In Our Own Voice celebrates first Black woman U.S. Supreme Court justice

‘Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson will champion human and civil rights.’

WASHINGTON — Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. With bipartisan support, she will be the first Black woman to serve on the high court. In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement in response:

“Today we celebrate the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, a historic first. Black women and girls across the country and around the world are rejoicing as our latest trailblazer, ‘U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’ has crashed another glass ceiling. Even more important than making history, Justice Jackson will champion human and civil rights — and defend the Constitution.

“As the first Black woman takes her seat on the highest court in the land, we know that she will make an exceptional Supreme Court Justice. Judge Jackson has a brilliant legal mind and the utmost character and integrity. During her hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee, she demonstrated the depth and breadth of her qualifications, answering more than 20 hours of questions and submitting more than 1500 additional written responses to the committee.

“This is a long-overdue appointment and we agree with President Obama, who said that ‘Judge Jackson has already inspired young Black women like my daughters to set their sights higher, and her confirmation will help them believe they can be anything they want to be.’

“Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is proof that when Black women lead, no barrier is insurmountable. And when one Black woman succeeds, we all succeed and rejoice in her success. We congratulate Justice Jackson and look forward to her long tenure.”

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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.