Celebrating Black History Month: Thurgood Marshall WHUR Contributor February 25, 2021 at 11:15 am in BHM Tweet Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court justice. Marshall was known for his pivotal role in promoting racial equality during the civil rights movement. To this day — historians regard him as an influential figure in shaping social policies and upholding laws to protect minorities. Tags: Celebrating Black History Month: Thurgood Marshall, Thurgood Marshall