Thurgood Marshall was the first African American U.S associate justice of the supreme court.  Born in Maryland, he was introduced to the constitution at an early age. Thurgood Marshall was inspired to become a lawyer at an early age. After graduating from the Howard University of Law, Thurgood Marhsall argued civil rights cases before the supreme court. Of his 32 cases, he won 29 before the court. Thurgood Marshall was an important legal figure in securing equality in America