Ketanji Brown Jackson: The First Black Woman to Serve on the Supreme Court

By Shoshie Newman ‘24
In a revolutionary moment in United States history, Ketanji Brown Jackson has become the first Black woman to ever serve on the Supreme Court. Jackson was confirmed on April 7 by a vote of 53-47, with all 50 Democratic senators voting to confirm her. 

Due to her diverse and extensive public service background, and passion for equal justice, Jackson garnered special respect from many Senators. She is known to have a deep, individual understanding of the legal system, with several law enforcement representatives in her family. 
Jackson will be sworn in sometime this summer once Justice Stephen Breyer retires. After her final confirmation vote, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer described the event as a “joyous, momentous, groundbreaking day.”
Jackson graduated from Harvard College in 1992, afterwards going to Harvard Law School and becoming an editor of the Harvard Law Review. 
Before serving as a judge, Jackson worked in the U.S. Sentencing Commission under her mentor Justice Breyer. She was nominated in 2009 by President Obama and mainly focused on lessening unjustified sentencing variation and guaranteeing that federal sentences were just and relative. 
Jackson says that she feels, “So fortunate to have had the opportunities that I have had in life. I believe it is my obligation to teach my children to refrain from casting expulsions on others because of their life circumstances.”
With her years of service on the D.C. Circuit Court, the second highest federal court in the U.S., Jackson’s nomination became extremely viable. Furthermore, civil rights and unprejudiced approval organizations encouraged Jackson to serve on the Supreme Court, prompting her nomination. 
In 2016, the Obama administration screened Jackson as a possible nominee, and when running in 2020, current President Joe Biden guaranteed that he would designate a Black woman to the Supreme Court if there were to be a position open, furthering a new era in history.
Jackson’s confirmation was a huge milestone for all, including President Biden, who tweeted, “Judge Jackson’s confirmation was a historic moment for our nation. We have taken another step toward making our highest court reflect the diversity of America. She will be an incredible Justice, and I was honored to share this moment with her.” 
Sophomore Avital Ely said, “It is inspiring to see our country changing for the better with the new addition of Kentanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. Especially in these hard times, it is important to continue moving forward and focus on good, and Jackson serving on the supreme court is definitely a good light shining on all of the darkness right now.” 
“In the 233- year history of the Supreme Court, never, never has a Black woman held the title of Justice. Ketanji Brown Jackson will be the first and I believe the first of more to come,” remarked NY Senator Chuck Schumer.