In keeping with our theme this membership year of growth, this panel will focus on growing our perspective on issues of race and gender by examining intersectionality on the bench. Intersectionality recognizes that identity markers such as “woman” and “black” do not exist independently of each other, and that each informs the others, often creating a complex convergence of oppression. Social identities work on multiple levels, resulting in unique experiences, opportunities, and barriers for each person. We are joined by some trailblazers to discuss their journeys to the bench and obstacles they have overcome as African American women to become the judges they are today.