Favorite Things: Slow Burn: Becoming Justice Thomas
Mar 26, 2025
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Eddie Jenkins, a fellow student at Holy Cross College, shares his unique insights into Clarence Thomas's college years and his role in the Black Student Union. The discussion dives into Thomas's journey from a childhood in poverty to grappling with identity at a predominantly white institution. Jenkins recounts the challenges faced by Black students in 1968 and their fight for representation. The conversation also touches on Thomas's transformation from a college radical to a conservative figure, highlighting the complexities of racism and activism during that era.
Clarence Thomas's challenging upbringing in poverty highlighted the significance of resilience and education in shaping his views on social justice.
His evolving identity was marked by a complex relationship with race and class, particularly during his educational experiences in predominantly white institutions.
Deep dives
Clarence Thomas's Humble Beginnings
Clarence Thomas was born in the small community of Pinpoint, Georgia, where he experienced poverty firsthand. His early life was marked by struggles, including the loss of his family home due to fire and living in a one-room tenement with his mother. Despite these hardships, Thomas's mother, Leola Williams, emphasized the importance of resilience and education to her children. This foundational experience of poverty profoundly shaped Thomas's later views on social justice and his approach to the law.
Impact of Family and Community
Thomas's upbringing in a close-knit family environment under the care of his grandfather was pivotal in his development. His grandfather, Myers Anderson, instilled a strong work ethic and encouraged Clarence to seize educational opportunities that were previously denied to him. This mentorship and the influence of his family's struggles with racism informed Thomas's perspective on race and class throughout his life. As Thomas transitioned into a more middle-class setting, he grappled with the complexities of his identity amid shifting social dynamics.
Education and Transformation
Thomas's educational journey included significant challenges as he moved through various schools, transitioning from impoverished surroundings to more privileged environments. This shift led to conflicts with peers and teachers, particularly regarding his identity as a Black student in predominantly white spaces. His experiences at Catholic institutions were formative, as he frequently engaged with ideas of racism and justice while attempting to navigate a path toward success. Notably, his decision to abandon the priesthood revealed a tension between traditional expectations and his evolving identity.
Engagement with Social Justice
As Thomas progressed through college, he became actively involved in social justice movements, aligning himself with a variety of organizations and advocating for Black rights. His participation in protests and the founding of the Black Student Union showcased his growing commitment to activism and community empowerment. However, the events surrounding Martin Luther King's assassination catalyzed a transformation in Thomas's political views, leading him to abandon earlier radical inclinations. This pivotal moment ultimately set the stage for his future career and ideological evolution within the American political landscape.
The first of a between-seasons miniseries, "a few of my favorite things," chosen by host John Biewen. From Slow Burn, episode 1 of "Becoming Justice Thomas," an exploration, by journalist Joel Anderson, of how Clarence Thomas, a poor Black kid from a tiny town in Georgia, became ... Clarence Thomas. Episode 1 is called, "America's Blackest Child."