Thurgood Marshall: The Making Of America

In the annals of American history, one name stands out as a beacon of justice, equality, and progress: Thurgood Marshall. A legal luminary, civil rights advocate, and the first African American Supreme Court Justice, Marshall left an indelible mark on the United States. Through his tireless efforts, relentless determination, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of equality and justice, Marshall reshaped the course of American history and played a pivotal role in the struggle for civil rights.

Early Life and Education

Thoroughgood Marshall was born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland. Growing up in a time of deep racial segregation, Marshall experienced firsthand the injustices inflicted upon African Americans in America. However, his parents instilled in him a strong sense of self-worth and a deep understanding of the power of education.

Marshall excelled in academics, and it was through his academic prowess that he laid the foundation for his future activism and legal career. He attended Lincoln University, a historically Black college in Pennsylvania, where he continued to shine academically and hone his skills as a debater and orator.

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America #6

by Teri Kanefield (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18112 KB
Print length	:	18 pages

FREE

The Legal Titan

After graduating from Lincoln University, Marshall headed to Howard University School of Law, where he immersed himself in the study of law and the intricacies of the legal system. It was at Howard that Marshall honed his ability to navigate the complex web of legal statutes and distill arguments that struck at the heart of discrimination.

Marshall's legal career was nothing short of remarkable. He fought tirelessly for equal rights and racial justice, taking on landmark cases that challenged the very foundation of segregation. As an attorney for the NAACP, Marshall was instrumental in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the Supreme Court ruling that segregated schools were unconstitutional. This pivotal victory marked a turning point in the fight for civil rights and played a significant role in desegregating public schools across the nation.

Throughout his career, Marshall fearlessly advocated for the rights of the marginalized and vulnerable, championing causes that sought to dismantle systemic racism. His eloquence, legal prowess, and unwavering commitment to justice made him a formidable force in the courtroom and in the fight for civil rights. His triumphs in the legal arena earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues, serving as a testament to his exceptional legal mind.

The Supreme Court Justice

In 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Marshall for the position of Associate Justice of the Supreme Court. This historic nomination made Marshall the first African American to serve on the highest court in the land, breaking down yet another barrier in his pursuit of equality and justice.

During his tenure on the Supreme Court, Marshall continued to be a voice of reason, justice, and progress. He consistently sided with the marginalized, employing his legal acumen to strike down discriminatory laws and defend the rights of all Americans. Marshall's unwavering commitment to the principles of justice and fairness earned him the respect of his fellow justices and solidified his place in history as a true champion of civil rights.

Legacy and Impact

Thurgood Marshall's legacy extends far beyond his time on the bench. His impact on American society and the fight for equality is immeasurable. Through his legal victories, Marshall dismantled the legal framework that upheld racial segregation and paved the way for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Marshall's unwavering determination and unyielding commitment to justice serve as an inspiration to future generations of lawyers, activists, and advocates. His belief in the power of the law to shape a more just society continues to reverberate through the halls of justice and the hearts of those who carry on his fight.

As we reflect on the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, we are reminded of the power of one individual to effect profound change. Through his intellect, persistence, and unrelenting spirit, Marshall embodied the belief that the arc of the moral universe bends towards justice. His contributions to American society will forever be remembered as a testament to the enduring power of the individual and the fight for equality.

Thurgood Marshall: The Making of America #6

by Teri Kanefield (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	18112 KB
Print length	:	18 pages

FREE

This biography for young readers examines the life of a brilliant lawyer who successfully argued the case that ended legal racial segregation in America.

Thurgood Marshall, the great grandson of a slave, was born at a time when African Americans were denied equal rights in America. Segregation was legal. Lynching was common. In some places, African Americans were entirely excluded from public life; they were forbidden to enter public parks and museums or use public swimming pools and restrooms.

After being denied admission to the University of Maryland Law School because of his race, Marshall enrolled at Howard University. He graduated first in his class and set out as a young lawyer determined to achieve equality for all Americans. Here is the story of how he did it—how he devised his legal strategy for expanding “we the people” to include all people.

Thurgood Marshall explores the life of the brilliant lawyer who successfully argued the case that ended legal racial segregation in America, following his childhood in Baltimore to his trailblazing career as a civil rights lawyer, and finally his years as a United States Supreme Court justice.

This book includes a timeline, excerpts of Marshall’s writings, source notes, a bibliography, and an index.

“Provides a well-rounded look not only at the life of Marshall, but at the events in the world that shaped him into the man he was, and how he in turn helped shape the world for future generations.” —School Library Connection