President Joe Biden just nominated Ketanji Brown Jackson to be the next judge to sit on the Supreme Court. This will make Jackson the first Black woman to hold this position.
Biden made the historic announcement Friday, saying “Today, as we watch freedom and liberty under attack abroad, I’m here to fulfill my responsibilities under the Constitution, to preserve freedom and liberty here in the United States of America.”
“For too long, our government, our courts haven’t looked like America,” Biden said. “I believe it’s time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications, and that we inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level.”
For more than a year, the President had familiarized himself with her work, but he was also impressed by her life story.
“Her parents grew up with segregation, but never gave up hope that their children would enjoy the true promise of America,” Biden said.
Jackson, who currently sits on the U.S. Court of Appeals in D.C., has been considered for the position since Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement.
The 51-year old judge shared a brief statement following Biden’s announcement.
“I must begin these very brief remarks by thanking God for delivering me to this point in my professional journey. My life has been blessed beyond measure and I do know that one can only come this far by faith,” Jackson said.
Only two Black men, Thurgood Marshall and Clarence Thomas, have ever been appointed to the bench. No Black women have previously sat on the high court.
Jackson is the mother of two daughters, who she shares with her husband of 26 years Patrick G. Jackson.
Democratic leaders vowed to swiftly advance Jackson’s nomination.
“Judge Jackson will receive a prompt hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee in the coming weeks,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said in a statement. “After the Judiciary Committee finishes their work I will ask the Senate to move immediately to confirm her to the Supreme Court.”
Here’s a clip of Biden nominated Judge Jackson and her delivering her acceptance speech.
