Thurgood Marshall was a pioneering civil rights lawyer and the first Black American Supreme Court Justice. Born in 1908, he played a crucial role in challenging racial segregation, most notably through the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954, which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional. As chief counsel for the NAACP, Marshall argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court, becoming a symbol of justice and equality.
Marshall was appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court on August 30, 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. As a justice, Marshall was known for his strong support of individual rights, particularly for minorities and the poor. His legal philosophy was deeply rooted in his commitment to equality and justice for all Americans, regardless of race, economic status, or social standing. Marshall's tenure on the Court, which lasted until his retirement in 1991, was marked by his dedication to ensuring that the Constitution's promises were fulfilled for all U.S. citizens.
Learn more through the National Park Service
https://www.nps.gov/people/thurgood-marshall.htm
The Joy Trip Project celebrates the enduring legacy of Black American History. The Unhidden Minute is part of the Unhidden Podcast Project supported through a National Geographic Explorer Grant from the National Geographic Society, with the cooperation of the National Park Service. This series elevates the untold stories of Black American historical figures, events and cultural contributions.
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Thurgood Marshall