African American Heritage Spotlight: Judge Lydia Griggsby

Judge Lydia K. Griggsby said it’s the “honor of my career” to sit on the federal bench in Baltimore and serve the community “that raised me and nurtured me as a young girl.” She is the first woman of color to serve as a district judge for the U.S. District Court of Maryland.

In recognition of African American History Month, a new video profile explores Griggsby’s pursuit of a career in law, and the Black women and civil rights leaders who inspired her.

Griggsby hopes her presence on the bench will encourage young people to believe that a career in the law is attainable for them, too.

Prior to her historic appointment to the Maryland federal court in 2021, Griggsby spent seven years as a judge for the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.

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