Ketanji Brown Jackson to Become the First Black Woman on the Supreme Court
Ketanji Brown Jackson became the nation’s first Black woman to be confirmed to the Supreme Court on April 7.
Judge Jackson will fill the seat of Stephen Breyer, who announced his retirement after over 25 years on the Court. One of President Joe Biden’s most famous campaign pledges in 2020 was his promise to name a Black woman to the highest court in the United States.
Historic moment for our courts and for our country. Congratulations, Judge Jackson. pic.twitter.com/eLSfs1QoHB
— President Biden (@POTUS) April 7, 2022
Jackson is the daughter of schoolteachers and most recently has served as a federal appellate court judge in Washington, D.C. Speaking of her parents, she mentioned their teaching her: “that, unlike the many impenetrable barriers that they had to face, my path was clear. If I worked hard and believed in myself, I could do anything or be anything I wanted to be.”
The Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court in a 53-47 vote.
— Vox (@voxdotcom) April 7, 2022
It’s a historic moment. Jackson is not only the first Black woman to serve on the Court, but also the first justice since Thurgood Marshall with significant experience as a public defender. pic.twitter.com/bkk3Y4EHSD
Jackson had an intense confirmation process, being grilled by Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee on previous cases related to child pornography sentencing. Ultimately, her trailblazing confirmation was supported by 3 Republican senators and every Senate Democrat. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) expressed, “This milestone should have happened generations ago — generations ago — but we are always trotting on a path towards a more perfect union. America today is taking a giant step towards making our union more perfect.”
I was so moved to see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed this afternoon. Like so many of you, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride—a sense of joy—to know that this deserving, accomplished Black woman will be a part of the highest court in the land. pic.twitter.com/hnPcDuPt8w
— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 7, 2022
Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), the only Black senator on the Judiciary Committee, stated, “Her grace was evident from the jump, and I don’t think you can diminish that. Nothing can steal the joy of this moment.”
Judge Jackson will take her place on the 9-person bench over the summer when Justice Breyer officially retires.
