Who was the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court?

Study for the American History AIR Test. Explore questions with hints and explanations. Prepare to excel and ensure your success!

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, making history when he was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967. His appointment was significant not only because he was the first African American to hold such a position, but also because of his profound impact on civil rights law and his dedication to achieving social justice. Prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, Marshall had an impressive career as a lawyer, notably playing a key role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which helped to dismantle racial segregation in public schools.

The other individuals listed do not hold this distinction. Clarence Thomas, although he is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, was appointed later in 1991. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who served as a Supreme Court Justice, was a prominent advocate for gender equality and women's rights, but she was not African American. John Marshall was a significant Chief Justice in early U.S. history known for establishing the principles of American constitutional law but does not relate to African American representation on the Court.

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