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Favorite Things: Slow Burn: Becoming Justice Thomas
Mar 26, 2025
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.
52:07
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
