A black child, born into poverty in the rural, segregated South is now a United States Supreme Court Justice. Michael Farris was recently able to sit down with Justice Clarence Thomas for a conversation about his recently published memoir, My Grandfather’s Son. We’ll listen in on their conversation on today’s Home School Heartbeat.
Farris:
Justice Thomas, it’s indeed an honor to have you join us on Home School Heartbeat. We’re going to talk about your new book, My Grandfather’s Son.
Justice Thomas:
I’m honored to be on your program.
Farris:
Justice Thomas, you were principally raised by your grandparents and your relationship with your grandfather was particularly important in your life. Can you tell us about your grandfather and how he impacted the direction of your life?
Justice Thomas:
First of all, I wrote this because so much is written about me and about others that’s just not accurate. And I think it dishonored people like my grandfather not to say what actually happened, not just in my life but the impact that he had. He was a strong man; he didn’t have a father around; his mother died when he was nine. He was raised in part by his grandmother who was a freed slave. And yet, through all of that and the segregation he remained positive and strong. He was hardworking. He embodied what we refer to fondly as the protestant work ethic. He was devoutly religious; he was honest to a fault. I would spend much of my life emulating him and returning ultimately to the way that I was raised in that house.
Farris:
Justice Thomas, the values you learned from your grandfather were really a compelling part of your story. We’ll talk more about this tomorrow. I’m Mike Farris.
