Thurgood Marshall

“Mr. Civil Rights” and the Fight for Racial Justice

By: David L. Hudson

Narrated by: David L. Hudson

Known as “Mr. Civil Rights” for his advocacy on behalf of racial justice, Thurgood Marshall argued before the US Supreme Court in Brown v. Board of Education, arguably the most important Supreme Court decision in history. He later became the first African American to serve as US solicitor and as a Supreme Court justice. Justice William Brennan wrote that his friend and colleague was “the central figure in this nation’s struggle to eliminate institutional racism”.

In this powerful 15-lecture audio series from award-winning law professor David L. Hudson Jr., you’ll follow the trajectory that led Marshall to become a transformational counsel for the NAACP and in 1967 the first African American Supreme Court justice. He sat on the court for 24 years, leaving an indelible impact in many areas of law. You’ll understand why Justice Elena Kagan has called him “the most important lawyer of the 20th century”.

The author or editor of more than 40 books, Hudson is a leading expert on the US Constitution and landmark Supreme Court cases. He presents on Marshall’s groundbreaking accomplishments with authority and awe. This series will leave you with a deeper appreciation of one of America’s racial pioneers and true heroes of American life.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2020 Now You Know Media, Inc.

Critic reviews

“David L. Hudson, Jr., is the ‘Teacher’s Teacher.’ David is a First Amendment expert, author of more than 40 books, and law professor by profession, but his true gift is educating students, educators, professors, and citizens on the US Constitution, Bill of Rights, and American liberties. I could write for hours about the qualities of David Hudson.” (Janis Adams Kyser, director, Tennessee Center for Civic Learning and Engagement)

"David Hudson is a genius, a prolific scholar of the constitution, and a universally respected First Amendment expert. I cannot recommend him enough." (Daniel A. Horwitz, constitutional lawyer)

An American hero

This outstanding biography of one of America's greatest civil rights heroes is a must-listen-to series for anyone interested in American history, civil rights, or law. David Hudson, one of my favorite Learn25 professors, is an expert on constitutional law and the Supreme Court. In this course, he not only demonstrates Marshall's indelible impact on the law through his work as the first African-American Supreme Court justice, but also describes his unique upbringing and work with the NAACP. The course is upbeat, highly informative, and fascinating. I can't recommend it highly enough.

A Masterful Course on a Civil Rights Icon

I've listened to 4 or 5 programs by legal scholar David Hudson, and this is his best. Hudson's experience with the law allows him to break down Thurgood's career and major court rulings for the average listener. Perhaps even more impressive is Hudson's storytelling ability. The man can spin a yarn. Listening to this program made driving fun!

A very timely biography Mr. Civil Rights

David Hudson provides an engaging look at one of the most important civil rights leaders in this book. His impressive life is explored in-depth and you can really appreciate how great a man Thurgood was and get a glimpse of how hard he fought for equality.

Informative and inspirational

Terrific biography of a civil rights legend. Hudson's reverential delivery combines with his deep knowledge of Constitutional law to offer the listener a captivating look behind the curtain at the major Supreme Court milestones Marshall helmed. A great resource for learning about US race relations history as well as US legal history.

Dry legal history

Law students might like these lectures more than I did. I struggled to find a solid biography of Thurgood Marshall on Audible. Took a chance on this recording. This was much more legal history than biography. Learned a little about the man but not much. Still hoping that Juan Williams’ biography of Marshall will be available on Audible some day.

Key fact regarding Brown decision is Wrong

Lecture 6 incorrectly states that the U.S. Supreme Court in Brown v Board of Education overturned the lower court decisions in all 5 cases consolidated in Brown. In fact, the Supreme Court AFFIRMED Delaware Judge Collins J. Seitz, Sr, who in 1952 ordered the immediate desegregation of a Delaware elementary and high school. Professor Hudson mentions a DISSENT by South Carolina federal judge Waring, but he neglects to get the facts correct about Delaware Judge Seitz’s groundbreaking desegregation ruling that was upheld in the Brown decision.