Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, appointed in 1967. He is a pivotal figure in American history, renowned for his role in advancing civil rights. Before his appointment to the Supreme Court, he was a notable lawyer and the chief counsel for the NAACP, where he successfully argued several important cases before the Supreme Court, including the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

Marshall's legacy is significant not only for being the first African American on the Supreme Court but also for his commitment to social justice and equality, greatly influencing civil rights legislation and judicial precedents in the United States. His tenure on the Court helped shape a more equitable society and inspired future generations towards activism and reform.