Caucus on Black Women and Girls Endorses Supreme Court Nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson
Today we recognize a historic milestone for our country and democracy. For the first time in the Supreme Court’s 233-year history, a Black woman has been nominated to serve on the nation’s highest court. The Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls applauds and endorses President Biden’s nomination of Appellate Court Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as a United States Supreme Court Justice.
We applaud this decision as one choice among a wide pool of strong candidates. We are confident that Judge Jackson’s qualifications, character, and experience make her uniquely fit to serve as our country’s next Supreme Court justice. Namely, Judge Jackson’s experience serving in the federal court system, expertise in criminal justice reform, and history of bi-partisan support make her well suited to sit on the bench. Additionally, her record presiding over hundreds of cases and working on behalf of the country’s most vulnerable populations will be crucial to upholding the constitutional duties of the highest court.
Today’s nomination is also momentous because of the centuries of racial discrimination and biases that have obstructed Black women from taking up careers in the legal field. Even today Black women remain underrepresented in clerkships, judgeships, and other legal professions, making up only three percent of the federal judiciary. This is not conducive to a fair, or just, legal system. The nation’s highest court must be reflective of the people it serves. Diversity in democracy is essential to fostering the most complete and comprehensive approach to addressing our country’s pressing issues. Black women’s experiences and perspectives must inform our courts, legislatures, and civil services. To that end, we urge the Senate to move with all deliberate speed to confirm Judge Jackson.
The first Black woman to serve as a Justice on the Supreme Court of the United States will be a giant step in the right direction and will help to create a fairer, more equitable democracy. Yet, there is still much more work to do. We must continue to dismantle longstanding, historical, and institutional racism and sexism in this country. This will ensure equal opportunities, and outcomes, for all Americans. We plan to support the Biden Administration and U.S. Senate in moving this nomination forward and remain committed to advancing justice for all.