That’s JUSTICE Jackson to you!
Ketanji Brown Jackson has officially been sworn in as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court, The Associated Press reports.
Jackson, a Miami native and Harvard graduate, was confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States back in April when the Senate voted 53 to 47 on her nomination. The day following her historic confirmation, she said this hopeful statement at a White House celebration held in her honor.
"It has taken 232 years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States, but we've made it! We've made it — all of us."
As she was sworn in on Thursday as the 116th Supreme Court justice, Jackson took a constitutional oath and judicial oath of office, administered by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Stephen Breyer (who she once clerked for) respectively.
Watch live: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in as the Supreme Court's 116th justice. She is the first Black woman to serve on the high court. https://t.co/f5SVDzYEQ5 https://t.co/Ut55UYwcZE
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 30, 2022
“With a full heart, I accept the solemn responsibility of supporting and defending the Constitution of the United States and administering justice without fear or favor, so help me God,” Jackson said in a statement issued by the court. “I am truly grateful to be part of the promise of our great Nation. I extend my sincerest thanks to all of my new colleagues for their warm and gracious welcome."
She is filling the seat of freshly retired Justice Breyer, joining the court less than a week after it overturned Roe v. Wade. The new term will begin on October 3, marking the first time that Jackson will take her place on the bench. However, Jackson is set to start work immediately and will use this time to get settled into her new role.
As a former public defender, Jackson expressed: "I have dedicated my career to public service because I love this country and our Constitution and the rights that make us free."
Congratulations, Justice Jackson on officially becoming the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court! You give us all hope.
Photo Courtesy of Kevin Lamarque/Getty Images