Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas addressed the expectation that Black Americans should hold specific political views based on their race during a conversation with Republican Texas Sen. Ted Cruz. In a discussion on the “Verdict with Ted Cruz” podcast, Thomas shared insights into his viewpoint.

Thomas remarked, “We had this saying [that there are] only two things I have to do: stay Black and die.” This statement responded to the idea that Black individuals must adhere to particular ideologies due to their skin color.

The justice mentioned, “They think that here’s the way you’re supposed to think. Again, here’s your skin color. There’s this kind of deterministic view that you’re supposed to think this because we say so.” Thomas firmly stated his refusal to conform, saying, “And I, of course, declined that invitation.” He explained how his individual choices go against the expectations of others.

Thomas grew up in segregated Georgia, initially in his parents’ wooden shack in Pin Point and later with his grandparents in Savannah. Raised speaking Gullah, a creole language, he experienced early life challenges. During his time at the College of the Holy Cross, he supported left-wing Black nationalism and admired figures like Malcolm X but shifted his beliefs following a violent protest in 1970. This incident led him to embrace the principle of self-reliance taught by his grandfather.

To illustrate his point, Thomas drew a parallel between current ideas and past racial segregation. He questioned the fairness of restrictions historically placed on Black individuals, such as segregated libraries. “What if they allowed me in but said I couldn’t go to certain floors? That would be wrong,” he said.

In essence, Thomas challenged the idea that Black Americans should confine themselves to specific viewpoints or ideologies. He posed, “Then my question is, why is it then that you have a problem with me embracing certain ideas in certain books? What’s the difference?”