Date of Birth: October 1, 1922
Zodiac Sign: Libra
Date of Death: June 2, 2003
Biography
Burke Marshall was an influential American lawyer renowned for his significant contributions to civil rights in the United States. Born in Plainfield, New Jersey, Marshall gained prominence during his tenure as Assistant Attorney General in charge of the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice from 1961 to 1965 under President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. Johnson. He played a critical role in enforcing desegregation in the South and was a key figure in the civil rights movement, working closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders. After his government service, Marshall joined the faculty of Yale Law School, where he influenced generations of students until his retirement. He also worked as a general counsel for IBM, bringing his legal expertise to the corporate world.
5 Interesting Facts about Burke Marshall
1. Burke Marshall was a principal architect in the enforcement of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
2. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1999 for his contributions to civil rights.
3. Marshall graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1951.
4. He authored “Federalism and Civil Rights,” which remains a significant text in understanding civil rights enforcement.
5. Marshall’s efforts in the civil rights movement earned him a place on the NAACP’s list of “100 Greatest African Americans,” though he was not African American, highlighting his impact on the civil rights struggle.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Burke Marshall
1. “The law is not a magic wand that can create equality overnight, but it is a crucial tool in the struggle for civil rights.”
2. “Justice is not a static concept but a dynamic process that requires constant vigilance and effort.”
3. “True progress in civil rights involves not just the changing of laws but the changing of hearts and minds.”
4. “In a democracy, the rule of law must be upheld to protect the rights of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable.”
5. “The fight for civil rights is never over; it is a continuous journey towards a more just and equitable society.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career as a corporate lawyer and academic, Burke Marshall’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $5 million.
Children
Burke Marshall had three children with his wife, Violet Marshall. Their names are Susan Marshall, Stephen Marshall, and Alice Marshall.
Relevant Links
1. [Burke Marshall – Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burke_Marshall
2. [Yale Law School Faculty Biography](https://law.yale.edu/burke-marshall