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Biography

Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All

In 1954, the landmark Supreme Court decision, Brown v. The Board of Education, ended legal segregation in the United States. This momentous decision was the result of two decades of legal work by Thurgood Marshall. Marshall worked doggedly for over five decades to bring legal equality to all Americans. He eventually became the first African American appointed to the Supreme Court, and was one of the most influential people of the twentieth century.

Thurgood Marshall: Justice for All would be useful for classes on American History, African American History, Legal History, Political Science, Civics and American Culture. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.

Vocabulary

• aloof
• appellate
• charisma
• climax
• culmination
• emblematic
• explicit
• fervent
• inviolate
• litigation
• mentor
• plaintiff
• rhetoric
• tenure
• tutelage
• unanimous

Discussion Questions

1. African Americans in America have had to fight to gain equality with white Americans. Why were African Americans denied equality in America for so long?
2. Although the image of Thurgood Marshall is that of a distinguished jurist, he was as much a civil rights activist as Martin Luther King, Jr. or Malcolm X. What is Thurgood Marshall's history as a civil rights leader?
3. How did Marshall's parent influence his life?
4. How did Marshall begin his career as a civil rights activist?
5. Thurgood Marshall devoted his career to seeking equality for all Americans through the legal system. Why was Marshall's use of the law and the courts so radical?
6. Thurgood Marshall was willing to do whatever necessary in order to achieve his dream of legal equality for all Americans. How did the pursuit of his dream sometimes place him in danger?
7. Brown v. The Board of Education is one of the most important legal cases in American history. How did this momentous court decision change America and American life?
8. The Supreme Court voted unanimously for school desegregation. Why was it so important for the Court to present a united front?
9. Thurgood Marshall's illustrious legal career led to a Supreme Court appointment. But there was some opposition to his appointment. Why did some people oppose his appointment?
10. How is Thurgood Marshall a genuine American hero?
11. What is the legacy of Thurgood Marshall?

Extended Activities

1. Research newspaper accounts from both the southern states and the northern states for the Brown v. The Board of Education case. Are there any differences of opinion between the regions? If so, why?
2. Write an obituary for Thurgood Marshall that gives an account of his accomplishments.
3. Create a timeline of Thurgood Marshall's life and the progression of civil liberty for African Americans.