Early LIfe

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a woman of firsts—a trailblazer who shattered barriers in the legal world, a fierce advocate for gender equality, and a cultural icon known as “The Notorious R.B.G.” As the second woman and the first Jewish woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, she spent nearly three decades shaping the course of American law with her sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to justice. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1933, Joan Ruth Bader was the daughter of Jewish immigrants from Russia and Austria. Her mother, Celia, instilled in her a deep love for education and independence, encouraging her to excel in school. Tragically, Celia passed away the day before Ruth’s high school graduation, but her influence remained a guiding force throughout Ruth’s life.

Education, Career and Family

Ginsburg attended Cornell University, where she met her husband, Martin Ginsburg, a charming and supportive law student who would become her lifelong partner. The couple married in 1954, and while Martin was drafted into the military, Ruth cared for their young daughter before pursuing her legal education. She enrolled at Harvard Law School, one of only nine women in a class of 500 men, and faced blatant discrimination. When the dean questioned why she was taking a spot that could have gone to a man, Ginsburg responded with quiet determination—an attitude that would define her career. After transferring to Columbia Law School to be with Martin, who had recovered from a life-threatening bout of cancer, Ginsburg graduated first in her class in 1959. Yet, despite her academic brilliance, she struggled to find a job. No law firm was willing to hire a woman, let alone a mother. Instead, she turned to academia, teaching law at Rutgers and later becoming Columbia Law School’s first tenured female professor. But Ginsburg wasn’t content with just teaching—she wanted to change the system. As the director of the ACLU’s Women’s Rights Project in the 1970s, she argued six landmark gender equality cases before the Supreme Court, winning five. She didn’t just fight for women; she strategically took on cases where men were also disadvantaged by gender-based laws, proving that equality benefited everyone. Her legal prowess earned her a seat on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit in 1980, and thirteen years later, President Bill Clinton appointed her to the Supreme Court. Though initially viewed as a moderate, Ginsburg became a leading voice for the Court’s liberal wing, championing gender equality, voting rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She made history again in 2013 when she became the first Supreme Court justice to officiate a same-sex wedding.

Legacy

Beyond the bench, Ginsburg’s friendship with conservative Justice Antonin Scalia became legendary. Despite their ideological differences, they bonded over a shared love of opera, frequently attended performances together, and even vacationed as families. Their unlikely camaraderie served as a reminder that respect could bridge even the deepest divides. Her resilience extended beyond the courtroom. Ginsburg battled multiple bouts of cancer, undergoing surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy—all while continuing to work tirelessly. Even after breaking three ribs in 2018, she was back at work within days. She became an icon, inspiring young women and feminists worldwide with her dissents, workout routines, and unrelenting spirit. On September 18, 2020, Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a towering legacy. She changed the legal landscape for women, proving that persistence, intellect, and courage could transform society. Today, her words, “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you,” continue to inspire generations.