On Friday (February 25), President Joe Biden officially announced his pick for the next US Supreme Court Justice, US Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
This historic appointment comes weeks after Justice Stephen Breyer announced his plan to retire from the high court, leaving a vacancy for Biden to fulfill his campaign promise of nominating a Black woman to the bench. Once confirmed, Judge Jackson will make history as the first Black woman to serve on the nation's highest court in its 232-year history.
Judge Jackson joined President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris at the White House, where they both gave remarks.
"I believe it's time to have a high court that reflects all of America," Biden said ahead of Judge Jackson, who grew up in Miami. Biden spoke highly of Judge Jackson's experience and that she's already been confirmed by the US Senate three times.
"I know that one can only come this far by faith," Judge Jackson said.
Judge Jackson cited her father's transition from a high school history teacher to attend law school, calling him her very first "professional role model."
"I am standing here today by the grace of God and testament of the love and support of my family," Judge Jackson said later, thanking Justice Breyer for giving her "the greatest job."
"Justice Breyer, the Senate will determine if I fill your seat, but please know that I will never fill your shoes," she said.
Justice Jackson also called the name of Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. They share the same birthday, Judge Jackson noted, adding that she knows she stands her shoulders.
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