Deaths on January 24

Thurgood Marshall, American lawyer and jurist, 32nd United States Solicitor General (b. 1908)

Thurgood Marshall: A Pioneering Figure in American Civil Rights and Law

Thurgood Marshall (July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993) stands as a monumental figure in American legal history and the struggle for civil rights. A distinguished American lawyer and dedicated civil rights activist, he achieved the remarkable distinction of becoming the first African-American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. His impactful tenure on the nation's highest court spanned from October 1967 to October 1991, leaving an indelible mark on American jurisprudence and the pursuit of equality under the law.

Early Life, Education, and Groundbreaking Legal Advocacy

Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Marshall’s commitment to justice was evident early in his career. After earning his law degree from Howard University School of Law in 1933, a historically Black university that played a pivotal role in training civil rights lawyers, he initially established a private legal practice in his hometown of Baltimore. However, his true calling lay in systemic change. Recognizing the profound need for organized legal action against racial discrimination, Marshall joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and later founded the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF) in 1940, serving as its executive director. It was in this pivotal role that Marshall meticulously crafted and presented arguments in numerous landmark cases before the Supreme Court, systematically dismantling the legal foundations of segregation and racial inequality across the United States.

Among his most significant victories as a litigator for the NAACP LDF were:

• Smith v. Allwright (1944): In this groundbreaking case, Marshall successfully argued that the "white primary," a discriminatory practice in Southern states which disenfranchised African Americans by preventing them from voting in primary elections, was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's ruling affirmed the principle of political equality and significantly expanded voting rights.
• Shelley v. Kraemer (1948): This critical case challenged racially restrictive covenants in housing. Marshall successfully argued that state courts could not legally enforce private agreements that prohibited people of color from owning or occupying property. This decision marked a crucial step towards desegregating neighborhoods and promoting fair housing opportunities.
• Brown v. Board of Education (1954): Perhaps his most celebrated and transformative achievement, Marshall led the legal team that argued this monumental case. The Supreme Court's unanimous decision in Brown famously declared that racial segregation in public education was inherently unconstitutional, directly violating the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. This ruling famously overturned the "separate but equal" doctrine established in Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) and served as a catalyst for the modern Civil Rights Movement, paving the way for desegregation efforts nationwide.

A Distinguished Career in Public Service and the Judiciary

Marshall's exceptional legal prowess, strategic thinking, and unwavering dedication to civil rights earned him national recognition, leading to a distinguished career in public service and the judiciary:

• United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit (1961-1965): In 1961, President John F. Kennedy appointed Marshall to this influential federal appellate court. During his four-year tenure, he authored over 100 decisions, none of which were overturned on appeal to the Supreme Court, showcasing his profound legal acumen and deep understanding of constitutional law.
• United States Solicitor General (1965-1967): Four years later, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed Marshall as the United States Solicitor General. In this role, Marshall served as the nation's chief appellate lawyer, representing the U.S. government before the Supreme Court. He successfully argued 14 of the 19 cases he presented on behalf of the U.S. government, further cementing his reputation as a formidable and highly effective legal advocate.

First African-American Supreme Court Justice

The pinnacle of Marshall's illustrious career came in 1967 when President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him to the Supreme Court of the United States. Johnson famously remarked that the appointment was "the right thing to do, the right time to do it, the right man and the right place." Following a successful confirmation by the Senate, Marshall succeeded the retiring Associate Justice Tom C. Clark, making history as the first African-American to serve on the highest court in the land. As a justice, Marshall consistently championed individual rights, civil liberties, and equality, often authoring powerful dissenting opinions in cases where he felt the Court was retreating from its commitment to civil rights protections for all Americans. He remained a stalwart voice for the disadvantaged, the marginalized, and a fierce advocate for a broad interpretation of constitutional rights and justice until his retirement during the administration of President George H. W. Bush in 1991. He was succeeded on the bench by Justice Clarence Thomas, marking a new chapter for the Court.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thurgood Marshall

Who was Thurgood Marshall?

Thurgood Marshall was a highly influential American civil rights lawyer and the first African-American Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. He is widely recognized for his pivotal role in dismantling legal segregation and advancing civil rights through the American legal system.

What were some of Thurgood Marshall's most important cases as a civil rights lawyer?

Before his judicial appointments, Marshall, as chief counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, successfully argued several monumental cases before the Supreme Court. Key examples include Smith v. Allwright (1944), which abolished the "white primary"; Shelley v. Kraemer (1948), which prohibited judicial enforcement of racially restrictive housing covenants; and most notably, Brown v. Board of Education (1954), which declared segregated public schools unconstitutional.

What was Thurgood Marshall's significance on the Supreme Court?

As the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, Thurgood Marshall brought a unique and invaluable perspective shaped by his direct experiences fighting racial discrimination. Throughout his 24-year tenure, he was a consistent liberal voice on the Court, advocating vigorously for civil rights, voting rights, due process, and the rights of the accused, often highlighting the real-world impact of legal decisions on marginalized communities.

Which U.S. President appointed Thurgood Marshall to the Supreme Court?

Thurgood Marshall was appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967, fulfilling a commitment to diversity and civil rights at the highest levels of government.