Definition:

 Integrity is the practice of living consistently by a code of strong moral principles which includes being honest, respectful and responsible all the time, whether you’re seen or unseen.

In short:

Do the right thing, even when no one's looking.  

Summary:
Thurgood had firm beliefs about the equal rights of all people. He was born into an environment where black people did not have the rights that others did. His father actively taught him about how the legal system works and how to challenge unfair laws. Thurgood realized that the best way to accomplish changes was not through civil disobedience, but by changing laws. He attended Howard University, a school for blacks where he learned how to tackle laws about segregation. He won many court cases that established fair laws and equal rights for blacks in the USA, and he became the first black Supreme Court Justice. 

Lesson Objectives: 

1. Students will be motivated to learn more about how the legal system can correct unfair laws.
2. They will gain respect for those who have worked to change unjust laws and an interest to learn more about the people who have had the courage to do this. 

Guiding Questions: 

1. When Thurgood was a child, how did he react to injustice? 
2. What did Thurgood’s father do to help his son prepare to be a lawyer? 
3. What were some of the Jim Crow laws in the USA (laws that were unjust toward black people).
4. How did Thurgood train to be a lawyer? 
5. What does it mean to debate and have you ever been involved in a debate contest at school? If so, what happened? 
6. Lawyers have to be good at arguing in order to prove their point. Are you good at arguing? Explain your answer. 
7. What dangers did Thurgood face in his efforts to win his battles? 
8. “Thurgood kept his cool” - explain how he handled having to face injustice. Can you keep your cool when you face challenges? 
9. He was known as “Mr. Civil Rights” - how did he win this title? Describe the most important battle he fought. 
10. Thurgood Marshall became the first … (fill in the blank). Why was that important to the cause of equal rights for all?