For many of the Black women who gathered on the steps of the US supreme court this week, the confirmation hearings of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson – likely to become the country’s first Black female supreme court justice – were a moment of pride, joy, inspiration and validation.
Black women turned out in record numbers in the 2020 presidential election, in part galvanized by Joe Biden’s campaign pledge to nominate a Black female supreme court justice at his first opportunity. For many, his fulfilled promise is also a product of their efforts at the ballot box.
Many of those who showed up at the US high court were among those voters. School-aged girls joined high-profile political strategists, activists and lawyers – including at least one of Jackson’s law school classmates. The 19th spoke to them about what her historic journey to the most powerful bench in the US means.
‘I can do that, too’
“My cousin, Constance Baker Motley, stood with Thurgood Marshall to fight for Brown v Board of Education. Her work, standing by Thurgood Marshall’s side, led to a court decision that changed the face of education in America.
“Now we have this moment to confirm the first Black woman, who is extremely qualified, to the supreme court. When people see this woman on the seat, think about the young Black girls, think about the young girls of color who are going to say, ‘I can do that, too.’” LaDon Love, Washington DC
‘We are just at the beginning’
“I am here on behalf of the Black community, Black liberation.
“This nomination to me means a closer step to true justice for Black people from across the nation. It means we are just at the beginning when it comes to true tangible change in the Black community.” Aniyah Vines, 22, Washington DC
‘A symbol for our children’
“This moment for me is both a symbol for our children [and] for our nation that a Black woman can serve on the supreme court. And it is substance.
“She is bringing her lived experience, what it means to be a public defender, what it means to be a judge, what it means to be a Black woman to the bench, a perspective that we have never had in 233 years on the supreme court.” Leah Daughtry, 58, Brooklyn, New York
‘Finally’
“This nomination means finally being able to not be limited by something as simple as not having representation.
“Being able to finally have a Black woman on the supreme court is going to make this a possibility now, and it will make sure that little girls everywhere feel that they can achieve that dream.” Abiola Agoro, 24, Fort Worth, Texas
‘My daughters will see themselves’
“Now and for ever my daughters will see themselves reflected in the supreme court.” Kim Tignor, Washington DC
‘This is our moment’
“I am here because sticks in a bundle are unbreakable. And we as women and we as Black women are unbreakable. This is our moment, this is our country. If we built this country, we can change this country.” Naomi Randolph Hwesuhunu, Washington, North Carolina
‘It means equity’
“It means equity. It means everybody is starting to be represented instead of just the white majority.” Samiya Ali Williams, 16, Washington DC
‘Future generations will see themselves in leadership’
“The idea that a Black woman’s lived experiences can sit on the court is something that brings great joy to me.
“To recognize that future generations will see themselves in leadership at every level from the White House to the supreme court fills me, thrills me and lets me put hope into the world.” Teresa Younger, 53, Brooklyn, New York
‘She has earned this moment’
“I had the privilege of being one of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s classmates at Harvard Law School, class of 1996. For me, this moment means that I can tell my 12-year-old, Hailey, that she really can do everything.
“It’s not only a great moment for Black women, it’s a great moment for everyone who values the constitution and the rule of law. Judge Jackson is an amazing human being, and she has earned this moment.” Njeri Mathis Rutledge, 51, Houston, Texas
‘There will be more to come’
“It really inspires me. It also lets me know that Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson will not be the only Black woman on the supreme court, and there will be more to come.” Sophia Fouzi, 10, Washington DC
‘Representation matters’
“I’m a lawyer and I know that representation matters. Even though judges work within the law and precedents of this country, the lived experience of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is going to be really important for the court.” Patrice Willoughby, mid-50s, Washington DC
‘Herstoric’
“It is important to me because I am a Black woman, I grew up in the United States, I am from Black women and this is ‘herstoric’.
“I’m here for my godchild, who’s a young Black girl, and all of my sisters and trans sisters and all the Black people in this country that have been waiting for this.” Dara Baldwin, Washington DC
‘That moment in history’
“It took several centuries before Black women could actually achieve the right to vote. Today is that moment in history when Black women who have now become voters, Black women who have become lawmakers, and, yes, Black women who have become political strategists can elect presidents who will in turn put qualified Black women on the federal bench, in the federal judicial pipeline – and Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is such a candidate.” Donna Brazile, 62, New Orleans, Louisiana