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Newly-confirmed Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson celebrated her historic ascent to the nation's highest court on Friday (April 8) at a White House event attended by President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
"We've made it. All of us," Judge Jackson said, reflecting on becoming the first Black woman to serve as a Supreme Court Justice in the Court's 233-year history. Jackson was confirmed Thursday (April 7) as the 116th Justice following a 53-47 Senate Floor vote.
"I have dedicated my career to public service, because I love this country and our Constitution and the rights that make us free," Jackson said in her emotional remarks from the South Lawn.
"My family went from segregation to the Supreme Court in one generation," she said, noting that she'd didn't make it to this point alone. "The path was cleared for me, so that I might rise to this occasion," she continued, "and in the poetic words of Dr. Maya Angelou, I do so now while bringing the gifts my ancestors gave."
"I am the dream and hope of the slave," she continued, quoting the late Dr. Maya Angelou.
"I am humbled and honored to continue in this fashion as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States working with brilliant colleagues, supporting and defending the Constitution and steadfastly upholding the rule of law, " she continued.
Addressing Black women specifically, Jackson said: "It has taken 232-years and 115 prior appointments for a Black woman to be selected to serve on the Supreme Court of the United States. But we've made it. All of us."
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