Michigan Supreme Court Justice Megan Cavanagh (right), Justice Kimberly Thomas (center) and Justice Elizabeth Welch (left) view the home of Dr. Sullivan Jackson and his wife Richie Jean Sherrod Jackson, on display at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, Mich. The home was a critical hub for the planning of the Selma to Montgomery marches.
Justices of the Michigan Supreme Court visited The Henry Ford on July 21 as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration, touring the Freedom Plane National Tour exhibition and the newly-restored Jackson Home to reflect on the enduring principles of constitutional democracy, the rule of law, and the continuing pursuit of civil rights.
The visit connected two defining chapters of American history. The Freedom Plane exhibition features some of the nation's most significant founding documents, while the Jackson Home—recently relocated and restored at Greenfield Village—served as a meeting place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders planned the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and advanced efforts that helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The justices reflected on how the nation's founding ideals continue to shape the work of the judiciary.
For 250 years, courts have played a vital role in protecting the rights and liberties of the people by interpreting the Constitution and ensuring equal justice under the law.
Visiting both the Freedom Plane exhibition and the Jackson Home offered a broader perspective on the American story—one that recognizes both the nation's founding principles and the generations of Americans who worked to expand those ideals to include those who were originally excluded.
The visit also supports the Michigan judiciary's 2026 focus on civic engagement and judicial outreach, encouraging greater public understanding of the courts and the Constitution while inspiring civic participation among future generations.
The Freedom Plane National Tour provides visitors with a rare opportunity to experience historic founding documents that continue to influence American democracy.
The visit connected two defining chapters of American history. The Freedom Plane exhibition features some of the nation's most significant founding documents, while the Jackson Home—recently relocated and restored at Greenfield Village—served as a meeting place where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and other civil rights leaders planned the Selma-to-Montgomery marches and advanced efforts that helped lead to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
The justices reflected on how the nation's founding ideals continue to shape the work of the judiciary.
For 250 years, courts have played a vital role in protecting the rights and liberties of the people by interpreting the Constitution and ensuring equal justice under the law.
Visiting both the Freedom Plane exhibition and the Jackson Home offered a broader perspective on the American story—one that recognizes both the nation's founding principles and the generations of Americans who worked to expand those ideals to include those who were originally excluded.
The visit also supports the Michigan judiciary's 2026 focus on civic engagement and judicial outreach, encouraging greater public understanding of the courts and the Constitution while inspiring civic participation among future generations.
The Freedom Plane National Tour provides visitors with a rare opportunity to experience historic founding documents that continue to influence American democracy.
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