Clarence Thomas: A Life on the Supreme Court

Early Years and Education

Clarence Thomas was born on June 23, 1948, in Pinpoint, Georgia. He was the second of three children born to MC Thomas and Leola Williams. His father was a farm worker, while his mother was a domestic worker. Thomas attended local schools before graduating from St. Pius X Catholic High School in Savannah, Georgia.

After high school, Thomas attended Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science in 1971. He then attended Yale Law School, where he graduated with a Juris Doctor in 1974.

Legal and Political Career

After graduating from law school, Thomas worked as an attorney for the Missouri Attorney General's Office. In 1979, he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). He served as chairman of the EEOC from 1982 to 1989.

In 1989, President George H.W. Bush appointed Thomas to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. He served on the court until 1991, when he was nominated by President Bush to the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court Justice

Thomas was confirmed by the Senate by a vote of 52-48 on October 2, 1991. He is the second African American to serve on the Supreme Court, after Thurgood Marshall. Thomas is a conservative justice and has often been the swing vote in closely divided cases.

Personal Life

Thomas is married to Ginni Thomas, a conservative lawyer and activist. The couple has one child, Jamal Adeen Thomas.