Day 26. Thurgood Marshall Champion of Justice.

Today we honor Thurgood Marshall (born July 2, 1908), a legal pioneer and the first Black Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Marshall’s dedication to civil rights and equality before the law transformed the legal landscape of America and continues to resonate as a powerful force for justice.

A Legacy of Legal Excellence
Thurgood Marshall’s legal career was defined by his relentless pursuit of equality:

• Brown versus the Board of Education (1954): As lead counsel for the NAACP, Marshall argued this landmark case before the Supreme Court, resulting in the desegregation of public schools and overturning the “separate but equal” doctrine
• First Black Supreme Court Justice (1967–1991): Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Marshall brought a deep commitment to civil rights and a powerful voice for marginalized communities to the highest court in the nation
• NAACP Legal Defense Fund: As its first director, he litigated and won dozens of cases that dismantled systemic racism and protected the rights of disenfranchised people

Stories of Perseverance
Thurgood Marshall’s journey was marked by resilience:

• Fighting Segregation: As a young lawyer, Marshall faced death threats and hostility while traveling across the South to represent clients in racially charged cases
• A Trailblazer in the Courtroom: He won 29 out of 32 cases argued before the Supreme Court, an extraordinary achievement that reshaped American law and civil rights

His sense of humor and sharp wit often disarmed adversaries and illuminated the humanity behind his work.

Quotes to Inspire
Marshall’s words remind us of the power of justice:

“In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”

“The measure of a country’s greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis.”

Learn More and Honor Thurgood Marshall
Explore his life and legacy through these resources:

• Books:
  • “Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary,” by Juan Williams
  • “Devil in the Grove,” by Gilbert King
• Films and Documentaries:
  • Marshall (2017), starring Chadwick Boseman
  • Thurgood (2011), starring Laurence Fishburne
• Online Resources:
  • NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Reflection and Call to Action
Thurgood Marshall’s legacy challenges us to confront inequity with courage and tenacity. Reflect on his example:

• How can we advocate for justice in our communities?
• What actions can we take to protect and expand civil rights for all?

Join us tomorrow as we continue celebrating Black Excellence and honoring the visionaries who shaped history, just like Thurgood Marshall.

Learn more: The Thurgood Marshall Center Trust works to educate, encourage & empower children, youth, & families to pursue equality, social & economic justice.

Join us this month as we honor 28 luminaries and celebrate the enduring legacy of Black excellence. Together, we can build a more just and compassionate world. By embracing the richness of Black history and culture, we can strengthen our community and create a more vibrant and equitable future for all.

---

#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #28DaysofBlackExcellence #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackLivesMatter #ChampionOfJustice #ThurgoodMarshall #CivilRightsLeader #JusticeForAll