St. Paul, Minn. — As Terrance C. Newby, an accomplished attorney and playwright, sat in the historic federal courthouse that now serves as the Landmark Center, he felt overwhelmed by the historical significance of his surroundings. It was here that Thurgood Marshall, the future Supreme Court justice, argued a pivotal early civil rights lawsuit. Inspired by this event, Newby penned the play “Little Rock, 1942,” which recently premiered in the same space where Marshall made legal history.
The play focuses on a 1942 case where Susie Morris, alongside other Black teachers in Little Rock, Arkansas, sought equal pay, learning they were paid less than their white counterparts. Thurgood Marshall, representing the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, successfully appealed the case at the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, during its session in St. Paul. The victory is seen as a foundational moment that influenced the monumental Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.
The performance took place as part of the center’s History Play series, featuring local attorneys and judges as cast members. Three shows, recorded by the St. Paul Neighborhood Network, brought the legal battle to life, symbolically in the courtroom where Marshall had once stood.
In remarks that preluded the play, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Donovan Frank highlighted the enduring legacy of Marshall’s work, emphasizing its role leading up to the Brown v. Board of Education. Judge Frank described the significance of this play in understanding the profound historical impact of Marshall’s cases.
Shifting from historical explorations to present concerns, Newby also introduced a modern play entitled “Our Dearest Friends.” Performed at the Hive Collective, this fictional work delves into the nuanced dynamics between a morally ambiguous corporate lawyer and his corrupt client, exploring ethical boundaries in legal practice.
Apart from his theatrical ventures, Newby is also working on a sequel to his historical fiction novel, “Dangerfield’s Promise,” based on the life of a freed slave believed to be a distant relative. This forthcoming book follows the story of Dangerfield’s brother, Gabriel, in his quest to fulfill a family obligation after Dangerfield was killed during John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry in 1859.
Further enriching his diverse career, Newby serves as the new chair of Maslon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, where he emphasizes broad concepts of inclusion that go beyond race, gender, or sexual orientation. His leadership focuses on incorporating diverse perspectives and experiences to foster a more inclusive environment.
Additionally, Newby’s writing extends beyond plays and novels. His writing career started with composing marketing materials and an internal newsletter during his university days and a stint in the insurance industry. This love for writing continues to intertwine with his legal profession, allowing him to engage creatively when his schedule permits.
The rich tapestry of Newby’s work reflects a deep commitment to exploring and addressing both historical injustices and contemporary ethical dilemmas through various forms of storytelling, all while honoring the legacy of icons like Thurgood Marshall.
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