Burke Marshall facts for kids

Burke Marshall was an important American lawyer. He played a big role in the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. From 1961 to 1964, he led the Civil Rights Division of the US Department of Justice. This part of the government works to protect the rights of all Americans.

Early Life and Education

Marshall was born on October 1, 1922, in Plainfield, New Jersey. He went to Phillips Exeter Academy for high school. After that, he studied at Yale University, graduating in 1943.

During World War II, Marshall joined the army. He worked in intelligence, translating Japanese and analyzing secret codes. While serving, he met Violet Person, who later became his wife.

After the war, Marshall went to Yale Law School. He earned his law degree in 1951. Soon after, he became a lawyer in Washington, D.C..

Starting His Career

In 1952, Marshall joined a law firm called Covington & Burling. He worked there for ten years. His main focus was on antitrust law. This type of law makes sure that businesses compete fairly and don't form monopolies.

Working for the Government

Leading the Civil Rights Division

In 1961, Robert F. Kennedy asked Burke Marshall to join the government. Kennedy was the Attorney General (the country's top lawyer) under his brother, President John F. Kennedy. Marshall was appointed Assistant Attorney General. He was put in charge of the Civil Rights Division.

Even though Marshall didn't have much experience in civil rights, he quickly became very important. He worked closely with Robert Kennedy as the Civil Rights Movement grew stronger in the Southern states.

Key Civil Rights Achievements

Marshall helped make many important changes for civil rights. In 1961, rules were put in place to stop segregation on buses and trains that traveled between states. This meant people of all races could sit anywhere.

In 1962, Marshall helped James Meredith, a Black student, enroll at the University of Mississippi. This was a big step against segregation in education. Marshall and Robert Kennedy convinced President Kennedy to send federal troops to make sure Meredith could attend safely.

Marshall also worked hard to help more Black citizens register to vote. Within two years, he started 42 lawsuits against states. These lawsuits aimed to change unfair voting laws.

Crafting the Civil Rights Act

Marshall focused on getting results. He believed in using the government's power to regulate business between states. He used this idea to help write the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This very important law made it illegal to discriminate in public places, in government, and in jobs.

Marshall was known for being a hands-on negotiator. He didn't just stay in his office. He met with many key figures during the Civil Rights Movement. These included leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. and politicians like Alabama Governor George Wallace.

Marshall left his government job in December 1964. President Lyndon B. Johnson praised his work, saying he had provided "a better quality of public service" than almost anyone he knew.

Later Career and Teaching

After leaving the government, Marshall returned to being a lawyer. He worked for IBM, a large technology company, as a vice president.

In 1970, he became a professor and deputy dean at Yale Law School. He taught courses on important topics like constitutional law and civil rights. One of his most famous courses was "The Limits of the Law." He taught this with other respected professors.

Marshall also led the Vera Institute of Justice for many years. This organization works to improve justice and safety. In 1999, he received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award for Human Rights. This award honors people who have made great contributions to human rights.

Death

Burke Marshall passed away on June 2, 2003, at his home in Newtown, Connecticut. He was 80 years old. He was survived by his wife, Violet, and their three daughters, Catie, Jane, and Josie. He also had four grandchildren.