Before He Was Thurgood

Powerhouse, award-winning creators share the empowering story of Thurgood Marshall’s upbringing and how he grew into greatness.



Before he opened a law book, Thurgood Marshall was a prankster in school, trying his teachers’ patience and doing only enough to get by.



Before he waged war against injustice, Thurgood saw his uncles return from war to a country that refused to honor them.



Before he represented underdogs in court, Thurgood watched the police station outside his classroom window, where officers mistreated Black prisoners.



Before he made history on the U.S. Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall was a normal kid with a quick wit, inquiring mind, and ready rebuttal.



No one told him that he could be a lawyer. But his family and mentors shaped him into one.



Two celebrated creators tell the true story of how one tough, compassionate, gutsy boy grew up to become a groundbreaker, history-maker, and all-around legend.