On this day in ...... 1916, in what The New York Times called "a complete surprise to the country," Boston-based attorney Louis D. Brandeis was nominated to become an Associate Justice of the United States' highest court. Just days before, The Times reported, Brandeis had spoken at a meeting called "to demand equal rights for the Jewish people"; upon his confirmation 5 months later, "after a tumultuous hearing process," Brandeis became the 1st Jewish man to serve on the Supreme Court. (credit for portrait of Brandeis by Andy Warhol) Other Supreme Court 1sts include (test your knowledge of Court trivia before clicking on the answer):
► 1st non-U.S.-born Justice, a man;► 1st Roman Catholic, a man;
► 1st Asia-born Justice, a man;
► 1st African American, a man;
► 1st woman of any background;► 1st Jewish woman; and
► most recently, as we've posted, the 1st Latina.
