Who was the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, marking a significant milestone in American history. His appointment in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson was not just a personal achievement but also a reflection of the broader civil rights movement that was gaining momentum during that time. Marshall was known for his work as a civil rights lawyer and played a pivotal role in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

This historical context underscores the importance of his appointment, as it symbolized progress towards racial equality in American institutions. In contrast, the other names presented do not have any connection to this role; Colin Powell was a notable general and Secretary of State, Barack Obama served as a U.S. president, and James Baldwin was a prominent writer and social critic. Their distinctions highlight various achievements in American history, but none relate to a Supreme Court appointment as Marshall's did.