Ruth Bader Ginsburg: Remembering Her Death And Legacy

Hey guys! Let's dive into the life and legacy of a true icon, Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG). Specifically, we'll talk about when she passed away and why her death was such a monumental moment in history.

When Did RBG Die?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg died on September 18, 2020, at the age of 87. She passed away at her home in Washington, D.C., due to complications from metastatic pancreatic cancer. Her death marked the end of an era and left a significant void in the Supreme Court and the nation. Ginsburg had battled several bouts of cancer over the years, yet she continued to serve on the Supreme Court until her final days, showcasing her incredible resilience and dedication to her role. News of her passing spread rapidly, triggering an outpouring of grief and remembrance from people across the political spectrum. Many recognized her as a legal titan and a champion of gender equality. Her death also immediately sparked intense political debate about the nomination and confirmation of her successor, further underscoring the magnitude of her influence. The timing of her death, so close to the 2020 presidential election, added another layer of complexity to the already charged political environment. Ginsburg's absence was deeply felt during a period of significant social and political upheaval, reminding everyone of the importance of her steady and thoughtful voice on the court. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, particularly those in the legal profession and those advocating for social justice. Remembering the exact date of her passing is not just a matter of historical record but also a moment to reflect on the profound impact she had on American society and jurisprudence.

Her Early Life and Education

Ruth Bader Ginsburg, often referred to as RBG, had an extraordinary journey that shaped her into the legal icon we remember today. Born Joan Ruth Bader on March 15, 1933, in Brooklyn, New York, her early life was marked by a strong emphasis on education and independence. Her mother, Celia Amster Bader, played a pivotal role in instilling in her a love for learning and a belief in the importance of education. Celia, who herself had aspirations of higher education, made sure that Ruth understood the value of academic achievement. Sadly, Celia passed away when Ruth was just a teenager, a loss that profoundly impacted her and solidified her resolve to succeed. Ginsburg excelled in school, demonstrating a keen intellect and a remarkable work ethic. She attended Cornell University, where she graduated at the top of her class in 1954. It was at Cornell that she met her husband, Martin "Marty" Ginsburg, who would become her lifelong partner and a significant source of support throughout her career. Their relationship was characterized by mutual respect and a shared commitment to each other's success, a rare dynamic for the time. After graduating from Cornell, Ginsburg enrolled at Harvard Law School, where she was one of only a handful of women in her class. She faced significant challenges and discrimination, but she persevered, driven by her passion for the law and her determination to make a difference. When her husband Marty took a job in New York City, she transferred to Columbia Law School, where she again excelled, graduating tied for first in her class in 1959. Despite her outstanding academic record, Ginsburg encountered difficulty finding employment as a lawyer due to her gender. This experience of gender discrimination profoundly shaped her understanding of inequality and fueled her commitment to fighting for women's rights. Her early life and education laid the foundation for her groundbreaking legal career and her unwavering dedication to justice and equality.

Ginsburg's Groundbreaking Career

Ruth Bader Ginsburg's career is nothing short of groundbreaking, filled with milestones that paved the way for gender equality in the United States. After facing initial hurdles in finding a job due to her gender, she clerked for Judge Edmund L. Palmieri of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. This experience provided her with invaluable insight into the workings of the judicial system. In the 1960s, she began her academic career at Rutgers University Law School, where she was one of the few female professors. She later moved to Columbia Law School, becoming its first tenured female professor. It was during this time that Ginsburg began to focus her legal expertise on gender discrimination. She co-founded the Women’s Rights Project at the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in 1972, and through this project, she argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court. These cases were instrumental in establishing legal precedents that prohibited gender-based discrimination. Some of her most notable cases include Frontiero v. Richardson (1973), which challenged discriminatory military benefits, and Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld (1975), which addressed discriminatory Social Security benefits for widowers. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter appointed Ginsburg to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She served on this court for 13 years, building a reputation as a meticulous and thoughtful judge. Then, in 1993, President Bill Clinton nominated her to the Supreme Court, where she became the second female justice in the court's history. On the Supreme Court, Ginsburg was known for her sharp legal mind, her eloquent dissents, and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality. She played a crucial role in shaping the court's jurisprudence on issues such as gender equality, civil rights, and voting rights. Her career stands as a testament to her brilliance, perseverance, and dedication to making the legal system more equitable for all.

