President Lyndon B. Johnson nominates Solicitor-General Thurgood Marshall as justice on the US Supreme Court

On June 13, 1967, a historic event took place in American history. U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor-General Thurgood Marshall for the position of justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. This nomination marked a significant milestone, as Marshall became the first African-American to be nominated for such a prestigious position.

Thurgood Marshall was a prominent civil rights attorney and a pivotal figure in the fight against racial segregation in the United States. Born on July 2, 1908, in Baltimore, Maryland, Marshall started his legal career by fighting against racial discrimination and advocating for equal rights. His relentless efforts led him to become the lead attorney for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education in 1954.

In the aftermath of the historic Brown v. Board of Education case, which declared segregation in public schools unconstitutional, Marshall’s reputation and expertise grew exponentially. His brilliance and commitment to justice caught the attention of President Lyndon B. Johnson, who saw in him the qualities needed for a Supreme Court justice.

President Johnson’s nomination of Thurgood Marshall was a bold and groundbreaking move. At the time, America was still grappling with racial tensions and struggling to overcome deep-seated prejudice and discrimination. By nominating Marshall, President Johnson aimed to promote diversity and inclusivity in one of the country’s most influential institutions.

Marshall’s nomination faced significant opposition from some politicians, especially those who held conservative views. However, President Johnson stood firmly behind his choice, stating that Marshall’s nomination was based solely on his qualifications and his commitment to the principles of justice and equality.

On August 30, 1967, after a series of confirmation hearings and deliberations, Thurgood Marshall was confirmed as the 96th Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. This historic moment shattered racial barriers and set a precedent for future nominations of African-Americans and other minorities to the Supreme Court.

During his tenure as a Supreme Court justice, Marshall played a crucial role in advancing civil rights and equal protection under the law. His relentless pursuit of justice and unwavering commitment to the Constitution made him a respected and influential figure on the Court.

Marshall’s impact on the Supreme Court can still be felt today. His opinions and dissents in cases such as Grutter v. Bollinger and McCleskey v. Kemp continue to shape discussions around affirmative action and the death penalty, respectively. Marshall firmly believed in the power of the law to bring about social change and equality for all.

Thurgood Marshall’s nomination and subsequent confirmation as a U.S. Supreme Court justice sent a powerful message about the importance of diversity and equal representation. It served as a catalyst for greater inclusivity in the judicial system and inspired future generations of African-Americans and minorities to pursue legal careers.

Today, the legacy of Thurgood Marshall lives on. His contributions to the legal field and the fight for civil rights continue to inspire and guide those who seek to promote equality and justice. The historic nomination made by President Lyndon B. Johnson on June 13, 1967, serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the work that still lies ahead to achieve a more inclusive society.