Showing posts with label Ketanji Brown Jackson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ketanji Brown Jackson. Show all posts

Sunday, September 08, 2024

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's new book 'Lovely One: A Memoir'

In her inspiring, intimate memoir, the first Black woman to ever be appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States chronicles her extraordinary life story.

With this unflinching account, Justice Ketanji BrownJackson invites readers into her life and world, tracing her family’s ascent from segregation to her confirmation on America’s highest court within the span of one generation.

Named “Ketanji Onyika,” meaning “Lovely One,” based on a suggestion from her aunt, a Peace Corps worker stationed in West Africa, Justice Jackson learned from her educator parents to take pride in her heritage since birth. She describes her resolve as a young girl to honor this legacy and realize her dreams: from hearing stories of her grandparents and parents breaking barriers in the segregated South, to honing her voice in high school as an oratory champion and student body president, to graduating magna cum laude from Harvard, where she performed in musical theater and improv and participated in pivotal student organizations.

Here, Justice Jackson pulls back the curtain, marrying the public record of her life with what is less known. She reveals what it takes to advance in the legal profession when most people in power don’t look like you, and to reconcile a demanding career with the joys and sacrifices of marriage and motherhood.

Through trials and triumphs, Justice Jackson’s journey will resonate with dreamers everywhere, especially those who nourish outsized ambitions and refuse to be turned aside. This moving, openhearted tale will spread hope for a more just world, for generations to come.

Check out Lovely One: A Memoir on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/3AOS3J1

Wednesday, August 10, 2022

Pre-Order the new children's book Who Is Ketanji Brown Jackson?

Discover how a young girl who was the star of her school's debate team became a federal jurist and the first Black woman to sit on the United States Supreme Court in this exciting addition to the Who HQ Now series that features newsmakers and trending topics.

Born in Washington, DC, in 1970, and raised in Miami, Florida, Ketanji Brown Jackson developed an interest in law and politics at an early age. As a preschooler, she sat with her father and watched him complete his law school assignments. And even though some people, including a school guidance counselor, discouraged Ketanji from aiming high, she proved them wrong and graduated with honors from Harvard Law School. She went on to serve on the U.S. District Court in 2013 and the United States Court of Appeals in 2021 before making history and becoming the first Black woman to be confirmed to the United States Supreme Court in 2022.

PRE-ORDER THE BOOK

Wednesday, June 29, 2022

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Jackson sworn in as Supreme Court Justice!

UPDATED JUNE 30, 2022 with swearing in video!

Ketanji Brown Jackson will be sworn as the Supreme Court's 116th justice Thursday, just as the man she is replacing, Justice Stephen Breyer, retires.

The judicial pas de deux is set to take place at noon, the moment Breyer said in a letter to President Joe Biden on Wednesday that his retirement will take effect after nearly 28 years on the nation's highest court.

In a ceremony the court said it will stream live on its website, Jackson will recite two oaths required of Supreme Court justices, one administered by Breyer and the other by Chief Justice John Roberts.

Jackson will be able to begin work immediately, but the court will have just finished the bulk of its work until the fall, apart from emergency appeals that occasionally arise. That will give her time to settle in and familiarize herself with the roughly two dozen cases the court already has agreed to hear starting in October as well as hundreds of appeals that will pile up over the summer.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

Senator Tim Scott failed Ketanji Brown Jackson, but it wasn't because he didn't vote for her

By George L. Cook III African American Reports.

Last week we saw the historical confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court.

She was confirmed by a 53-47 vote with only three Republicans supporting her. Those three were Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah.

Many African Americans were disappointed but not surprised that Tim Scott, the junior Senator from South Carolina chose not to support this historic nominee.

Now, let's be clear Tim Scott has the right to vote however he wants, and it's obvious by the lame excuses he gave for not supporting Jackson that he also has one hell of an imagination. That or he attends the alleged drug-fueled orgies that Madison Cawthorne was talking about and that has affected his better judgment.

But, to me not supporting Jackson is not where he failed her. He failed her by not speaking up for her as a person and as a Black woman.

After Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, Josh Hawley, Tom Cotton, and Marsha Blackburn showed blatant disrespect during the confirmation hearings he said nothing afterward.

Scott could have spoken up by publicly saying that although he was ideologically opposed to Ketanji Brown Jackson's confirmation, she deserves respect and that his fellow Republican senators were wrong in their treatment of her.

Scott has a mother and I'm assuming aunts, cousins, and nieces that are also Black. He wouldn't want anyone treating them as Jackson was treated. He should have thought of those Black women in his life and spoke up not as a senator but as a Black man.

