Ketanji Brown Jackson becomes supreme court justice, makes history with new role

On June 30 of this year, Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn to the supreme court, becoming the first black woman voted to be a supreme court justice in the court’s 233-year long history. Jackson’s confirmation was decided on a vote of 53–47. Her confirmation was decided on a vote of 53–47 from the Senate on April 7 of this year in which each democratic senator and three republican senators voted for her.  

    Before becoming a supreme court justice, Jackson worked as a journalist and researcher at Time magazine and then attended Harvard Law School and Harvard University, according to Britannica. During her time spent at Harvard, she was a supervising editor of the Harvard Law Review as well.  

   With Harvard being one of the most prestigious ivy league schools, President Joe Biden stated she is “uniquely accomplished and wide-ranging background” which is one reason why he thought she would be a good candidate to replace former justice Stephen G. Breyer who had plans to retire, according to Britannica. Jackson was nominated to the supreme court earlier this year on February 25. 

  Senior Yoyin Ogunyemi said, “I think she is a very intelligent woman. I love how she is able to stand her ground and stand in what she believes in.” Ogunyemi adds, “I do believe it [Jackson becoming a supreme court justice] is a step in the right direction because this type of representation matters, and she also had a great mindset that can help us do better as a country.”  

   Senior Neah Shaw says that Jackson, “is very refreshing. She gets right to the point, makes bold statements and knows what she is doing.” Shaw adds, “I love her confidence and [I] hope that she keeps doing what she does.” Ogunyemi says, “[her great mindset] can teach young POC (people of color) to fight for what’s right and to take leadership.”  

    Shaw states that the addition of Jackson to the supreme court is a step in the right direction for Americas justice system and says, “getting people of different genders and backgrounds allow people to bring new insight that others would not think of.” She adds, “I also believe that this allows black people to feel comfortable with going into a position like [Jacksons], even other POC.”