In a powerful bipartisan decision, Rockland County legislators voted unanimously to relocate the statue of Thurgood Marshall, the first African-American Supreme Court Justice, to a more prominent location. This long-overdue move ensures that Justice Marshall’s contributions to civil rights, social justice, and American legal history receive the recognition they deserve.
Legislators Toney L. Earl and Dana G. Stilley spearheaded the resolution, highlighting the importance of Marshall’s legacy and the necessity of making his statue more accessible to the public.
Honoring a Legal Giant’s Legacy in Rockland County
Thurgood Marshall’s legacy is woven into the fabric of Rockland County’s history. Before his landmark 1954 Supreme Court victory in Brown v. Board of Education, Marshall played a pivotal role in desegregating the local school system. In 1943, he successfully challenged segregation in Hillburn, New York, setting a precedent that later contributed to dismantling racial barriers nationwide. His legal prowess and relentless pursuit of justice reshaped America’s educational system and paved the way for a more inclusive society.
Throughout his career, Marshall fought tirelessly against systemic racial discrimination. As an attorney for the NAACP, he argued 32 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, winning 29—an unparalleled record. His victories established critical civil rights protections that shaped modern American society. Appointed to the Supreme Court in 1967 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, Marshall continued advocating for racial justice, economic equity, and constitutional rights until his retirement in 1991.
A Push for Proper Recognition
In 2021, Rockland County honored Justice Marshall by commissioning a statue and placing it in a park-like setting. However, its location—tucked several feet off Main Street in New City, with a parking lot and roadway behind it—sparked controversy. Many community members, local organizations, and civil rights groups expressed concerns that the placement diminished the statue’s visibility and, by extension, Marshall’s legacy.
Among the leading advocates for relocating the statue were the Spring Valley Branch of the NAACP, the Nyack Branch of the NAACP, Pilgrim Baptist Church, Cavalry Baptist Church, Chief Dwayne Perry of the Lenape Nation, First Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, and the Rockland County Pride Center. These groups emphasized that Justice Marshall’s work directly influenced their ongoing efforts to advance civil rights, social justice, and equality.
Legislator Dana G. Stilley underscored the broader issue of African-American historical figures being sidelined in public memory. “For too long, African-American contributions to this nation have been erased, forgotten, or pushed to the side. This relocation is an essential step in ensuring Thurgood Marshall receives the visibility and honor he deserves.”
A Symbol for Future Generations
The significance of Marshall’s legacy extends beyond his legal victories—it is a call to action for future generations. By ensuring his statue occupies a central and highly visible location, Rockland County reinforces its commitment to justice, inclusion, and historical accuracy.
Legislator Toney L. Earl emphasized this point: “A figure of Justice Marshall’s stature should not be hidden. His story must be told, and his presence must be felt. Moving this statue ensures that youth, students, and future leaders can see, learn from, and be inspired by his work.”
The adopted resolution mandates that all appropriate county agencies take the necessary steps to relocate the statue to a more accessible and prominent site. This decisive action ensures that Marshall’s contributions remain front and center in Rockland County’s civic and historical landscape.
The Broader Impact of Thurgood Marshall’s Work
Marshall’s legal strategies and victories extended far beyond school desegregation. His advocacy led to landmark decisions in voting rights, labor rights, and criminal justice reform. Cases such as Smith v. Allwright (1944), which struck down white-only primaries, and Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), which guaranteed the right to legal counsel, illustrate his profound impact on American law and civil liberties.
His philosophy was clear: the Constitution must protect all citizens equally, not just a privileged few. Throughout his tenure on the Supreme Court, he consistently ruled in favor of protecting marginalized communities, reinforcing affirmative action, and expanding civil rights legislation.
A Unified Legislative Effort
The 16-0 vote demonstrated a rare moment of bipartisan agreement, emphasizing that honoring Justice Marshall transcends political divides. Recognizing his profound contributions to American democracy is not just a historical duty but a moral imperative.
Rockland County’s decision to relocate the statue sends a powerful message: the pursuit of justice is a continuous journey. By making Marshall’s presence more visible, the county acknowledges its role in upholding the values he spent a lifetime fighting to defend.
Looking Forward
The next steps include identifying an appropriate site that reflects Marshall’s stature and ensuring the relocation process aligns with community input. Rockland County leaders remain committed to working with local organizations, historians, and civil rights advocates to find the best possible location for this important tribute.
Justice Marshall’s story is not just a chapter in history books but a living testament to perseverance, courage, and unwavering dedication to justice. Rockland County reinforces its commitment to equality, historical integrity, and civic responsibility by ensuring his statue is placed in a location befitting his impact.
Conclusion
Thurgood Marshall’s contributions to civil rights and American law remain unparalleled. His victories shaped the legal framework of the United States, ensuring a more just and equitable society for future generations. Relocating his statue to a more visible and accessible location is not merely a symbolic gesture—it is a reaffirmation of the principles he stood for and a reminder that his legacy must never be hidden from view.
Rockland County has taken a significant step in honoring an American icon, ensuring that Thurgood Marshall’s story continues to inspire, educate, and empower all who seek justice and equality.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.