1961 to 1963. In 1966, she co-founded the National Organization for Women (NOW), furthering her mission to dismantle gender discrimination.
In recognition of her pioneering work on gender discrimination, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg named Murray as a coauthor of the ACLU brief in the landmark 1971 case Reed v. Reed. This case shed light on the failure of the courts to address sex discrimination comprehensively, highlighting its similarities with other forms of arbitrary discrimination.
Throughout her career, Murray held esteemed positions at institutions such as the Ghana School of Law, Benedict College, and Brandeis University. However, in 1973, she made a significant decision to leave academia and pursue activities associated with the Episcopal Church. In 1977, Murray became one of the first African American women to be ordained as an Episcopal priest, breaking barriers in yet another domain.
In addition to her activism and legal work, Murray was an accomplished author, publishing well-reviewed autobiographies and a collection of poetry titled Dark Testament. Her works provided insight into her personal experiences and the social injustices she fought against.
Pauli Murray’s life and work stand as a testament to the power of an individual’s dedication to justice and equality. She was a visionary, scholar, and advocate who played a pivotal role in the civil rights and women’s rights movements. Her contributions continue to inspire generations, shaping the landscape of gender equality and civil rights.
Awards:
– National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall referred to Murray’s book, States’ Laws on Race and Color, as the bible of the civil rights movement.
– Murray was appointed by President John F. Kennedy to serve on the Presidential Commission on the Status of Women from 1961 to 1963.
– Co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW) in 1966.
– Recognized by Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg as a coauthor of the ACLU brief in the landmark 1971 case Reed v. Reed for her pioneering work on gender discrimination.