In my opinion, nothing but cowardice and ambition stopped him from speaking up.

Scott has gone on Fox News lamenting how he was treated by the left after not supporting Jackson. He should stop whining and think about how Jackson felt after being attacked for hours during those hearings.

During that time she showed more grace, bravery, integrity, and calm under fire than Scott ever will.

Sadly, Senator Tim Scott has forgotten where he came from, but we won't forget what he has shown himself to be.

Friday, April 08, 2022

Thursday, April 07, 2022

Rep. Payne, Jr.’s Statement on Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

Rep. Donald M. Payne Jr. issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to become the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. Judge Jackson becomes the first African-American woman to be a Supreme Court Justice and the fourth woman on the current Supreme Court. She replaces Justice Stephen Breyer, who is retiring from the Court later this year.

“I want to congratulate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her appointment to be the next U.S. Supreme Court Justice. She is a brilliant legal mind with the highest character and integrity. Justice Jackson has served at all levels of the legal system and brings decades of legal experience to her new position. Her work as a public defender gives her an understanding of how legal decisions affect the lives of all Americans. I am proud that President Biden has fulfilled his campaign promise to select an African-American woman for the Supreme Court and applaud the Senate for confirming such an exceptional judge. Today is a historic day in America.”

Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman Celebrates Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson as Associate Justice

Today, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) released the following statement upon the Senate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States:

“I’m overjoyed today. I am thrilled for Justice Jackson. I am thrilled for Black Women. I am thrilled for America. With this confirmation the Supreme Court will not only look more like America; it will think more like America. Today, my granddaughter got to see the first Black woman to serve as Vice President announce the confirmation of the first Black Woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice. From this day forward she’ll know, and millions of Black girls and Black boys will know, that they can do anything.”

Michelle Obama statement on the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Michelle Obama released the following statement after the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court:

I was so moved to see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed this afternoon. Like so many of you, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride—a sense of joy—to know that this deserving, accomplished Black woman will be a part of the highest court in the land.

Sen. Cory Booker Statement on the Confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court

U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, issued the following statement:

“For the first time in America’s history, a Black woman will sit on the highest court in our nation’s land. Like many Americans, I feel immense pride and so much joy at this historic occasion.

“As Judge Jackson ascends to the United States Supreme Court, I see in her the affirmation of our ancestors who suffered the indignities of this country yet sacrificed to bend the moral arc of our nation towards justice. They knew that America, though haunted by its past failings, was not bound by them and believed that a day like this would eventually arrive.

“Judge Jackson brings to the court a unique set of experiences. She has clerked at all three levels of the judiciary, including for Justice Stephen Breyer. In 2005, she became a public defender, embarking on the noble work that is a cornerstone of our justice system. Since then Judge Jackson has continued to serve our nation, first as Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and then on the federal bench. Her sterling credentials have earned her broad support and this will be the fourth time that the United States Senate will confirm her to a role she was nominated for in a bipartisan manner.

“Throughout her confirmation hearings, Judge Jackson has displayed poise and grace, and I commend President Biden for nominating her. He has found the right person to serve as the 116th Justice of the Supreme Court, and I am overjoyed to cast my vote in favor of a brilliant jurist who will inspire generations to come.”

Barack Obama statement on the confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court

Former President Barack Obama released the following statement after the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court:

Congratulations to Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for her appointment to the Supreme Court. This is a great day for America, and a proud moment in our history.

NAACP Statement on the Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson

NAACP President Derrick Johnson issued the statement below on today's historic senate confirmation vote of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States:

"Today's vote to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court is of enormous consequence to our nation and to history. After 233 years, the Court will finally have a Black woman justice deciding our most significant cases with tremendous impact on our lives and the lives of our families. 

This has taken far too long. Fifty-five years ago, former NAACP Chief Counsel Thurgood Marshall broke down the wall when he was confirmed as the first Black American to sit on the Supreme Court. Today, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson shatters the glass ceiling to finally make room for a Black woman on our nation's highest court. 

Judge Jackson is a breathtakingly qualified candidate to make this history. We joined the nation in beaming with pride as we learned about her background and family. She has impeccable credentials and a brilliant intellect. Her work as a public defender and on the Sentencing Commission will bring a perspective to the Court that has been missing since Thurgood Marshall served. Her impressive record as a trial and appellate jurist makes her one of the most prepared and experienced justices ever appointed to the Court. She has an even-handed approach to the law and is committed to fairness and equal justice. Our Supreme Court will be better and stronger with Judge Jackson's presence, her votes, and her voice. 

