Thurgood Marshall: From School Suspension to Supreme Court

Thurgood Marshall, inspired by a punishment in high school, became a leading civil rights lawyer. Despite facing racial discrimination, he excelled at Howard University Law School. His early legal victory in Murray vs Pearson set the stage for his work with the NAACP, where he won 29 Supreme Court cases, including the landmark Brown vs Board of Education. In 1967, he became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, serving until 1991. Marshall's life was dedicated to fulfilling the promise of the US Constitution by fighting for equal rights.

What inspired Thurgood Marshall to pursue a career in law?

• A book he read

• A teacher's encouragement

• A punishment in high school

• A family tradition

Why was Thurgood Marshall denied admission to the University of Maryland School of Law?

• He was Black

• He applied too late

• He lacked the necessary qualifications

• He failed the entrance exam

What was the outcome of the Murray versus Pearson case?

• Murray was admitted but separated from white students

• Murray was admitted without any conditions

• The case was dismissed

• Murray was denied admission

What was the significance of the Brown versus Board of Education case?

• It upheld segregation in schools

• It declared separate educational facilities inherently unequal

• It was a minor legal victory

• It focused on employment discrimination

What historic milestone did Thurgood Marshall achieve in 1967?

• He became the first Black president

• He was appointed to the Supreme Court

• He founded a new civil rights organization

• He won his first Supreme Court case