Who was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court?

Thurgood Marshall was the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court, taking his seat in 1967. His appointment was historically significant, as he broke the racial barrier in the highest court of the United States. Prior to his nomination, Marshall had a distinguished career as a civil rights lawyer, most notably winning the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. His work on the Supreme Court further advanced civil rights and emphasized the importance of justice and equality under the law. The legacy he left not only impacted the judiciary but also set a precedent for future generations of lawyers and judges, particularly from underrepresented groups.

The other individuals mentioned in the question had notable careers but did not serve as the first African American Supreme Court justice.