We greet this moment with joy, hope, and gratitude. We thank President Biden for keeping his promise to nominate the first Black woman justice. We thank the Senate for its bipartisan vote to confirm this historic nominee. We extend special gratitude to Senator Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Mitt Romney, who rejected appeals to partisanize this vote and instead, voted their conscience. 

History is watching this moment. The votes to confirm Judge Jackson will recorded as ones in favor of justice and equality. The votes against her will forever be known as hostile and cowardly, as were the attacks by certain Senators throughout this process. The unjust hurdles Black women like Ketanji Brown Jackson face each and every day were regrettably centerstage during her confirmation. But as Black women do, Ketanji Brown Jackson outshined the hate. Today and every day, we celebrate Black women. 

The NAACP remains committed to tearing down the racist obstacles that continue to obstruct paths for far too many Americans, especially Black women, throughout our nation. While we celebrate today, tomorrow we are back at work tackling student debt, voting and reproductive rights, climate change, and police reform, so that everyone in America can realize their dream."

NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace, who attended today's confirmation of Judge Jackson, released the following statement:

"Today, Black women truly are supreme. Over the past few weeks, it has been an incredible privilege to bear witness to the rise of the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice. The significance of this moment for the Black community, especially for Black women like me who have spent decades in the legal profession, is impossible to overstate. Representation is powerful – now, Black women and girls who dream of reaching the highest levels of our government, or any profession for that matter, can see that it is possible. While soon-to-be Justice Jackson's confirmation did not come without racist, misogynistic attacks on her career and character, it is without question that Ketanji Brown Jackson is imminently qualified to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. Alongside the rest of our nation, I celebrate her confirmation and this stride toward achieving true equity, and look forward to seeing her take the bench."

Monday, April 04, 2022

Ketanji Brown Jackson Nomination to Supreme Court Clears Senate Committee

The Senate Judiciary Committee voted Monday to send Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the full Senate, moving her one step closer to becoming the first Black woman and first former public defender on the nation’s highest court.

The panel advanced Jackson’s nomination on a 11-11 vote, with every Republican voting no. Those GOP members are Sens. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Lindsey Graham (S.C.), John Cornyn (Texas), Mike Lee (Utah), Ted Cruz (Texas), Ben Sasse (Neb.), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Tom Cotton (Ark.), John Kennedy (La.), Thom Tillis (N.C.) and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.).

The tie vote meant Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) had to later force her nomination out of the committee via a procedural step known as a discharge petition. Schumer teed up that vote Monday night; the motion to discharge Jackson from the committee passed, 53-47.

“This procedural step should be entirely unnecessary,” Schumer said on the Senate floor just before the vote. “There is no question — no question — that Judge Jackson deserves a strong bipartisan vote in committee. But sadly, despite the judge’s qualifications, not a single Republican on the committee voted to report her out of committee.”

He added, “The end result will remain unchanged: Judge Jackson ultimately has enough support to get confirmed on a bipartisan basis, and the Senate is going to keep working until this nomination is complete.”

Three Republicans voted with Democrats to release Jackson’s nomination from the committee: Sens. Susan Collins (Maine), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Mitt Romney (Utah). They are the only GOP senators who have said they will vote to confirm Jackson.

The Senate has a couple more procedural steps to clear this week, but Jackson is on track to be confirmed late Thursday.

[SOURCE: HUFFPOST]

Senator Tim Scott to vote no on Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson

U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) released a statement on his intention to vote "no" on Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.

"The historic nature of Judge Jackson’s nomination reinforces the progress our country has made. However, ideology must be the determining factor—not identity—when considering such an important lifetime appointment," said Senator Tim Scott. "It is clear that Judge Jackson’s judicial philosophy and positions on the defining issues of our time make her the wrong choice for the Supreme Court. From leaving the door open on court packing to her multiple overturned opinions, I cannot support a nominee with her record of judicial activism. I remain disappointed that President Biden missed the opportunity to unite the country with a mainstream nominee that could have received resounding bipartisan support. For all these reasons, I will be voting no on Judge Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court."

Senator Mitt Romney to support Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court

Sen. Mitt Romney (R-Utah), who hails from one of the most conservative states in the country, announced Monday that he will vote for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to serve as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court and praised her as “a person of honor.”

“After reviewing Judge Jackson’s record and testimony, I have concluded that she is a well-qualified jurist and a person of honor. While I do not expect to agree with every decision she may make on the Court, I believe that she more than meets the standard of excellence and integrity,” Romney said in a statement.

