Capstone Project: Post 5

June 27, 1991

Dear Journal,

    Here's to the retirement of the good work I have put forward to help the people of my community. From my first intention to change the world to now, I can confidently say there will be permanent change for our world.

    I cannot say retirement is my first choice, for "I was appointed to a life term, and I intend to serve it", but due to my ill health for the past few years, leaving work to prioritize my life seems to be the best course of action. My dear friend's, William J. Brennan Jr., retirement has also cause my feelings of loneliness and isolation, and I must admit there is no place for me here. Since the beginning, I have used my attorneyship to fight for the civil rights for the black community, particularly through the cases of racial segregation in public schools. After 24 years of service, It is time to retire my work to another, one who is just as willing as I was to protect the rights of the people. I retire my position of work to conservative Clarence Thomas, whom although I am very well aware of our contradicting opinions, I know he will use his line of power and authority to fight for our people, past, present, and future.

Sincerely,

    Thurgood Marshall

Capstone Project: Post 4

 August 11, 1965

Dear Journal,

    Today, I have been appointed Solicitor General by President Lyndon B. Johnson: the responsibility of arguing before the Supreme Court on behalf of the federal government now rests on my shoulders. With much reflection, I understand the requirement for me to properly fulfill this position, for this is the stepping stone for my eventual promotion to the Supreme Court. Not only do I recognize the significance and importance of this job, but also I see the depth from which this position comes from. I know that this position can change the future for my community and its following generations on a larger scale and with real effectiveness. The time is here for which I have the authority to convince minds that change is now. With this power, I vow to continue my search for racial equality to ensure that all black individuals experience the superiority and love for their presence and appreciation for the color of their skin: to feel seen and respected.

Sincerely,

    Thurgood Marshall

Capstone Project: Post 3

 May 17, 1954

Dear Journal,

    Chief Justice Earl Warren has declared that "in the field of public education the doctrine of 'separate but equal' has no place. Separate educational facilities are inherently unequal". Not only has that reassuring news been publicized, but also the Supreme Court's decision was unanimous. I am beyond relieved to see the Brown v. Board of Education case through, that this realization has been made by society and the long awaited revelation will come to be. When I read the verdict words, "I was so happy I was numb". The change for equality is necessary for this world: for people to finally witness the consequences of segregation that we, as the black community have experienced for generations upon generations. Finally, change will be made for the better of our world.

Sincerely,

    Thurgood Marshall

Capstone Project: Post 2

 1935

Dear Journal,

    Today marks the court case of my client, Donald Gaines Murray, fighting for his admittance to the University of Maryland. This day is one that I have been preparing for for two reasons in particular: one being my partial keenness to the University of Maryland, but my inability to attend because of my race. The second resides more on a larger scale: I have been developing my skills for a court case such as this. The fight for black excellence in the field of education still remains a big struggle for my community. If there is anything I can do to further assist this process, I will make sure it is done. I cannot continue to let these inferior thoughts of my race be reflected in the actions of others, particularly not in the education discipline. The intelligence of my community as a whole is not inferior of any one or any race and deserves the same amount of value and worth as the next person.

    As often as I think about my rejection to the University of Maryland, I knew one day my redemption would be brought forth. The consequence for their wrongful actions will be upheld by my lawful duties through the support and defense of Mr. Murray. I will make sure that although I could not attend, I will not let my spite sine through, but rather use that aggression to assist Mr. Murray in his success.

    My second reason stands at a much higher stance than any one of us could have imagined. The fight for racial equality is larger than no other, and I am ready to commit myself to it. I have all the necessary tools and reasonings to win this case. No step is too small and as insignificant as this one seems in comparison to the grander scheme of things, anything can help. I am excited to see what mine, and so many others' participation in this fight will do for our people, our future, our country. To mankind: may the future be brighter than the current day's sun.

Sincerely,

    Thurgood Marshall

Capstone Project: Post 1

1930

Dear Journal,

    Graduation day at Lincoln University. I can't describe what it felt like to walk across that stage in front of my peers, friends, and family and prove my worth through my hard-earned bachelor's degree in American literature and philosophy. I must admit, my mischievous personality took over me at the beginning, but I would have to say my good grades brought me back to the proper side of the tracks. My addition to the debate team led to a numerous amount of victories, which confidently reassured my value at this university. After all these years, I think I am interested to test my skills in law.

    I have had my eyes on the University of Maryland Law School, but being that is an all-white school, I am unable to attend. I find it rather outrageous that the color of my skin set boundaries and limits on the range of opportunities presented to me and my community. How, in all the years of existence did we, as a societal unit, end up in the midst of racial segregation? The thought that there is a superior race, community, being in the world? I will be the end to this madness, this ridiculousness that has infected our society for generations. The poison we chose to consume only makes us more weak, and without the strength of our brothers and sisters, we cannot prosper.

Sincerely,

    Thurgood Marshall