National Urban League Congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as Senate Confirms her as the First Black Woman to become Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court

Washington, D.C. (April 7, 2022) – Today, National Urban League President and CEO Marc H. Morial congratulates Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson on her historic confirmation as the Senate voted 53-47 to confirm her as the first Black woman to become Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court:

“History has been made today and I could not be more thrilled to finally say that for the first time, in the Supreme Court’s 233-year history, our country will have the first Black woman serving as Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. Not only is this a win for soon-to-be Justice Jackson and her family, but it is a win for Black women, the Black community, this country, and our ancestors. We thank the Senate for putting partisanship aside to swiftly confirm Judge Jackson and restoring the American people’s faith in the Senate’s ability to run a fair, bipartisan confirmation process.

“Judge Jackson has proven time and time again that she is immensely qualified to take on the role of Associate Justice. She is a graduate of Harvard and Harvard Law School, has clerked for judges at every level of the federal judiciary, including former Associate Justice Stephen Breyer on the United States Supreme Court, served as a federal public defender, and served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. With her extensive experience in both civil and criminal law, Judge Jackson is more than prepared for exemplary service on the nation’s highest court.

“Judge Jackson’s nomination is historic, not only because she will be the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice, but her service will mark the first time two Black justices have served together and bring the Court nearer to gender parity with four women justices. It will also be the first time a public defender serves on the Court. Judge Jackson has remained dedicated to fighting for the most vulnerable members of our society and fought for the constitutional rights of all. This country deserves a Supreme Court Justice of Judge Jackson’s caliber, grace and poise with a unique perspective that has never been seen on the U.S. Supreme Court. The Urban League movement was proud to fight for her, and we look forward to the joy of celebrating this historic milestone with the nation.”