Engage your students in critical thinking and historical analysis with this activity on Thurgood Marshall’s 1978 “Equity Speech” delivered at Howard Law School. In this powerful address—made national news for its sobering tone—Marshall reflected on whether Black Americans had truly achieved equality more than a decade after the passage of the Civil Rights Act.

Students will read a generous excerpt of the speech and analyze its tone, message, and relevance, considering both the historical context and its connection to modern issues. Unlike his earlier speeches emphasizing hard work and diligence, this one carries a tone of warning and resignation, cautioning against the “traps” still being laid for Black Americans.

A meaningful supplement to your To Kill a Mockingbird unit, any Civil Rights novel study, or American history curriculum, this resource bridges literature, history, and social justice while encouraging students to reflect on equity, progress, and continuing challenges in society.

Why Teachers Love It

• Encourages deep text analysis and critical thinking
• Strengthens connections between literature, history, and current events
• Builds SEL skills by prompting reflection on fairness, equity, and resilience
• Versatile for whole-class, small group, or independent learning

What’s Included

• Generous excerpt of Thurgood Marshall’s 1978 “Equity Speech”
• Comprehension and analysis questions on tone, message, and relevance
• Answer Key for teacher convenience
• Both printable and digital formats for flexible classroom use

Why It Works
This resource connects students to the ongoing conversation about equality and justice through the words of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. It helps students see the relevance of history to today’s struggles and connects powerfully to the themes of To Kill a Mockingbird and other Civil Rights texts.