Thurgood Marshall was a lawyer, the founder of the NAACP Legal Defense & Education Fund, and the first African-American justice. Of the 32 cases he argued before the Supreme Court, he won 29. An important force in the 20th century civil rights movement, he helped to shape the legal landscape of the United State.
Thurgood Marshall was one of the greatest agents of change of the 20th century, changing laws to fight racial segregation. Many bills related to voting and discrimination were based on his arguments in court cases.
Middle School student Vijay wrote his t-shirt prize winning hero essay on Thurgood Marshall for the hero traits of perseverance, courage and righteousness.
"I admire Thurgood Marshall because he challenged the boundaries created by prejudice, and successfully won. I can especially relate this to myself as an Indian in America because of the ongoing prejudice towards people from Southern Asia."
Artists often honor those that who have contributed positively to humanity. As spoken by Justice Thurgood Marshall, "In recognizing the humanity of our fellow human beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute". Below are some portraits honoring his contribution.
Artwork inspired by Thurgood Marshall: "I was inspired by the works of this man and his march towards equality."
A salute to Thurgood Marshall for ending racial segregation in schools by young student Alexander from LaFayette.
Films
Video Tribute to Thurgood Marshall made by Elementary School students
This short film was created at El Morro Elementary School to honor the legendary Thurgood Marshall.
From the MY HERO Library
Thurgood Marshall is remembered by many as a rather stern, gruff Supreme Court justice, but he was also a courageous young lawyer who took on institutional segregation and racism, winning the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education decision, and a witty, charismatic man-about-town who lived life with gusto and was often seen in the company of prizefighter Joe Louis, singer Cab Calloway, and other leading lights of the African-American community.
Official Website of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund
"LDF was launched at a time when the nation’s aspirations for equality and due process of law were stifled by widespread state-sponsored racial inequality. From that era to the present, LDF’s mission has always been transformative: to achieve racial justice, equality, and an inclusive society."
Related Pages
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Hero Stories curated by MY HERO General Editor and Story Director Shannon Luders-Manuel. |
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Short films curated by MY HERO International Film Festival director Wendy Milette. |
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Artwork curated by MY HERO Arts Education and Gallery director Giselle Villatoro. |
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Audio curated by MY HERO Audio director Stu Pearlman. |
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Newswire stories curated by MY HERO Newswire director Betty Bailey. |
Organizer created on 6/28/2018 5:53:30 PM by Staff Writer
Last edited 7/11/2021 6:18:45 PM by Kitty Richardson
