As we wrap up Hispanic Heritage Month, this week’s feature is the first Hispanic woman Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor.
Justice Sotomayor was born in the Bronx on June 25, 1954, to native Puerto Rican parents. She decided to become an attorney at the age of 10, upon watching an episode from the legal drama “Perry Mason.” With big dreams in mind, she studied diligently which resulted in her graduating valedictorian of her class in 1972. Sotomayor earned a scholarship to study at Princeton University and was actively involved in the Puerto Rican activist group, Accioncion Puertorriquena.
After earning success as a district attorney, Sotomayor went on to be nominated to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. She gained fame as the judge who “saved” Major League Baseball with her strike-ending decision in Silverman v. Major League Baseball Player Relations Committee, Inc.
On May 26, 2009, President Obama appointed Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court.
We thank all of the Hispanic trailblazers that have been highlighted throughout the month. If you missed it, please check Blue Nation Online for previous spotlights.
