The first African American Supreme Court Justice was Thurgood Marshall.

Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967, Marshall served on the Supreme Court until 1991. Before his appointment, he was a prominent civil rights attorney, best known for his role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which helped dismantle racial segregation in public schools. Marshall's tenure on the Court was marked by his strong advocacy for individual rights and social justice, influencing key decisions on civil rights, affirmative action, and criminal justice reform. His legacy continues to inspire future generations.