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Information for Clients
Thurgood Marshall's Coming!
Winner of the ABA 2005 Silver Gavel Honorable Mention Award in Theatre!May 17, 2004 marked the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, KS, which legally ended racial segregation in the public schools in the United States. The lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the cases that are now known as "Brown," was Thurgood Marshall, a passionate and embattled civil rights lawyer. Thurgood Marshall is one of the giant figures in the history of American jurisprudence. He was born into poverty and grew up in the Jim Crow racism of the early twentieth century. He was the first African American to serve as Solicitor General of the United States and went on to become the first African American to serve as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Some called Marshall "Mr. Civil Rights," but he never wanted to be known as a "civil rights leader." He saw the law as the arena where minorities and oppressed citizens could find relief and he wanted to be known first, last and always as a lawyer. He was a powerful, resourceful and successful advocate for individual human and civil rights and continues to serve as a model for tenacity in the face of overwhelming odds.
Thurgood Marshall's Coming!, featuring T. Mychael Rambo as Marshall, is a full-length play that portrays Marshall as an old man as he ruminates and relives past trials and victories. The play uses Marshall's mastery of language, storytelling and imitation to create a powerful solo presentation. He is direct without being too blunt or rude and he "tells it like it is," without prevarication. His sense of humor and equanimity counteract some of the bitterness he felt in his long journey. His legal arguments and masterful rhetorical style are at once evocative and entertaining. Using Marshall's own writings and reflections, the play explores racism and civil rights issues and provides an engaging tool to facilitate audience discussion.
What Attendees Are Saying About This Show
- "Riveting, captivating, eye opening, a walk through history, these adjectives and phrases describe my emotions and feelings as I watched the … play. T. Mychael Rambo’s portrayal … captured the essence of the seething anger and hurt that Marshall and black Americans felt as a result of racism, discrimination, hatred and prejudice coupled with the great unfairness and injustice of it all. I thank the North Carolina Bar Association for this wonderful and enlightening opportunity. The play was far more than entertainment and I will always remember it and its lessons. Every lawyer who sees the play should feel challenged to do as Marshall did – 'find what is wrong and make it right,' through the use of the law and our lawyering skills. This is the highest calling of our profession."
(Henry P. Van Hoy, II, Attorney at Law) - "The production was outstanding and did much to underscore the challenges we still face as a nation and people . . . [It] is a vivid reminder of the intended role of the law - justice, fairly applied."
(Phillip Miner, Liaison for Community Initiative, Minnesota Private College Foundation) - "One of our best [Kentucky Bar] CLE efforts ever. It was a smashing success!"
(Janice Clark, CLE Director, Kentucky Bar Association) - "This is the most thought-provoking program I have ever had the privilege to attend..."
(Attorney, Philadelphia, PA) - "Keep developing this sort of alternative to traditional seminars - they’re educational and enjoyable."
(Attorney, Philadelphia, PA) - "Entertaining and inspiring!"
(Attorney, Philadelphia, PA) - "Creative education!"
(Attorney, Philadelphia, PA) - "Just simply excellent!"
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "Best, most interesting CLE ever!"
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "T. Mychael Rambo was delightful. What a wonderful way to gring history and such a significatn hum/political figure to life. Thank you!"
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "Actor was tops!"
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "This CLE was outstanding!"
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "This is a reminder of why lawyers are important to society."
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "Mr. Rambo is an excellent and persuasive actor. Thurgood Marshall came to life. Very compelling..."
(Attorney, Pittsburgh, PA) - "Superb presentation, wonderfully written and beautifully acted. This brought Justice Marshall alive for me."
(Attorney, Philadelphia, PA) - "I wish all CLE courses would be this entertaining and interesting."
(Attorney, St. Paul, MN)