Skip to main content

This Day in American History

August 30

1 historic event on this date

Court Case1967

Thurgood Marshall Confirmed to Supreme Court

The U.S. Senate confirmed Thurgood Marshall as the first African American Supreme Court Justice by a vote of 69-11. Marshall had previously served as chief counsel for the NAACP and argued the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case before the Court.

Why It Matters

Marshall's appointment was a milestone in American judicial history, demonstrating that the highest court in the land could reflect the diversity of the nation it served.

Explore the Principles Behind the History

Every event in American history connects to the founding principles. Discover the ideas that shaped these moments.

View the 28 Founding Principles