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On This Day – December 17, 1955: Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia Marshall Married

Their marriage was grounded in love, faith, and an enduring partnership that sustained a lifetime of service and leadership. From moments just after their wedding ceremony, to their honeymoon, to the marriage prayer book that guided them, these images offer a rare glimpse into the foundation of a remarkable life together.
Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia S. Marshall on Honeymoon at Virgin Isle Hotel
Johnson Publishing Company Archive. Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Made possible by the Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Smithsonian Institution.

On this Day, December 17, 1955, Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia A. Suyat were married by Rev. Shelton Hale Bishop at St. Philip’s Church in the Diocese of New York.

Their marriage was grounded in love, faith, and an enduring partnership that sustained a lifetime of service and leadership. From moments just after their wedding ceremony, to their honeymoon, to the marriage prayer book that guided them, these images offer a rare glimpse into the foundation of a remarkable life together.

Shortly after their wedding, Ebony magazine followed the newlyweds as they slipped away to the Virgin Islands and Haiti, capturing joyful and intimate moments.

Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia A. Suyat Marriage Service Page

Thurgood Marshall leaving for his honeymoon with Cecilia S. Marshall, his mother Norma Marshall standing by their side.
Thurgood Marshall leaving for his honeymoon with Cecilia S. Marshall, his mother Norma Marshall standing by their side.
Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia S. Marshall on the veranda with Virgin Isle Hotel meeting the owner Sidney Kessler on their honeymoon.
Thurgood Marshall and Cecilia S. Marshall on the veranda of the Virgin Isle Hotel meeting the owner Sidney Kessler on their honeymoon.
Thurgood Marshall taking a photo of Cecilia S. Marshall on the patio of Bluebeard's Castle on their honeymoon.
Thurgood Marshall taking a photo of Cecilia S. Marshall on the patio of Bluebeard’s Castle on their honeymoon.
Leaving Virgin Islands after five days, Marshalls board small plane that will take them to Haiti on their honeymoon.
Leaving Virgin Islands after five days, Marshalls board small plane that will take them to Haiti on their honeymoon.
Bridal party poses outside St. Philip's Episcopal Church after ceremony. In group are: John Bridgewater; Mrs. Roy Wilkins; Charles Stovall; Mrs. Stovall; best man George Hilton; maid of honor Marilyn Mayekawa; NAACP executive secretary Roy Wilkins; the Marshalls; groom's mother, Mrs. Norma Marshall; Mrs. Medea Dodson.
Bridal party poses outside St. Philip’s Episcopal Church after ceremony. In group are: John Bridgewater; Mrs. Roy Wilkins; Charles Stovall; Mrs. Stovall; best man George Hilton; maid of honor Marilyn Mayekawa; NAACP executive secretary Roy Wilkins; the Marshalls; groom’s mother, Mrs. Norma Marshall; Mrs. Medea Dodson.

We are deeply grateful to those who have supported the preservation of the Johnson Publishing Company Archive, Courtesy J. Paul Getty Trust and Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Made possible by the Ford Foundation, J. Paul Getty Trust, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, and Smithsonian Institution. Their commitment ensures that JET and EBONY Magazine photographs — so vital to documenting Black life, leadership, and culture — remain accessible to the public and preserved for future generations.