Her Impact on Gender Equality

RBG's impact on gender equality is simply immeasurable. Throughout her career, she strategically and meticulously dismantled discriminatory laws and practices that perpetuated inequality between men and women. As the director of the ACLU's Women’s Rights Project, she took on cases that challenged gender stereotypes and promoted equal opportunities. One of her key strategies was to argue cases that involved both men and women, demonstrating that gender discrimination harmed everyone, not just women. For instance, in Weinberger v. Wiesenfeld, she represented a widower who was denied Social Security benefits that were available to widows. By highlighting the ways in which gender stereotypes disadvantaged men, she broadened the appeal of her arguments and made them more persuasive to the courts. On the Supreme Court, Ginsburg continued to champion gender equality through her opinions and dissents. She was a strong advocate for reproductive rights, equal pay, and the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals. Her dissenting opinions, in particular, became powerful statements against injustice and inequality. For example, in Ledbetter v. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. (2007), she dissented from the court's decision, arguing that it unfairly restricted the ability of women to sue for pay discrimination. Her dissent led to the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, which made it easier for employees to challenge pay discrimination in court. Ginsburg's work extended beyond the courtroom. She was a role model for women around the world, inspiring them to pursue their dreams and fight for equality. Her image became a symbol of empowerment, and she was affectionately known as the "Notorious RBG." Her legacy continues to inspire activists, lawyers, and policymakers to work towards a more just and equitable society. Her impact on gender equality is not just about legal victories; it's about changing hearts and minds and creating a world where everyone has the opportunity to reach their full potential, regardless of their gender.

The Notorious RBG

The moniker "Notorious RBG" transformed Ruth Bader Ginsburg from a respected Supreme Court Justice into a pop culture icon. This nickname, a playful nod to the late rapper The Notorious B.I.G., emerged in 2013 after Ginsburg dissented in the Shelby County v. Holder case, which weakened the Voting Rights Act of 1965. A law student named Shana Knizhnik started a Tumblr blog called "Notorious RBG" to celebrate Ginsburg's powerful dissent, and the name quickly caught on. The blog featured memes, fan art, and commentary on Ginsburg's legal opinions, highlighting her sharp intellect and unwavering commitment to justice. The "Notorious RBG" phenomenon reflected a broader cultural shift, as younger generations embraced Ginsburg as a symbol of resistance and progressive values. The nickname captured her fierce independence and her willingness to speak out against injustice, even when she was in the minority. Ginsburg herself embraced the moniker, recognizing its power to connect with younger audiences and raise awareness about important legal issues. She even posed for photos wearing a "Notorious RBG" t-shirt and met with Shana Knizhnik, the creator of the blog. The "Notorious RBG" brand extended beyond the internet, with books, documentaries, and merchandise celebrating Ginsburg's life and legacy. The documentary "RBG," released in 2018, further cemented her status as a cultural icon, offering an intimate look at her life, career, and personal relationships. The "Notorious RBG" phenomenon demonstrated the power of popular culture to elevate and celebrate individuals who embody important values and principles. It also highlighted the importance of intergenerational connections, as younger generations found inspiration and guidance in Ginsburg's example. The nickname became a symbol of her enduring legacy, reminding everyone of her fierce determination, her sharp intellect, and her unwavering commitment to justice and equality.

Her Final Days and Lasting Legacy

In her final days, Ruth Bader Ginsburg remained dedicated to her work and her commitment to the Supreme Court. Despite battling pancreatic cancer and undergoing multiple treatments, she continued to participate in oral arguments and write opinions. Her resilience and determination inspired many, and she became a symbol of strength and perseverance. Even as her health declined, Ginsburg was concerned about the future of the court and the direction of the country. According to reports, one of her final wishes was that she not be replaced until a new president was inaugurated. This wish reflected her deep concern about the political climate and the importance of ensuring a fair and democratic process for selecting her successor. Ginsburg's death sparked a period of national mourning, with people from all walks of life paying tribute to her life and legacy. Her casket was placed at the Supreme Court, where thousands of people lined up to pay their respects. Her death also triggered an intense political battle over her replacement, with President Donald Trump nominating Amy Coney Barrett just days after her passing. Barrett was confirmed by the Senate a few weeks later, shifting the ideological balance of the court. Ginsburg's legacy extends far beyond her legal achievements. She was a trailblazer for women in the legal profession, a champion of gender equality, and a defender of civil rights. Her work has had a profound and lasting impact on American society, and her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come. She taught us the importance of perseverance, the power of dissent, and the value of fighting for what is right. Her life serves as a reminder that one person can make a difference and that the pursuit of justice is a lifelong endeavor. Her contributions to the legal field and her unwavering commitment to equality have left an indelible mark on the nation.