Brown-Jackson becomes first Black female U.S. Supreme Court Justice

President Joe Biden with newly confirmed Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Vice President Kamala Harris. Photo courtesy The White House.

With President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris standing at her side outside of the White House Friday, newly confirmed U.S. Supreme Court “Justice” Ketanji Brown Jackson proudly shared her glee with the world.

“It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States,” an elected “Justice” Jackson said.
“But we’ve made it. We’ve made it, all of us.”

“This is a powerful moment that signals progress for our country, and my congratulations are with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who will bring an important voice to the Supreme Court,” exclaimed former N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Cheri Beasley, now running for the U.S. Senate, last Thursday in the aftermath of the dramatic U.S. Senate confirmation of now “Justice” Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court.

But what happens next?

For all intents and purposes, the first Black woman confirmed to the nation’s highest court can either continue to serve on the District of Columbia’s U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals until the justice she’s replacing, Justice Stephen Breyer, 83, steps down at the end of the Supreme Court term in late June/early July, or “Justice” Jackson can take the next few months off until the Breyer seat becomes open, and she’s sworn in.

Either way, Pres. Biden’s historic nominee was confirmed last week with all 50 Democratic senators voting “yea,” and three moderate Republican senators – Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and Mitt Romney of Utah – joining them.

That didn’t stop their 47 Republican colleagues, led by Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (KTY) from displaying little respect for “Justice” Jackson after the confirmation vote, walking out of the chamber during the applause from Democrats and supporters.

Both North Carolina GOP senators – Thom Tillis and Richard Burr- walked with them after also voting no.

Two other Republican senators – Lindsay Graham of South Carolina and Rand Paul of Kentucky, wouldn’t even vote from the Senate floor because of inappropriate attire and tardiness.

Still, top North Carolinians joined the rest of the nation in hailing the confirmation of “Justice” Ketanji Brown Jackson.

“Today is a historic and joyful day for our country and for North Carolina. Justice Jackson is a brilliant legal mind with the utmost character and integrity,” said N.C. Democratic Party Chair Bobbie Richardson. “She will make an exceptional Supreme Court Justice and has made history as the first Black woman on the highest court.

“I am also proud that Judge Jackson, as the first Black woman and the first public defender to serve on the highest court in the land, will be an inspiration to young people of all backgrounds that with hard work, dedication to service, and compassion for others, there are no limits to what a person can achieve in our great country,” said Congressman G.K. Butterfield (D-NC-1).

“Justice Jackson is yet another example of the role Historically Black Colleges and Universities play in the social and economic mobility of Black Americans,” added Rep. Alma Adams (D-NC-12).

“Both of Jackson’s parents attended HBCUs, including North Carolina Central University, creating the opportunity for their daughter to attend Harvard. Now, for the first time, a daughter of HBCU graduates is joining the Supreme Court. I join millions of Americans in sharing in the pride that Justice Jackson’s parents feel today.”