Eunice Carter, Black Lawyer Who Took Down Mob Boss “Lucky” Luciano

Eunice Carter

In 1935, Special Prosecutor Thomas E. Dewey appointed Eunice Carter, his assistant, in what was up to that point the largest prosecution of organized crime in U.S. history. It was Eunice Carter who provided the essential legal strategy in convicting Charles “Lucky” Luciano, the most notorious Mafia crime boss in New York City. Eunice Carter was part of the prosecution team that marshalled a massive assault on organized prostitution in New York City.

She was the only Black woman on a team of all-white males. Without her work, the Mafia crime boss could never have been convicted. She is credited with establishing key facts in the prosecution of Luciano. Eunice Carter was tough and uncompromising. The cover of the book entitled “Invisible” shows a strong Black woman, poised, well-dressed and ready to take on the mob. This book was written by her grandson, Professor Stephen L. Cart er—best-selling author of ten books.

Born Charles Luciano and was arrested 25 times on assault, black mail, and robbery. He operated mostly in the U.S. On June 1936, Luciano was finally convicted of 62 charges of compulsory prostitution and sentenced to 30-50 years in prison. He was the most powerful chief of organized crime in the 1930s and a major influence from prison from 1936-1945. Later, his was sentenced was commuted by Thomas E. Dewey, with the understanding that he would leave the U.S. and return to Italy. He finally was deported, and he died of a heart attack at the Naples airport, where he gone to meet a movie producer considering a movie about his life. The case was a triumph for Eunice Carter who became well known lawyer. She reaped the benefits across the country. She was influential in New York for many years. She served as District Attorney for ten years.

Charles “Lucky” Luciano

In 1938, Carter was named to Thom as Dewey’s staff to lead the Abandonment Bureau of Women’s Courts. In 1945, she entered into private practice and connected her work with the National Council of Negro Women concerned with international issues. In 1955, she was elected chair of the Conference of International Organiza tions as a Consultant to the United Nations. She was very active in inter national issues affecting the status of women. She served in the NAACP and the National Urban League, and the YWCA. Her work included being a legal advisor to the National Council of Negro Women.

The rise of Eunice Carter and her eventually success as a lawyer and the first female prosecutor of color in the U.S., is extraordinary. Born Eunice Roberta Carter on July 16, 1899, her early years were filled with many firsts. Her parents were both prominent educators and activists. Her family moved to New York after the Atlanta race riots, initiated by the brutal lynching of a black man accused of assaulting a white woman.

A white mob descended upon Atlanta and burned and looted hun dreds of black businesses. These busi nesses included restaurants, banks, newspaper offices, homes and insur ance companies. The riot continued for two days. Blacks turned the tables when a group of armed black men met the mob to protect their community. The police came and arrested mostly blacks. As a result of the riot, thou sands of blacks left Atlanta. So many left the city until Booker T. Washing ton pleaded with them not to leave; however, they left anyway.

The Carter Family moved to Brook lyn, New York in 1907, where they continued their work in activism. Her father William was the international secretary of the YMCA. Her parents were world travelers. They went to Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Eng land, Belgium, Holland, and France. Eunice’s mother was known for her work with black soldiers during World War 1. She was also well known for her work with black mothers.