Have you ever heard of someone who stood up for what’s right, even when it was hard? Meet Eunice Hunton Carter, a remarkable woman who did just that! Eunice was born on July 16, 1899, in Atlanta, Georgia. She grew up in a family that believed in helping others and making the world a better place. Eunice went to college at Smith College, where she did really well in her studies and became a leader among her classmates. After college, she decided to become a lawyer. But back then, not many women, especially African American women like Eunice, were lawyers. That didn’t stop her though! She went to Fordham University and became one of the first African American women to graduate from there with a law degree.
Eunice didn’t just want to be a lawyer; she wanted to use her skills to fight for justice. In 1925, she became an Assistant District Attorney in New York, making her the first African American woman to hold that position in the state. As a prosecutor, she worked hard to make sure that everyone, no matter their race or background, was treated fairly under the law. But Eunice didn’t stop there. She also fought for civil rights, which means she worked to make sure that all people were treated equally, no matter their skin color. She joined groups that were working for civil rights and even helped organize protests to bring attention to unfair treatment.
During World War II, Eunice worked for the U.S. Department of Justice. Her job was to investigate and stop people who were trying to hurt the United States. She was really brave and helped catch spies who were working for the enemy. Even though Eunice faced many challenges and people who didn’t believe in her because she was a woman and African American, she never gave up. She believed in herself and in making the world a better place for everyone.
Today, we remember Eunice Hunton Carter as a trailblazer for justice. She showed us that no matter who you are or where you come from, you can make a difference if you stand up for what’s right. So let’s follow Eunice’s example and always be brave, kind, and determined to make the world a fairer and better place for all!
Worksheet: Eunice Hunton Carter – Trailblazer for Justice
Name: _______________________________ Date: ____________________
1. Who was Eunice Hunton Carter?
a) A famous scientist
b) An astronaut
c) A pioneering advocate for justice
2. When and where was Eunice Hunton Carter born?
a) July 16, 1899, in Atlanta, Georgia
b) June 16, 1999, in New York City
c) December 16, 1888, in Washington D.C.
3. What did Eunice Hunton Carter become one of the first African American women to graduate from?
a) Engineering school
b) Law school (Fordham University)
c) Medical school
4. What was Eunice Hunton Carter’s job in 1925, and what was significant about it?
a) Teacher – She was the first African American woman to teach at a university.
b) Lawyer – She was the first African American woman to work as a judge.
c) Assistant District Attorney – She was the first African American woman to hold that position in New York State.
5. What is civil rights, and why did Eunice Hunton Carter fight for them?
6. What did Eunice Hunton Carter do during World War II?
7. True or False: Eunice Hunton Carter faced no challenges or discrimination in her pursuit of justice.
8. What qualities did Eunice Hunton Carter demonstrate throughout her life that made her a role model for others?
9. Imagine you could meet Eunice Hunton Carter. What questions would you ask her? Write down at least two questions.
10. In your own words, explain why Eunice Hunton Carter is considered a trailblazer for justice.
Bonus Question:
What are some ways you can stand up for justice and equality in your own life, inspired by Eunice Hunton Carter’s example? Write down at least two ways.
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