NAACP President Derrick Johnson on the Historic Swearing-In Ceremony for Ketanji Brown Jackson
“We’re excited to finally call her Justice Jackson. It has a nice ring to it. Not only do we finally have a Black woman on the bench, but a highly qualified professional who will represent Black women, and all Americans, well. Jackson will bring much more than a vote in Supreme Court decisions, she will bring her voice. And in the wake of such far-right extremism poisoning our nation’s highest court, she will bring a voice — and a vote — of compassion, respect for human rights, and honor for the rule of law.
After gutting our right to vote, attacking women’s reproductive rights and undoing every inch of democracy we bled for, today is by far the greatest news for Black America coming out of this Supreme Court in a long, long time.”
Ketanji Brown Jackson’s swearing-in a ‘monumental moment’ for Black women
BY CHEYANNE M. DANIELS – 06/30/22 6:12 PM ET -The Hill
In a historic moment on Thursday, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as the nation’s first Black female justice to the Supreme Court.
Wearing a dark blue dress and low strappy heels, Jackson beamed at those gathered to watch Thursday. Her husband Patrick Jackson and their two daughters, Talia and Leila, were among those gathered.
Jackson spoke clearly as Chief Justice John Roberts administered the constitutional oath and Justice Stephen Breyer the judicial oath.
For Tristin Brown, policy director for the People’s Parity Project, Thursday’s ceremony was an emotional one.
“As a Black woman in 2022, I honestly did not think that we would get to a place where we would be confirming our first Black woman justice on the Supreme Court, which is sad to say,” said Brown. “I feel really fortunate to be alive to have witnessed this moment and to one day be able to convey that experience and those emotions to my children and future generations.”
Jackson, who replaces Breyer, was nominated by President Biden in February and confirmed by the Senate in a 53-47 vote in April. Biden had made a campaign promise that should a court seat be vacated during his presidency, he would nominate a Black woman to fill the seat.
For Brown, the message that Black women belong “front and center” will have a resounding effect on young Black women and girls.
