By Tatiana Paden, Executive Office & Archives Coordinator
As the Chestnut Hill Conservancy calls upon residents to contribute old photographs, newspapers, letters, and ephemera associated with the Black community, it celebrates the existing archive’s wealth of information, reflecting the diverse tapestry of Northwest Philadelphia’s history. Within this mosaic of stories lies the remarkable journey of Frederica Massiah-Jackson, born in 1951, whose life and accomplishments have left an indelible mark on Philadelphia’s legal and academic realms.
Born in 1951, Frederica Massiah-Jackson embarked on a journey that transcended mere professional achievements, resonating deeply within the fabric of Philadelphia’s legal and academic spheres. A product of Chestnut Hill College and the University of Pennsylvania Law School, she emerged as a beacon of resilience and trailblazing tenacity.
Her early career echoes a tale of determination as she navigated the corridors of justice, serving as a law clerk for Robert N.C. Nix, Jr., before striding at the Blank Rome Comisky & McCauley law firm. But in 1981, at 30, Massiah-Jackson etched her name into history, standing as the lone Black woman candidate in The Common Pleas Court Race.
Reflecting on those early days, she remarked, “I started off young… the double minority candidate… we have to let lawyers and defendants know that we won’t let society be ruled by a small minority of violent criminals,” as noted in the May 14, 1981, Chestnut Hill Local. Her victory in 1983 marked a pivotal moment, as she became the first Black female judge to preside over civil jury trials in Philadelphia’s courts, a testament to her unwavering resolve and dedication to justice.
Beyond the bench, Massiah-Jackson’s influence extended far and wide. From her tenure as President Judge from November 2000 to January 2006 to her role as Chief Counsel for the Senate Insurance and Business Committee, she left an indelible mark on the legal landscape. Yet, her impact transcended academia, as she imparted her wisdom as a Legal Studies and Business Law teacher at the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
Her illustrious career, accolades, and honors adorned her path, from the NAACP’s Cecil B. Moore Award in 2010 to her inclusion among the esteemed women of color in the book Voices by the PA Commission for Women in 2005. A stalwart in her community, Massiah-Jackson remains actively engaged, lending her expertise to organizations such as the Forum of Executive Women, the Delaware Valley, Pa. Chapter of The Links, Inc., and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority.
In 2021, the culmination of her journey was recognized with the bestowment of an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Drexel University Thomas R. Kline School of Law, a testament to her enduring legacy and unwavering commitment to excellence. Frederica Massiah-Jackson stands as a symbol of progress and a beacon of hope, inspiring generations to come with her remarkable story of resilience and triumph.
For more information on donating objects to Chestnut Hill Conservancy collections, please contact Alex Bartlett at alex@chconservancy.org.