The Impact of Brown v. Board and the Resistance to Change | Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect

Thurgood Marshall discusses Brown v. Board of Education (1954), both the triumph of ending “separate but equal” and the challenges that followed in enforcing true equality under the law. Through Marshall’s and the NAACP’s strategic legal work, the decision marked a turning point for civil rights. However, Marshall reflects on the massive resistance that spread across Southern states in response to the Supreme Court decision.

About the Author
Classroom activities were developed by Kate Ehrlich, social studies teacher at Oakdale High School, Frederick County Public Schools (Maryland). Ehrlich was named the Maryland Council for the Social Studies Teacher of the Year in 2024.