National African American History Month traces its roots to efforts made by historian and founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, Dr. Carter G. Woodson. In 1926, Dr. Woodson instituted the first Negro History Week in February 1926, a week that coincided with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. More than 50 years later, it was expanded to Black History Month or African American History Month.
In honor of National African American History Month, the Harris County Law Library created a digital exhibit celebrating the life and legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the country’s highest court. The exhibit highlights his career as a civil rights attorney, as Solicitor General, and as Supreme Court Justice. For those of you who are fortunate to visit our library, you can view an exhibit commemorating Justice Marshall’s extraordinary life in the Law Library lobby.
If you are interested in learning more about African American history and the notable life of Justice Thurgood Marshall, please see these digital resources:
United States Courts (“Justice Thurgood Marshall Profile – Brown v. Board of Education Reenactment”)
Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage
Constitution Daily (“Thurgood Marshall’s Unique Supreme Court Legacy”)