Black women demand immediate confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

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

WASHINGTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on Monday, April 4, 2022. In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda President and CEO Marcela Howell issued the following statement in response:

“Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is highly qualified, with a distinguished career and an exemplary record serving on the bench of the second-highest court in the country and as a federal public defender. During her confirmation hearing, Judge Jackson demonstrated that she is unequivocally qualified for the Supreme Court.

“Judge Jackson showed incredible grace under pressure through more than 20 grueling hours of questioning by members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. She thoughtfully and thoroughly answered questions, demonstrating the depth and breadth of her decade of experience within the legal system. She masterfully explained the law in her answers — underscoring her commitment to transparency in her decision-making and demonstrating her true love of the law.

“Nonetheless, during her confirmation hearings some senators took the low road, hurling spurious attacks in retribution for the legitimate scrutiny of Trump nominees. Some on the committee tried to mischaracterize Judge Jackson’s record and views and were combative in their questioning.In response, she showed the poise and temperament that should be required of all who serve as U.S. Supreme Court justices.

“Judge Jackson’s nomination has been supported by a wide range of individuals and groups — from the law enforcement community, including the Fraternal Order of Police and International Association of Chiefs of Police, to conservative and Republican legal and judicial voices.

“We urge the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee to recommend Judge Jackson’s nomination — because she is a consummately qualified jurist, with the expertise, integrity and temperament needed to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. We call on the U.S. Senate to bring the nomination to a vote without delay. Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson deserves to receive an expedient and fair vote.

“We look forward to celebrating the first Black woman justice to serve on the highest court in the land.”

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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, girls, and gender-expansive people. 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.