In Our Own Voice leadership applauds historic nomination

Statement from In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda

WASHINGTON — Reportedly, President Joe Biden will nominate Ketanji Brown Jackson as his nominee to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. She is the first Black woman nominated to serve on the high court. In Our Own Voice: National Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement in response: “Ketanji Brown Jackson is highly qualified and has a proven record of fighting for human and civil rights. More importantly, Ketanji Brown Jackson has a distinguished career and an exemplary record of service serving on the bench of the second-highest court in the country and as a federal public defender.

“We believe that in order to make decisions that impact all Americans, the U.S. Supreme Court should reflect the values and lived experiences of all Americans, not just the politics of a few. This historic nomination is an important step in that direction. And Ketanji Brown Jackson can make that a reality.

We urge the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to immediately hold hearings. We call on the U.S. Senate to bring the nomination to a vote without delay. We also call on Sen. Mitch McConnell and the Republican leadership to join their Democratic colleagues in ensuring that Ketanji Brown Jackson receives an expedient and fair vote.

“Today, we celebrate the first Black woman nominated to the highest court in the land. Tomorrow, Black women will be watching to ensure that Ketanji Brown Jackson is treated fairly and with the same deference and respect afforded other qualified nominees.”

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In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda is a national Reproductive Justice organization focused on lifting up the voices of Black women leaders at the national, regional and state levels in our ongoing fight to secure Reproductive Justice for Black women, femmes, queer, trans and gender non-conforming people and youth. Our strategic partners include Black Women for Wellness, Black Women’s Health Imperative, New Voices for Reproductive Justice, SisterLove, Inc., SisterReach, SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW, The Afiya Center and Women With A Vision.