A Historic Moment for Justice

On Thursday, April 7th, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Black woman confirmed into the Supreme Court. This momentous and historic occasion serves as a sign of hope for all professional black women struggling to find a place in their industry of choice.

Although Judge Jackson’s appointment will not alter the conservative majority of the Supreme Court, her appointment permanently alters the diversity dynamics of the Court. For the first time in history, four women will serve as Justices and comprise most of the liberal faction of the Court. Such women’s dissenting opinions and decisions will set precedents that will likely influence the future of all Supreme Court rulings.

Judge Jackson is not only conspicuous of her being the first Black woman appointed to the Court but is known for her three decades of criminal defense experience. Jackson also possesses more federal trial court experience than any other Justice. Moreover, her proficiency in both these facets of the law will also positively influence Supreme Court decisions and serve as an additional insight when drafting dissents.

Despite the extensive professional experience and newfound perspective that Judge Jackson brings to the Supreme Court, one of the most significant effects of her appointment is that the American people will be able to visualize a Black woman in a position of power.

By ascending to the highest Court in the land, Judge Jackson serves as a role model to all young Black women. Jackson, who has broken glass ceilings time and time again, is an inspiration to all Black women who aspire to a career in the law and have been repeatedly made aware of their limited opportunities in a field dominated by White men.

In addition, the presence of four female justices and two Black judges, although some lean conservative, serves as a symbol of how the United States legal system is evolving and slowly becoming more inclusive and representative of the nation’s minorities.

Although there is still a long way to go in terms of racial and gender equity in the United States, figures like Justice Jackson exist as proof that advocating for such change is not futile, and this historical pattern can be broken.

Written by Alessia Cocconcelli