Romney joined fellow centrist GOP Sens. Lisa Murkowski (Alaska) and Susan Collins (Maine) as the only three Republicans to announce their support for Jackson.

[SOURCE: THE HILL]

Wednesday, March 23, 2022

Antiracist Baby: The book that Ted Cruz is talking about during Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmation hearings

Antiracist Baby is the children's book that Senator Ted Cruz is complaining about and calling an example of Critical Race Theory during the confirmation hearings for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Maybe he should actually read it.

From the National Book Award-winning author of Stamped from the Beginning and How to Be an Antiracist comes a new full-sized picture book that empowers parents and children to uproot racism in our society and in ourselves, now with added discussion prompts to help readers recognize and reflect on bias in their daily lives.

Take your first steps with Antiracist Baby! Or rather, follow Antiracist Baby's nine easy steps for building a more equitable world.

With bold art and thoughtful yet playful text, Antiracist Baby introduces the youngest readers and the grown-ups in their lives to the concept and power of antiracism. Providing the language necessary to begin critical conversations at the earliest age, Antiracist Baby is the perfect gift for readers of all ages dedicated to forming a just society.

BUY THE BOOK

Sunday, March 20, 2022

NAACP HOLDING A "CONFIRM KETANJI BROWN JACKSON" WATCH PARTY


A Black woman nominated for the Supreme Court of the United States is history in the making and long overdue. Let's celebrate, support, and prepare for a more inclusive Court.

Since 1789, of the 115 people who have served on the Supreme Court, only three of them have been people of color – and only five have been women. Having a Black woman on the Supreme Court bench is vital.


Join the NAACP as they mark this historic appointment at their watch party for her Senate hearing on Monday, March 21 at 10:45 AM ET. You can watch at NAACP.ORG or at the  NAACP | Facebook Page.


We will be joined by powerful influencers and public figures as well as viewers from all 50 states. Hear from scholars, leaders, and organizers throughout our community as we share the joy and significance of this nomination together. Join us for this watch party moderated by Aisha Mills, Host of AMplified on BNC, and featuring the following commentators:

  • Star Jones, Attorney, Author, Host
  • Janette Wallace, General Counsel, NAACP
  • Rev. Leah Daughtry, Political Strategist
  • Donna Brazile, Political Analyst
  • Sarah Glover, Managing Editor, MPR News
  • Keith Boykin, Political Commentator
  • Stephanie Young, Executive Director, When We All Vote
  • Nicole Austin-Hillery, President and CEO, Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
  • Derrick Johnson, President and CEO, NAACP

Friday, March 11, 2022

Black women rally at the Supreme Court for Ketanji Brown Jackson

Women from the Black Women's Roundtable converged on Capitol Hill to urge lawmakers to support Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson and voting rights legislation that has stalled in the Senate.

Friday, March 04, 2022

Ketanji Brown Jackson endorsed by fellow Supreme Court law clerks she served with

A group of two-dozen former law clerks from the 1999 Supreme Court term that served with Ketanji Brown Jackson have written a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee in support of her confirmation.

In the letter to the former clerks extoll the intellect and character of Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson with whom they served.

"We hold diverse points of view on politics, judicial philosophy, and much else. Yet we all support Judge Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court," the group writes, "because we know her to be eminently qualified for this role in intellect, character, and experience."

Read the entire letter below:

Supreme Court Clerks Letter by Kate Pastor

Sunday, February 27, 2022

Clyburn urges "strong bipartisan support" for Ketanji Brown Jackson

During appearance on CBS's Face the Nation, Democratic Congressman James Clyburn urged GOP senators to support the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.

Wednesday, February 23, 2022

Ben Crump endorses Ketanji Brown Jackson for the Supreme Court

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump publicly urged President Joe Biden to tap Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the Supreme Court on Wednesday, as the president closes in on a decision for his first nomination to the high court.

"In my view, that of a civil rights lawyer and advocate who is committed to bringing justice, respect, and fairness to this nation, and particularly to my community, that woman is Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson," Crump said in a statement, provided first to ABC News.

The endorsement -- the first from a high-profile Black civil rights advocate -- is a significant boost for Jackson after African American community leaders have spent weeks largely remaining neutral on the pick.

"My standards for this nominee go beyond integrity, brilliance and fairness," Crump said in the statement. "I carry the additional purchase that this justice must represent African Americans in a way that has cultural competency, forcefulness and instills deep pride."

[SOURCE: YAHOO]