Overview
#KBJ celebrated Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation to the Supreme Court in April 2022, making her the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. Her confirmation hearings, marked by both inspiring moments and contentious questioning, dominated political discourse for months.
The Nomination
President Biden nominated Jackson on February 25, 2022, fulfilling a campaign promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court. Jackson brought impeccable credentials:
- Harvard Law School graduate
- Federal public defender (rare SCOTUS experience)
- U.S. Sentencing Commission member
- U.S. District Judge (2013-2021)
- D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge (2021-2022)
Confirmation Hearings
Jackson’s March-April hearings featured:
- Emotional testimony: Jackson’s parents (public school teachers) attended, and she spoke movingly about overcoming barriers
- “I don’t have an agenda” response: Defended her judicial philosophy
- Republican attacks: Focused on sentencing in child pornography cases and defending Guantanamo detainees
- Democratic praise: Highlighted her qualifications and historic significance
Sen. Cory Booker’s emotional speech praising Jackson went viral, bringing her to tears on camera.
Historic Moment
On April 7, 2022, the Senate confirmed Jackson 53-47, with three Republicans (Collins, Murkowski, Romney) joining all 50 Democrats. She was sworn in June 30, 2022, after Justice Breyer’s retirement.
Cultural Significance
Jackson’s confirmation represented:
- Overdue representation on a court that was 233 years old before including a Black woman
- Inspiration for Black girls and women in legal professions
- Continuation of Biden’s pledge to diversify the federal judiciary
- A rare bipartisan moment (though barely) in polarized times