FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2020

Thurgood Marshall Human Rights Monument Groundbreaking

 New City, NY, - County Executive Ed Day and Human Rights Commissioner Constance Frazier hosted a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Rockland County Thurgood Marshall Human Rights Monument with community members at Dutch Garden, 37 South Main Street in New City.

“It is a true honor to take part in this ceremony today as we move one step closer to the completion of the Rockland County Thurgood Marshall Human Rights Monument,” said County Executive Ed Day. “Thurgood Marshall played a direct role in the course of Rockland County history. His fight in Hillburn is a crucial part of our history and his legacy is something we must all be reminded of.”

Long before the well-known Brown v. Board of Education case Thurgood Marshall worked successfully in Rockland to integrate the Hillburn School system. As a young lawyer he was employed by the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund.

“I believe this is the first time in the history of Rockland County that an African American, who ascended to the Supreme Court, is being honored for his humanitarian contributions to the County,” said Commissioner of Human Rights Constance Frazier. “Thurgood Marshall deserves to be recognized in Rockland County because this 6’1” “intellectual legal giant,” ensured the human rights of all children who attended Brook Street Elementary, as well as the schools across this country.”

The following words, attributed to Thurgood Marshall, will be etched on the black marble, which is the backdrop of for the Monument, “In recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.”

The entire ceremony was live streamed on the Rockland County Government Facebook page and is available for viewing here: https://bit.ly/3jzxPWl

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