Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, serving from 1967 to 1991. His appointment marked a significant milestone in U.S. history, as it represented a breakthrough in the civil rights movement and the ongoing struggle for racial equality in America. Marshall had a distinguished career as a lawyer and was a prominent advocate for civil rights before his judgeship, having argued several landmark cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board of Education, which effectively ended racial segregation in public schools. His tenure on the Court was characterized by a strong commitment to justice and the protection of individual rights, making him a pivotal figure in shaping modern American jurisprudence.