Julia Cooper Mack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Julia Cooper Mack
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|---|---|
| Senior Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals | |
| In office 1989–2001 |
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| Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals | |
| In office 1975–1989 |
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| Nominated by | Gerald Ford |
| Preceded by | Hubert B. Pair |
| Succeeded by | Annice M. Wagner |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Julia Perry
July 17, 1920 Fayetteville, North Carolina |
| Died | January 17, 2014 (aged 93) Washington, D.C. |
| Spouses | Jerry S. Cooper (Divorced) Clifford J. Mack (d. 1971) |
| Children | Cheryl (Cooper) Pleasants (daughter) Lydia Tucker (step-daughter) |
| Alma mater | Hampton University (B.A.) Howard University School of Law (LL.B.) |
Julia Cooper Mack (born Julia Perry; July 17, 1920 – January 17, 2014) was a very important judge in the District of Columbia. She became a judge on the District of Columbia Court of Appeals in 1975. This was a big deal because she was the first African-American woman to be appointed to such a high court in the entire United States.
Early Life and Education
Julia Perry was born on July 17, 1920. Her parents were Dallas Leary Perry, Jr. and Emily (McCoy) Perry. She grew up in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
She loved to learn and worked hard in school. She earned her first degree in mathematics from Hampton University. After that, she decided to study law. She went to Howard University School of Law and earned her law degree there.
A Trailblazing Career in Law
After finishing law school, Julia Cooper Mack began her career. She worked as a lawyer before becoming a judge. In 1975, she was appointed as a judge to the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. This court is very important. It is like the highest court for the District of Columbia.
Her appointment was a historic moment. She was the first African-American woman to serve on a "court of last resort" in the United States. A court of last resort is the highest court in a state or region. This means its decisions are usually final.
One of the people who worked for her early in her career was Allyson K. Duncan. Allyson K. Duncan later became a judge herself. She was the first African-American woman appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. This shows how Julia Cooper Mack inspired others.
Later Years and Legacy
Julia Cooper Mack served as a judge for many years. She became a Senior Judge in 1989. She continued to serve until 2001. She passed away on January 17, 2014, in Washington, D.C..
Julia Cooper Mack's work as a judge helped make the legal system fairer. She opened doors for many other women and African-Americans in the legal field. Her life shows the importance of hard work and dedication.
See also
- List of first women lawyers and judges in Washington D.C. (Federal District)
