Columbia Unveils Thurgood Marshall Statue Highlighting 1946 Race Riot Legacy

Columbia, Tennessee, recently unveiled a bronze statue of Thurgood Marshall, the first African American U.S. Supreme Court Justice, at a new roundabout in downtown, marking a significant tribute to his civil rights legacy and legal work during the 1946 Columbia Race Riot. The statue, a gift from the Columbia Peace & Justice Initiative, is situated at the entrance to Columbia's historically Black district and serves as both an artwork and an educational tool, complemented by historical markers detailing Marshall's involvement and the uprising's history. The 1946 conflict began with a dispute over a radio repair that escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in the arrest of 100 Black men, with Marshall defending 25 individuals on trial. The statue depicts Marshall walking uphill toward the Maury County Courthouse, inspired by a 1956 photograph, symbolizing Columbia's role in the broader civil rights struggle. City officials and community leaders highlighted the statue as a powerful reminder of Marshall's unwavering commitment to equality and justice, as well as the ongoing efforts to preserve this important history for future generations. The event was met with a sense of pride and reflection on the city's significant place in civil rights history.