Who was the first African American to serve as a Supreme Court Justice?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, which is a significant milestone in American history. Appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1967, Marshall's tenure on the Court lasted until 1991. His appointment was a landmark achievement, reflecting the ongoing struggle for civil rights and equality in the United States.

Before becoming a Supreme Court Justice, Marshall was a prominent civil rights lawyer and was instrumental in significant cases such as Brown v. Board of Education, which led to the desegregation of public schools. His judicial philosophy often emphasized the protection of individual rights and the importance of social justice.

The other individuals listed, while significant in their respective fields, do not hold the distinction of being the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Clarence Thomas is also a current Supreme Court Justice, but he was appointed later in 1991. Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a celebrated Supreme Court Justice known for her advocacy on gender equality but was not African American. Barack Obama, while an influential political figure as the first African American President, was never a Supreme Court Justice.