Thurgood Marshall Introductory Reading

Thurgood Marshall was a prominent figure in American history, known for his significant contributions to the civil rights movement and his groundbreaking work as a lawyer and judge. He was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland, and passed away on January 24, 1993.

Marshall attended Howard University School of Law and became involved in civil rights activism early in his career. He was a founding member of the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) and served as its chief counsel for several years. As a lawyer, Marshall played a pivotal role in challenging racial segregation and fighting for equal rights in the United States.

One of Marshall's most notable achievements was his successful argument before the Supreme Court in the case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. As the lead attorney for the LDF, Marshall argued that racially segregated public schools were unconstitutional and violated the Fourteenth Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. The Court ruled in favor of Marshall's argument, declaring that segregation in public education was inherently unequal and therefore unconstitutional, leading to the desegregation of schools across the country.

In 1967, Thurgood Marshall made history again when he became the first African American to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. He was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson and served on the Supreme Court for 24 years until his retirement in 1991. During his tenure, Marshall consistently advocated for civil rights, social justice, and equality. He often took progressive stances on issues such as affirmative action, voting rights, and criminal justice reform.

Marshall's legacy extends beyond his legal accomplishments. He was a staunch defender of individual rights and believed in using the law as a tool for social change. His work paved the way for future civil rights advancements and inspired generations of lawyers and activists to fight for justice and equality. Thurgood Marshall's impact on American society, his commitment to civil rights, and his trailblazing achievements in the legal field make him an influential and revered figure in the history of the United States.

This is a simple worksheet with comprehension questions to help students understand the impact and life of Thurgood Marshall.

Clipart credit: Prince Padania