Join us for a screening and discussion of Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, a new documentary exploring the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the visionary lawyer and civil rights leader who became the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Drawing from rare archival recordings, personal photographs, and exclusive interviews, the film offers an intimate and timely portrait of a man who reshaped American democracy.

Following the film, join the conversation with featured speaker Cecilia Marshall, Justice Marshall’s granddaughter.

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Event Details

6:15pm – 7:15pm      Film Screening

7:30pm – 8:15pm     Discussion

About the Film

Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the visionary lawyer and civil rights leader who became the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. Drawing from rare archival recordings, personal photographs, and exclusive interviews, the film offers an intimate and timely portrait of a man who reshaped American democracy. Featuring powerful insights from acclaimed legal scholars and authors—Sherrilyn Ifill, Sheryll Cashin, Wil Haygood, Gilbert King, faculty and administrators from Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and Marshall’s family, the film traces his journey from his formative years at Lincoln University to his groundbreaking legal victories, including Brown v. Board of Education, and his enduring influence on the Supreme Court.

With a combination of oral history, animation, and evocative sound design, Becoming Thurgood brings Marshall’s story to life not as myth, but as a man of action—strategic, courageous, and deeply committed to justice. Through his work, Marshall held the nation accountable to its founding promises and redefined what was possible through the law. At a time when the struggle for civil rights and equal protection under the law remains urgent, Becoming Thurgood invites viewers to reflect on the power of legal activism, the role of HBCUs in shaping social architects, and the legacy of a man who helped move America closer to its highest ideals.

The film marks the latest collaboration between executive producer Nelson and Maryland Public Television, following the 2022 projects Becoming Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom.

Guest Speaker

Cecilia Marshall
Executive Director, Thurgood Marshall Foundation

Cecilia Marshall is the Executive Director of the Thurgood Marshall Foundation, where she leads the family’s efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the legacy of her grandfather, Justice Thurgood Marshall. She stepped into this role after years of leadership in national nonprofits and philanthropy, bringing her experience in fundraising, strategic partnerships, college access and success, and program innovation to steward the Foundation’s mission at a pivotal time.

Her career has centered on expanding opportunity and increasing social mobility. She has held senior positions at Ed Advancement, the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation, the Jackie Robinson Foundation, and APIA Scholars, where she launched initiatives to improve college access, student success, and long-term impact for underrepresented communities. Earlier in her career, she led global recruitment efforts at the Savannah College of Art and Design and began in corporate advertising in New York City.

Cecilia served on the Board of Directors of the National Scholarship Providers Association (NSPA) and currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), the premier legal organization fighting for racial justice which was founded by her grandfather.