Black History Month: Ordinary People Who Overcame Extraordinary Obstacles

Black History Month: Ordinary People Who Overcame Extraordinary Obstacles

At an early age, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Jeffery P. Hopkins took risks and got out of his comfort zone to ask for the help of supportive adults. He reminds young people that many adults want to be part of their success story, too. The Judge encourages anyone with goals to show an interest, work hard, and seek the guidance of others. Watch Judge Hopkins' video

Judge Hopkins' story is part of Pathways to the Bench, an ongoing, inspirational series of profiles of federal judges of all demographics and backgrounds who have overcome obstacles to serve on the bench. The series is for all audiences and ages. More Pathways to the Bench videos

For more resources and programs relevant to Black History Month, find Brown v. Board of Education: A lesson plan, biography of Justice Thurgood Marshall, and a re-enactment of Brown v. Board of Education. Resources and program materials are available on the Legal Landmarks page.

Find classroom and courtroom resources ranging from the basics of federal courts' structure, operations, and jurisdiction to teen-relevant scenarios and trial simulations based on landmark Supreme Court cases on the Educational Resources page.