As we roll into Women’s History Month, it is important to highlight the progression toward equality we have made as a country. While we still see plenty of obstacles and flaws within our system, our generation has done a remarkable job advocating for social justice within our government, and it seems like our leaders are starting to listen.
After Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement, President Biden made it his mission to nominate a WOC (Woman of Color) to take Justice Breyer’s place as Supreme Court Justice. Biden’s pick was announced on Friday, February 25: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Background & Education
Ketanji Brown Jackson grew up in Miami, Florida but she was originally from Washington. Her parents taught in public schools and her mother later moved on to be an administrator. Jackson’s father eventually graduated law school and became chief attorney of the Miami-Dade school district.
Jackson graduated from Miami Palmetto High School and went on to Harvard, graduating magna cum laude in 1992. She graduated cum laude from Harvard Law School in 1996.
Experience
Jackson has served as a law clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, Judge Bryce Selya of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and Judge Patti Saris of the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts.
She spent four years serving on the Sentencing Commission.
In 2009, President Obama nominated Jackson to Vice Chair of the Sentencing Commission and received bipartisan support.
In 2012, she was nominated by President Obama to serve the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia as a district court judge.
Jackson was previously a public defender, meaning she represented defendants who could not afford lawyers.
Fun Fact: KBJ is actually related by marriage to former Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (small world, right?).
What now?
Due to the Checks and Balances of our governmental system, Biden’s nomination does not guarantee Jackson the role of Supreme Court Justice.
The Senate will come to a consensus for her approval. The Democrats hope to have a decision reached by April 8 before they have a two week recess.
This is a monumental moment for Black women in the U.S. There are many issues yet to be dealt with, but this is a hopeful incentive that makes our country’s voice heard.