On Thursday, the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. Unfortunately, both of North Carolina’s senators, Thom Tillis and Richard Burr, voted against Jackson, but three other Republicans joined all Democrats in voting in favor of President Biden’s pick.

Widely supported by both the public and the legal community, Jackson brings extensive legal and judicial experience to her new role. Even most of those who voted against her confirmation for partisan political purposes acknowledged that she is an extraordinarily qualified judge and a person of great character. She also brings a new perspective as a former public defender, which many court observers point out as a gaping hole in current justices’ practical understanding of our legal system. 

“We are excited that we can now call Ketanji Brown Jackson ‘Justice Jackson’,” said William Munn, President of our Foundation’s Board of Directors. “The most qualified nominee in Supreme Court history and the first Black woman justice has humble origins. She is the daughter of two public school teachers, one of whom graduated from one of our country’s great HBCUs, North Carolina Central University. But more importantly, her service as a public defender will diversify our court’s perspectives as they weigh cases that pit underserved communities against powerful interests like polluters and vote suppressors.”

“Justice Jackson’s exemplary record, perspective, and commitment to justice for all will add a much-needed voice to the Court. For far too long, racist institutions, practices, and systems have kept Black Americans from serving as judges and more,” said Alejandra Ramírez-Zárate, Director of Policy and Advocacy for League of Conservation Voters affiliate Chispa. “We also applaud President Biden’s keeping his promise to nominate the first Black woman to the Supreme Court.”