President Joe Biden has nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States, the first Black woman to hold this distinction in the 232-year history of the Supreme Court, following the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. This now moves to the United States Senate for the confirmation process.
Kris Hayashi, Executive Director of Transgender Law Center, the largest national trans-led organization advocating for a world where all people are free to define themselves and their futures, issued the following statement:
“Today’s nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court of the United States is a step towards a shift in the representation of Black women that this country urgently needs. It is our hope that the new Justice, once confirmed, will continue to see that an injustice to one of us is an injustice to all.”
The selection of a Ketanji Brown Jackson is not something to be missed. It’s been reported that Black women are the most educated group in the United States. It’s worth noting that the Supreme Court has had 115 Justices, and only four have been women. Lynly Egyes, Transgender Law Center’s legal director added the following:
“It is important that Biden’s selection be committed to and work towards equal and unbiased application of the law and justice for all people. Ketanji Brown Jackson brings decades of legal experience, including halting the Trump administration’s attempts to expand fast-track deportations, supporting funding for teen prevention programming, and protecting federal union workers’ bargaining rights. Her history as a public defender brings a new and welcomed perspective on the high court.”
Black women have historically been underrepresented in many facets of our society and across the federal court. Ketanji Brown Jackson’s appointment is a culmination of decades of skill, character, integrity, and dedication.