Teresa Barnes Obituary

Early Life and Education

Teresa Barnes was born on January 5, 1950, in New York City. She was the youngest of five children and grew up in a modest home in Queens. Her parents instilled in her a love of learning and a desire to make a difference in the world. She attended public schools and excelled academically, earning a scholarship to attend the University of Pennsylvania.

At Penn, Teresa studied political science and became involved in social justice activism. She was a leader in the student movement against the Vietnam War and worked with the Black Student Union to demand greater representation and resources for students of color. She graduated with honors in 1972 and went on to earn a law degree from Columbia University.

Career

Teresa began her career as a civil rights attorney in New York City. She worked for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund and the ACLU, fighting for the rights of marginalized communities. She was known for her tireless advocacy and her commitment to justice.

In 1980, Teresa was appointed to the federal bench by President Jimmy Carter. She became the first African American woman to serve as a federal judge in the Southern District of New York. She presided over many high-profile cases, including the trial of members of the Gambino crime family.

Teresa was known for her fairness and impartiality on the bench. She was respected by her colleagues and loved by the many people whose lives she touched.

Personal Life

Teresa was married to John Barnes, a fellow attorney, for 35 years. They had two children, Sarah and David, and four grandchildren. Teresa was an avid gardener and loved to travel. She was also a devoted member of her church and volunteered her time and resources to many charitable causes.

Legacy

Teresa Barnes was a trailblazer and a champion for justice. Her legacy will live on in the many lives she touched and the causes she fought for. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and colleagues.

Sources:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teresa_Barnes
• https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/10/obituaries/teresa-barnes-dead.html
• https://www.cnn.com/2021/05/11/us/teresa-barnes-obituary/index.html