On this day in 1967, Thurgood Marshall became the first Black Supreme Court Justice. He filled the seat of retiring Justice Tom Clark, and President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated him. Sixty-nine senators voted to confirm the Baltimore native and 11 were opposed.
Marshall was on the court for 24 years and retired in 1991. Sadly, the deeply conservative and anti-Black Clarence Thomas was nominated for his seat.
Marshall passed away on January 24, 1993 at the age of 84. Check out some of his most powerful quotes.
1.
Happy Birthday Thurgood Marshall July 2, 1908 – January 24, 1993 first African-American and 96th Supreme Court justice. #quote pic.twitter.com/GBwPFJlaI3
— Geri Seiberling (@geriwithetc) July 2, 2018
2.
"The measure of a country's greatness is its ability to retain compassion in times of crisis."
— Rick Byun (@ByUner) July 2, 2018
~Thurgood Marshall, US Supreme Court Justice (2 Jul 1908-1993)
True for people too. #quote #compassion #nations #crisis #HappyCanadaDay2018
3.
Today's quote is from Thurgood Marshall pic.twitter.com/yl05wlqS5w
— Project Syndicate (@ProSyn) June 11, 2018
4.
In honor of #BlackHistoryMonth, I want to share some of the Black men and women who blazed trails in the justice system and are personal heroes of mine. Thurgood Marshall was the first Black US Supreme Court Justice, and I read this quote when I was inaugurated. —KF pic.twitter.com/6kgRwmMoNo
— State’s Attorney Kim Foxx (@SAKimFoxx) February 1, 2018
5.
Thurgood Marshall #quote pic.twitter.com/nUCrcgWhXb
— Bruce Lesley (@BruceLesley) February 20, 2017
6.
Today, on the first day of #BlackHistoryMonth, we celebrate Thurgood Marshall. We picked this quote, cause honestly, it seems appropriate. pic.twitter.com/uP71mFBlyQ
— The Undefeated (@TheUndefeated) February 1, 2017
8.
10. And Arguably His Most Profound Words…
Quote from the great Thurgood Marshall: pic.twitter.com/vi76VIuyoz
— SKP (@shervin) November 9, 2016