By AFRO Staff
Americans watched with bated breath as U.S. senators took a vote as to whether Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson should be the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States on April 7.
A total of 50 Democrats and 3 Republicans voted for Jackson, with 47 Republicans recording their “nay” into history books.
Upon the official confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as a SCOTUS judge, statements from across the country began to pour into the AFRO American Newspapers:
From the Congressional Black Caucus
“Today is a moment of historic consequence. The Senate just voted — 53 to 47 — to confirm the first Black woman to serve on the highest court in the land, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her judicial temperament and keen legal skills will make her a Justice, of which all of America is proud.
As she makes history today, she stands on the shoulders of the Black female trailblazers who came before her. And today, we sent a message to Black women and little girls, like my granddaughter Leah. Anything is possible. This is our power and our message.”
- Congressional Black Caucus Chairwoman, the Honorable Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3)
From the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) –
“The Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) celebrates and congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her confirmation as an Associate Justice on the United States Supreme Court. This is a historic confirmation and it represents how the United States of America is gradually and fitfully moving toward fulfilling its creed of equality and justice for all Americans.
She brings to the United States Supreme Court actual experience on the bench: she has served as a Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit; she has served as a Judge on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia
Judge Jackson’s credentials and record of service show that she has more judicial experience than any of the other recently confirmed Justices when he or she was appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
Judge Jackson will be the first African-American woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. It is a historic moment to celebrate and rejoice. Her family background, her educational
experiences, and the life that she has lived as an African-American woman in this society have prepared her well to represent all Americans on the Supreme Court. She will bring to the Supreme Court a perspective on the law and justice that will serve all Americans. This is overdue, and it shows young people of all races and genders how hard work and a commitment to social justice and equality can help them to reach the top of their profession.
- W. Marvin Dulaney, ASALH President
From the Office of Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT- 05)
“Today is a joyous day. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, one of the brightest legal minds of our generation, was confirmed to the United States Supreme Court. Through her will to persevere, love of law, and self-determination – history was made. Judge Jackson has earned it, and she deserves it.
As the first Black woman to serve on our nation’s highest court, Judge Jackson enters this role with a breadth of experience and a deep appreciation of the issues facing America. She has remained steadfast in her commitment to upholding the rule of law and protecting the integrity of our judicial system. Today’s confirmation is a promise to every little girl, who has never seen herself represented as part of a larger group, that they too can make their dreams come true.”
- Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05)
From the Hispanic Federation —
“We are proud and honored to have witnessed such a ground-breaking moment for our entire country – especially communities of color. Judge Jackson is an exceptional addition to the Supreme Court exemplified by her experience and expertise in law, intellect, and commitment to equal justice. As the nation’s highest court continues to hear critical cases that impact our civil rights, health, education, immigration, and economic and political power, Judge Jackson’s confirmation is a welcoming addition to the country’s judicial branch.
As a Black woman and a former public defender, Judge Jackson’s diverse and lived experiences are valuable assets to the Supreme Court, particularly in understanding how these critical cases and future laws can impact people of color and marginalized communities. This is, indeed, a deservedly joyous occasion, one our whole country should be proud of.”
- Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of Hispanic Federation
From the U.S. Black Chambers
“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation is a historic moment for this country.
As a trailblazer and the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, I am confident she will bring sound judgment and make tough decisions to advance our nation’s principles of equality and justice.”
- Ron Busby, Sr., President & CEO of U.S. Black Chambers
From the Office of Congressman Kweisi Mfume
“Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her confirmation to the United States Supreme Court. This moment is indeed historic, for at long last, the nation’s highest court will include a Black woman as a sitting justice. Judge Brown Jackson’s ascent will remain an inspiration to young girls and boys across our nation because they now have a tangible example of where unmitigated excellence can lead them.
“The courage Judge Brown Jackson displayed to embark upon the nomination and confirmation processes is truly remarkable. I am confident her unique experiences with the law will bring an invaluable perspective to the Court and prepare her to uphold justice for all. Today, we start a new chapter in American history.”
- Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07)
From the Office of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
“As a senator, one of the most important responsibilities I have under the Constitution is whether to provide my consent to a president’s nomination to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the land. Today, I cast my vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to be an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court because she is one of the most qualified individuals ever nominated to this lifetime position. She has sterling legal credentials, depth of knowledge, immense integrity and – as we witnessed over days of marathon hearings – incredible judicial temperament. The Supreme Court makes profound decisions every day that affect the lives of people across this country and it is clear that Judge Jackson will work to preserve and protect the Constitution, and to make sure that all Americans are treated equally under the law.
“This is an historic day for our nation. As both the first public defender and first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court, Judge Jackson will bring needed diversity of perspective and experience to the court. Based on her record, I believe she will be a powerful, consensus-building jurist, as well as a role model for so many.”
- U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD)
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