Where Justice Meets Service: The Volunteer Spirit of Thurgood Marshall

As we celebrate Global Volunteer Month in April and prepare for National Volunteer Week (April 21-27, 2024), the legacy of Thurgood Marshall reminds us of the profound impact volunteerism can have on our world. Marshall wasn’t just the first Black Supreme Court Justice. He was a tireless advocate for civil rights, dedicating his life to volunteering in the pursuit of justice and equality.

The Making of a Volunteer

Thurgood Marshall’s commitment to serving others took root early. While many of us may know him for his landmark Supreme Court wins, his journey began decades prior. As a young lawyer and recent graduate of Howard University, Marshall returned to his hometown of Baltimore to build a private practice, offering his time and expertise to fight for those marginalized by systemic oppression.

His passion soon led him to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund. As its chief counsel, Marshall developed a meticulously crafted “volunteer” legal strategy that culminated in the historic win in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka (1954), paving the way for the desegregation of public schools nationwide.

Volunteering is a Pathway to Change

Marshall’s story is a timeless reminder that volunteering is much more than just getting involved in your community. It’s about acting as a catalyst for change. Whether we volunteer with local organizations or support broader causes close to our hearts, the simple act of donating our time and abilities makes an enormous difference.

Thurgood Marshall’s influence also reminds us that volunteering is not limited to a single act; it’s a mindset. As a tireless fighter for equality, Marshall argued a remarkable 32 cases before the Supreme Court, winning 29 – an unparalleled track record that highlights the impact a single dedicated “volunteer” can have on the world.

Step Up and Serve

This Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week, let’s honor Thurgood Marshall’s legacy by finding ways to get involved. The needs are great, but so are the opportunities:

• Volunteer in your community: Mentor a student, help at a local food bank or support a cause that aligns with your passions.
• Volunteer globally (even from home): Remote and virtual volunteer opportunities open up a world of options to make positive changes. Search Points of Light Engage to find opportunities!
• Volunteer your voice: Advocate for causes you believe in, write to representatives and use your voice to make change.

As Thurgood Marshall so eloquently said, “Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it.” Our volunteer efforts are a way to make and protect the world we want to live in. Let’s use this Global Volunteer Month and National Volunteer Week as a chance to rededicate ourselves to the ideals Thurgood Marshall championed and pave the path to a better future for all.