Ketanji Brown Jackson makes history as the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice

In a 53-47 vote, the U.S. Senate has confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson as the 116th Supreme Court justice. 

Justice Jackson makes history as the first Black woman to hold the Supreme Court justice title. As noted by Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY), “In our nation’s history..108 SCOTUS justices have been white men, only 4 have been women, and only 2 have been African American”.

Three Republicans voted with all Senate Democrats. Despite Jackson’s strong qualifications and support across the legal community, North Carolina Senators Richard Burr and Thom Tillis voted “no” in lockstep with their GOP colleagues. 

• When it comes to the reasons Sens. Burr and Tillis’ objected to the Supreme Court nomination – despite both senators recognizing Jackson is “undoubtedly highly qualified” – the senators have no shame in embracing hypocrisy as both voted for judges like Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch who have repeatedly acted in the interest of their Republican counterparts.
  
• Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) called out the GOP’s mischaracterization of Jackson’s professional record on Monday, stating, “How qualified do you have to be? Double Harvard. How qualified do you have to be? Clerking at all levels of the federal judiciary. How qualified do you have to be? Three times confirmed by the Senate in a bipartisan manner”.
  
• Many Americans disliked of the GOP’s attacks on Justice Jackson, with one survey finding 52 percent of Americans saying they disapproved of how Republicans handled her nomination.

With the SCOTUS nomination vote, Sens. Burr and Tillis once again showcased their lack of courage to go against the GOP party and vote within the interests of North Carolinians and the nation. 

Instead of leading by example, the Republican North Carolina Senators chose to engage in controversy and belittle a member of the judicial system – a tactic that seems to stem from the top down. 

Regardless of the attacks, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson outshined the hate, and her confirmation solidifies the Supreme Court further reflecting the diversity in experiences and strength of our nation.
As Sen. Chuck Schumer stated, “Even in the darkest times, there are bright lights. Today is one of the brightest lights. Let us hope it’s a metaphor, an indication of many bright lights to come”.