The Civil Rights Movement’s Unsung Hero

Listen to this article

Let’s look at some of the facts:

He was an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving from October 1967 until October 1991.

He was the Court’s 96th justice and its first African-American justice.

As an attorney, he argued before the Supreme Court and won the victory in Brown v. Board of Education, a decision that desegregated public schools.

Upon accepting his request for retirement from the Supreme Court, President George H. W. Bush nominated Clarence Thomas to replace him.

Do you know who “he” is? Congratulations if you do and shame on you if you don’t. Either way you need to make plans to head to the New Repertory Theatre early next year to see its production of Thurgood, written by George Stevens, Jr., directed by Benny Sato Ambush and featuring Johnny Lee Davenport in the title role.

“Thurgood Marshall is the Civil Rights Movement’s unsung hero,” said Davenport. “His nomination to the Supreme Court literally changed America. Looking to the future sometimes means revisiting the past. By doing this play, I hope to remind, maybe even forewarn people that the politics of our country and the laws governing our nation, based on the Constitution of the United States, apply to, and protect all Americans. Not just the rich, not just the privileged, and certainly not just the interests of certain individuals. Thurgood gives us hope and the assurance that one man can make a difference!”

Artistic Director Jim Petosa echoed Davenport’s praise for the man and the work he accomplished. “There is no mistaking the powerful and lasting legacy that Justice Thurgood Marshall had on the judicial system in the United States,” he said. “Arguing landmark cases such as Brown v. Board of Education deservedly brought him the national attention that eventually propelled him to the nation’s highest court. His story is one of determination and perseverance, so we’re pleased to present this play as we begin our new Prophetic Portraits Series this winter.”

New Repertory Theatre presents Thurgood, January 7-February 5, 2017 in the Black Box Theater at the Mosesian Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. Tickets are $19-$42 and may be purchased by calling the New Rep Box Office at 617-923-8487 or visiting newrep.org. Student, senior, and group discounts are available. Subscription packages that include Thurgood are also available.