Clarence Thomas is an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, serving since 1991. He is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, following Thurgood Marshall. Thomas was born in Pin Point, Georgia in 1948. He was the second of three children born to M.C. Thomas, a farm worker, and Leola Williams, a domestic worker.
Thomas grew up in poverty, living in a small, two-room house with no indoor plumbing. Despite these challenges, he excelled academically and was a standout athlete in high school. He attended Holy Cross College on a full scholarship, where he earned a bachelor's degree in English. He then attended Yale Law School, where he earned his law degree in 1974.
After law school, Thomas worked in private practice for a short time before becoming an Assistant Attorney General in Missouri. In 1979, he was appointed as an Assistant Secretary of Education in the Reagan administration. In 1982, he was nominated by President Reagan to serve as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.
In 1991, President George H. W. Bush nominated Thomas to fill the Supreme Court seat left vacant by the retirement of Justice Thurgood Marshall. His confirmation hearings were highly controversial and featured testimony from Anita Hill, a former employee of Thomas, who accused him of sexual harassment. Despite the controversy, Thomas was ultimately confirmed by a vote of 52-48 in the Senate.
Since joining the Supreme Court, Thomas has been a consistently conservative voice, often siding with the Court's other conservative justices on issues such as abortion, affirmative action, and gun control. He is known for his strict interpretation of the Constitution and his skepticism of federal regulation.
In addition to his work on the Supreme Court, Thomas is also known for his efforts to promote education and mentorship for disadvantaged youth. He has spoken publicly about his own experiences growing up in poverty and has made it a priority to reach out to young people in underserved communities.
Overall, Clarence Thomas is a highly influential figure in American law and politics. His unique background and conservative judicial philosophy have made him a controversial figure, but his dedication to public service and education have also earned him the respect of many.
