Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect - Director Alexis Aggre

Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect, a new one-hour documentary, explores the life and legacy of Thurgood Marshall, the visionary lawyer and civil rights leader who became the first Black justice on the United States Supreme Court. Drawing from rare archival recordings, personal photographs, and exclusive interviews, the film offers an intimate and timely portrait of a man who reshaped American democracy. With a combination of oral history, animation, and evocative sound design, BECOMING THURGOOD brings Marshall’s story to life not as myth, but as a man of action — strategic, courageous, and deeply committed to justice. Through his work, Marshall held the nation accountable to its founding promises, redefined what was possible through the law, and helped move America closer to its highest ideals. Peabody and Emmy award winning director Alexis Aggrey joins us for a conversation on the significance of Thurgood Marshall’s pre-Supreme Court work in ushering in an era of real civil and equal rights for all Americans, regardless of their race, creed or color, as well as the equal rights advocates he inspired.  

*A testament to Marshall’s extraordinary influence, BECOMING THURGOOD: AMERICA’S SOCIAL ARCHITECT premieres Tuesday, September 9, 10:00-11:00 p.m. ET (check local listings) on PBS, PBS.org, and the PBS app.