Jack Rice Inspired by “Little Rock, 1942”: A Story of Courage and Justice and Set Right Here in St. Paul.
Jack Rice, a prominent Minnesota defense attorney, has found inspiration in the powerful performance of “Little Rock, 1942,” showcased through the Landmark Center’s History Play series. This compelling stage production, featuring an all-star cast of Twin Cities judges and lawyers, tells the true story of a landmark civil rights lawsuit that not only highlighted racial injustice but also paved the way for the historic Brown v. Board of Education decision. Written by Terrance Newby and James Lundy and directed by Chad Snyder, it highlights a small piece of history that ultimately lead to one of the most important cases in U.S. Supreme Court and American history. If you are facing serious criminal charges in St. Paul or anywhere in the Twin Cities here in Minnesota, make sure you consult with an experienced Minnesota criminal defense attorney.
This play is amazing because the true story actually took place in the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Originally built in 1902 at the Federal Courthouse and Post Office, it was also home the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals. A case out of Little Rock brought the legendary Thurgood Marshall here to argue on behalf of Susie.
“Thurgood Marshall was in this building, one of the greatest advocates in U.S. history only steps from where we watched the play about him. It was a breathtaking concept.”
Set against the backdrop of 1942, the narrative centers on Susie Cowan Williams, formerly known as Susie Morris, who bravely sued the Little Rock School District for equal pay for African American teachers. As the head of the English Department at Dunbar High School and a staunch advocate for teacher rights, Williams’ determination led her to seek legal recourse with the assistance of the legendary Thurgood Marshall from the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. With her unwavering spirit and Marshall's legal prowess, Williams won her case in the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, marking a significant victory for civil rights and equality in education.
The History Play series at Landmark Center is more than just a theatrical performance; it serves as a poignant reminder of the trials and triumphs that shaped our legal history. By enlisting notable judges and practitioners to portray these historical events, the series breathes life into the legal system’s past, making it accessible and engaging for today’s audiences.
For Jack Rice, witnessing the dedication to justice portrayed in “Little Rock, 1942” resonates deeply with his own commitment to defending individuals in serious criminal cases. Inspired by the courage of the past, Rice emphasizes the importance of standing up for what is right in the face of adversity—a principle that underscores his legal practice. Even more, Terrance Newby and James Lundy really brought this piece of history to life.
“Marshall is one of Jack’s heroes and it’s an incredible concept that this many stood up for some many and risked his life in order to do it.”
As the founder of Jack Rice Defense, he is devoted to providing expert legal representation to those facing serious charges in Minnesota. Rice urges individuals in need of support to seek the expertise of a seasoned Minnesota criminal defense attorney. He invites anyone requiring legal assistance to contact his firm for a free, confidential consultation at 651-447-7650 or 612-227-1339.
When your life is on the line, trust that Jack Rice Defense will stand by your side, inspired by the legacy of those who fought for justice before us.
Jack is a nationally recognized and award winning criminal defense lawyer, awarded Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer of 2024, Minnesota Super Lawyer for 2023, Among the Best Lawyers of 2022, winner of the Minnesota Attorney of the Year Award for 2021 and founder of Jack Rice Defense. He was awarded the Professional Excellence Award from the MSBA for 2020, and is an MSBA Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist. He is also a former Prosecutor and a former U.S. Central Intelligence Agency Officer. This St. Paul Criminal Defense Lawyer has decades of experience successfully representing thousands of clients facing everything from Sex Crimes, Child Pornography, Domestic Assault to DWI to Murder to other serious criminal charges.