Who was the first African American Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American Supreme Court Justice, taking his seat on the Court in 1967. His appointment was a significant milestone in American history, as it represented progress in the civil rights movement and the ongoing fight for racial equality in the United States. Before joining the Supreme Court, Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer, best known for his work in the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which helped to dismantle racial segregation in public schools. His tenure on the Court was marked by his commitment to protecting the rights of minorities and advocating for social justice, making his legacy foundational to both the legal and civil rights fields.

The other choices represent influential figures but do not share the same historical significance regarding the appointment as the first African American to the Supreme Court.