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

Study for the Florida US History EOC Exam. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Master your knowledge and confidently pass your test!

The first African American to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court was Thurgood Marshall. Appointed in 1967, he was a landmark figure in American history, known for his role in advancing civil rights and fighting against racial segregation. Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer, famous for his victory in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which ultimately led to the desegregation of public schools in the United States.

Thurgood Marshall's appointment represented a significant milestone in American history, as he was not only the first African American on the Supreme Court but also a symbol of the progress made towards racial equality. His tenure on the court was marked by his advocacy for individual rights and his commitment to social justice, influencing numerous decisions that reinforced civil liberties and human rights.

In contrast, the other options provided were influential figures in their own right but did not serve on the Supreme Court: George Washington was the first President of the United States, Frederick Douglass was a former enslaved person who became a leading abolitionist, and W.E.B. Du Bois was a prominent sociologist and civil rights activist. None of these individuals held a position on the Supreme Court, making Thurgood

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