Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes first Black woman Supreme Court justice

The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court on Thursday, making her the first Black woman and former public defender to serve on the nation’s highest court.

Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed as a Supreme Court Justice

The Washington D.C. native was confirmed in a 53-47 vote. Every Democrat voted for her, along with three Republicans: Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Susan Collins (Maine) and Mitt Romney (Utah). When the vote was over, the Senate chamber erupted with cheers and applause.

Jackson’s confirmation seals a promise by President Joe Biden, who vowed to pick a Black woman as a Supreme Court Justice.

But her confirmation didn’t come without ridicule and attacks by Republicans.

In particular, when Jackson presided over child sex offenders cases, saying her rulings were too lenient despite her judgments aligning with the mainstream.

Like a strong Black woman, the 51-year-old persevered through the hearing with poise, grace, and temperance, and will now be on the highest court of the land.

Jackson will assume the position as Associate Justice when Associate Justice Stephen Breyer officially retires in a few months.

When Ketanji Brown Jackson takes her seat, it will mark the first time the court’s nine-member bench will include two Black justices and four female justices.

“Seeing Judge Jackson ascend to the Supreme Court reflects the promise of progress on which our democracy risks. What a great day it is in America,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock, one of three Black people – none women – who serve in the Senate. “Today, the word of justice and equal protection under the law becomes flesh.”

Before becoming Supreme Court Justice

The Harvard Law School graduate currently serves on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, a role she was appointed to by Biden. She previously served as a U.S. District Court judge, a position she was appointed to by former President Barack Obama. Before that, she served vice chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and as a federal public defender.