On Tuesday, November 14, 2006, Clarence Thomas, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, spoke at The Lincoln Institute Breakfast Forum at the University Club in Washington, D.C.

One of the first things the Lincoln Institute did after its founding was launch a quarterly publication called “Lincoln Review.” Our goal was to make it a serious publication without making it “deadly dull” like some other academic journals of the time. It’s purpose was to reach and influence America’s black middle class.

“Lincoln Review” was filled with articles by and about black conservatives and about conservative ideas. We sent a copy of “Lincoln Review” to every member of Congress, in addition to places like black colleges and universities and the media. (In fact, the “Wall Street Journal” ran a lead editorial about our first issue – a first, we think.)

Clarence Thomas was a young staffer in the office of then – U.S. Senator John Danforth of Missouri. A fellow staffer passed a copy of “Lincoln Review” on to Clarence, who read it and gave Jay Parker – as “Lincoln Review’s” editor and publisher – a call.

Jay Parker, The Lincoln Institute President, became a close friend of Clarence. Clarence joined the editorial board of “Lincoln Review” and they talked and met often as he progressed in his career. Today, Clarence is one of the most influential people in the country as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court.
 

 
Pictures of the November 2006 Lincoln Institute
Breakfast Forum Featuring Clarence Thomas