Viewing American History from the Supreme Court's POV, Connor McIntyre
Introduction:
American History, isn't limited to America. The history of the nation has been intertwined with the rest of the world through the values of freedom and liberty being echoed all around the world, and nothing exemplifies this more than the Civil Rights Movement. Nikhil Pal Singh, a Ph.D. Harvard historian argues in his book Black is a Country, although the movement was based in America, the movement was really centered around anti-imperialism and demanding equality for all internationally. He says that the, "imperative to include blacks within the nation was increasingly linked to the struggle to imagine the world-system and the future U.S. role within it." The role of America would be to lead the world and other countries to help embody these values and their freedom for their people.But why should the United States be equipped to do so, especially given it's controversial history. In fact, it's controversial history is why the US is more equipped to do so. Thurgood Marshall is a clear example of this. Marshall served as a lawyer for the NAACP, and then as the first African American in the Supreme Court. In what is often referred to as his "Bicentennial Speech" he describes the Constitution as a "Living document." "We the People" and it's ideas of freedom and equality did not extend to African Americans, but later amendments would change the framework to include them.
Marshall was one of the lawyers on a little known case, that is known as Brown V Board of Education. Marshall fought in the very case that sough to reinterpret the constitution to begin eliminating segregation in the United States.
The smile on their faces, and their handshake demonstrating unity in the face of injustice in the United States shows that America can change, and improve on itself in every fashion possible. The progression from slavery to freedom, to fighting for a new interpretation of the Constitution can demonstrate that America can eventually, become the best version of itself and exemplify it's core values.
Along with this, after his success in Brown V Board of Education, Thurgood Marshall was asked by the UN to help draft either Constitutions or Declarations of Independence for Ghana, present day Tanzania, and Kenya. Marshall quoted word for word, parts of either document. His work in these countries began to develop the ideas of freedom, liberty and equality in their core foundations. With Marshall's initial framework, these three countries are in great places to improve. They aren't perfect and will need help to further develop and truly live up to these ideas. Given its history, the United States can help these countries progress at a much faster rate.
Marshall is just one demonstration of the connection that the Civil Rights Movement has internationally. The idea of freedom, liberty, and equality for all are not limited to the United States. They are international, and just need a little spark to help other countries further advance these core values. It also demonstrates the international presence Civil Rights had during this time, as the United States was not the only country dealing with a movement like this at this time. While Marshall can be this spark for the three African countries, some other countries need guidance or a little nudge to begin progressing.
