Derrick Bell was an influential American lawyer, academic, and civil rights activist, born on November 6, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He is best known for his role in developing the field of Critical Race Theory, which examines the intersection of race, law, and power in society. Bell served as a professor at several prestigious institutions, including Harvard Law School and New York University School of Law. Throughout his career, Bell advocated for racial justice and equality, often using his writings to challenge systemic racism. His notable works include "Faces at the Bottom of the Well" and "Race, Racism, and American Law." Bell's ideas continue to influence discussions on race and law in the United States.