THURGOOD MARSHALL STATUE
Gateway to Columbia’s Civil Rights Story: The Thurgood Marshall Monument
In partnership with the City of Columbia, CPJI is honoring the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who, as a young NAACP lawyer, defended Black residents arrested during the 1946 Columbia riots and narrowly escaped being lynched near the Duck River.
This statue, a gift from CPJI to the city, offers the community a way to move forward while recognizing the past. Through public art, it tells a story of hope, freedom, and justice.
We also believe the statue sparks curiosity for visitors, encouraging them to learn more about Columbia’s history and its role in the Civil Rights Movement.
WHY WE ARE HONORING THURGOOD MARSHALL
The injustices of the 1946 riots in Columbia have remained largely untold — a pivotal yet often overlooked chapter in our history that helped to shape the Civil Rights Movement. While Thurgood Marshall was not the central figure of these events, his involvement offers a powerful entry point into this story.
During his time in Columbia, despite being sidelined by pneumonia, Marshall’s commitment never wavered. He was thrust into the heart of the conflict, facing threats that tested his resolve and left a lasting mark on his life and legacy.
By commemorating Marshall, we not only highlight the national significance of these events but also their deep local impact, strengthening the story’s relevance and underscoring its place in the broader context of American history.
THIS IS ONLY THE BEGINNING
James Stephenson. Gladys Stephenson. Saul Blair. James Morton. Z. Alexander Looby.
These are the names of just some of the individuals who were pivotal during the 1946 riots, and their stories and contributions deserve recognition. With the erection of the Thurgood Marshall statue, CPJI is making a commitment to the community that these stories will be told.
The history of the riots will initially be shared through informational placards accompanying Marshall’s statue. However, this is just the beginning. We are continuing our efforts with the creation of Rember1946.com, a website that will capture the full history of the events in that time and how it shaped the future of our city and even the country.
"We believe that the Thurgood statue and markers commemorating that fateful uprising will spark visitors’ curiosity, instilling a desire to explore Columbia’s history and role in Civil Rights more completely.”
– Russ Adcox, CPJI Co-Founder
Where You Can Find the Statue
The Thurgood Marshall statue is located on East 8th Street, serving as a gateway to Columbia’s historical Black business district, the heart of the 1946 riots. This installation is part of a larger area revitalization, including a new roundabout and sidewalk upgrades.
ABOUT THE SCULPTURE
The monument was created by artist David Alan Clark, known for his emotionally powerful sculptures of historical figures. Inspired by an iconic 1956 Associated Press photograph, Clark portrays Marshall at age 38 during his work in Columbia, capturing his youthful energy and unwavering determination.
Marshall is shown striding uphill from riot-damaged East 8th Street toward the Maury County Courthouse, symbolizing his stand against racial violence and injustice. A shattered noose beneath his feet reflects the threats he faced. Cast at 125% of life size, the sculpture emphasizes Marshall’s lasting impact and honors the larger-than-life legacy of his work.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
Raised in the high desert near Green River, Wyoming, David Alan Clark produced his first commissioned bronze while still in his teens. After earning his BFA, he worked in the advertising industry in Chicago before returning full-time to sculpture and Wyoming.
Clark’s monumental sculpture work can be found in cities, universities and private collections across the country. His commissioned public art projects include:
Former slave, community leader, minister, and Texas state senator, Senator Matthew Gaines at Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
Civil Rights leaders Rev. Hosea Williams, W. A. Scott, Dr. Rita Samuels and Dorothey Lee Bolden, in Atlanta
President Abraham Lincoln (shown as a young state senator) in Naperville, Illinois
Dr. James Cash, the first Black student-athlete at Texas Christian University (TCU) and the first Black basketball player in the Southwest Conference, at TCU, Fort Worth, Texas
St. Francis, St. Francis Cancer Center, Tulsa, Oklahoma
“This project is needed and will start all kinds of conversations across our community. Our goal is to promote history, promote justice and expand conversation for a better community.”