Thurgood Marshall took a stand when it was dangerous to do so. He was more than America's first African-American Supreme Court justice and the lawyer who argued Brown v. Board of Education. He was a hero who stood up for what he believed in, again and again, despite the odds. Understand his full story in Marshall — hitting theaters everywhere this Friday. Get tickets today!

In celebration of the man, OZY is launching the Modern Marshall Awards, looking for people who personify Marshall’s spirit, and we’re proud to name Maura McInerney the first winner. McInerney was nominated by her peers for her work as an attorney and child advocate for Philadelphia’s Education Law Center, where she tirelessly fights on behalf of homeless and foster children.