Harry A. Cole, Chair
Appointed by Governor (who named chair): Fred Lazarus IV; James E. Lewis; Dianne A. Magruder; Edward C. Papenfuse, Ph.D.; Kenneth G. Rodgers; Areca H. Sampson.
Contact: Nikki Smith
c/o Division of Historical & Cultural Programs
Dept. of Housing & Community Development
100 Community Place
Crownsville, MD 21032
(410) 514-7654
A memorial statue was erected in 1996 by the State of Maryland to honor her native son, Thurgood Marshall (1908-1993). Justice Marshall served on the U.S. Supreme Court from 1967 to 1991. In 1954, as chief counsel to the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, he argued against school segregation before the U.S. Supreme Court in the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka.
The Governor's Commission on the Thurgood Marshall Memorial Statue was formed in 1994 (Executive Order 01.01.1994.13). The Commission conducted a national design competition and, in March 1995, selected Maryland sculptor Antonio T. Mendez to create the work. In December 1996, the statue was erected on Lawyer's Mall near the State House in Annapolis. With the installation of the Thurgood Marshall Memorial, the Commission's duties were completed.
© Copyright November 12, 1997 Maryland State Archives