Quck answer
Thurgood Marshall was an influential figure in American history. He was the first African American Supreme Court justice, serving from 1967 to 1991. Marshall played a crucial role in the civil rights movement, fighting against racial inequality and segregation. He was a prominent lawyer and argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of schools. Marshall’s contributions to the legal field and his commitment to justice have left a lasting impact on the United States.
He played a crucial role in ending segregation. He fought for the rights of all citizens. He was a lawyer, a leader, and the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court. Who is this person we are referring to? It is none other than Thurgood Marshall!
Thurgood Marshall was born on June 2, 1908. His father, who worked as a writer and a waiter, had a deep interest in the law. He frequently attended court cases in Baltimore, Maryland, and sometimes took young Thurgood with him. Marshall’s mother was a teacher who instilled in him the value of education.
Despite his eagerness to learn, Marshall often found himself in trouble at school. On multiple occasions, he was required to read the U.S. Constitution as a punishment for breaking rules. By the time he finished high school, Marshall had memorized a significant portion of the Constitution. Little did he know that this knowledge would prove invaluable in his future career.
While attending Lincoln University, Marshall realized his passion for becoming a lawyer. He applied to law school at the University of Maryland but was rejected due to their policy of not accepting non-white students. Instead, Marshall pursued his legal studies at the prestigious Howard University, a historically Black institution.
After passing the Maryland bar exam, Marshall established his own law practice and immediately began taking on cases that challenged segregation and discrimination. In 1935, he successfully sued the University of Maryland, putting an end to their discriminatory admissions practices based on race.
Marshall also dedicated his time to pro bono work, assisting individuals in cases involving police brutality and representing tenants facing eviction and unfair landlords.
Before long, Marshall found himself arguing and winning significant cases before the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1954, he achieved a landmark victory in the case of Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional.
Marshall continued to advocate for civil rights and equal protection for all U.S. citizens. In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him to serve as a Supreme Court justice. The Senate approved his nomination, making Thurgood Marshall the first African American Supreme Court justice in history.
As a Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall consistently ruled against discrimination in numerous cases. He retired from the Court in 1991 and passed away just two years later due to heart failure.
Thurgood Marshall lived a truly inspiring life. What do you think motivates individuals like Marshall to make a difference? What cause would inspire you to work as passionately as Marshall did? Perhaps one day, you too will sit on the Supreme Court!
Try It Out
Are you eager to learn more about the Supreme Court and Thurgood Marshall? Enlist the help of a friend or family member to engage in the following activities.
Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, made history with his groundbreaking achievement. This article on History.com delves into the details of his life and career. What aspects of his journey do you find intriguing? Share your thoughts and insights with a friend or family member.
Becoming a Supreme Court Justice requires extensive experience and education, as they hold the responsibility of making crucial decisions that impact numerous individuals. Compose a letter to a friend, describing the qualities you believe a Supreme Court Justice should possess. How old do you envision them to be? What kind of educational background should they have? Can you think of any previous occupations they might have pursued during their career?
Take a moment to read through some of Thurgood Marshall’s famous quotes. Which ones resonate with you the most? Engage in a discussion about these quotes with a friend or family member.
Sources of Wonder
- https://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/justice-thurgood-marshall-profile-brown-v-board (accessed 02 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Thurgood-Marshall (accessed 02 Feb. 2022)
- https://www.oyez.org/justices/thurgood_marshall (accessed 02 Feb. 2022)
- https://learnersdictionary.com/ (accessed 02 Feb. 2022)
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