FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 7, 2022
Contact: Heather Cabral | 202-550-6880 | hcabral@faithinaction.org
Mayra Castro | 562-841-4377 | mcastro@faithinaction.org
Black Clergy Celebrate Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court Confirmation
WASHINGTON – Today, the United States Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court 53-47, making her the first Black women Supreme Court Justice. Judge Jackson will replace Justice Stephen G. Breyer when he retires at the end of the court’s session in the summer. Leaders with Faith in Action share their sentiments on this historic moment.
Rev. Alvin Herring, executive director, Faith in Action:
“Congratulations are in order for Supreme Court nominee, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. For as long as the United States has existed, our democracy has been imperfectly executed, excluding large portions of our population, especially Black women. The confirmation of Judge Jackson is a reaffirmation of the president’s commitment to change that creates a country in which every person belongs, can thrive, and has a say in the decisions that shape their lives.”
Pastor Rhonda Thomas, executive director, Faith in Florida:
“Black women are the heart of our communities, families, and churches. So to finally have the first Black Woman Supreme Court Judge is truly remarkable and I am glad to witness this historic moment. We are praying for you, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in your new role. Make our ancestors proud!”
Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, senior strategist, Faith in Action:
“As a little Black girl in the Blackbelt of Alabama, I learned all too early about racial inequity. As an adult living the fullness of what it means to be a credentialed Black woman in corporate America, in ministry, and even in organizing I have experienced the disregard and humiliating interrogation of my intellect and humanity. Today’s confirmation of soon to be Justice Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson a Black woman, who as we say in the Black Church “is prepared in head and heart” is a form of reparations for the ancestors who endured even more and were barred from these opportunities, for Black women living in this present moment of political and racialized ire and hope and opportunity for our progeny. As we seek to continue even as a network to embody womanist tenets by centering, respecting, and investing in the leadership of Black women, her confirmation illuminates the path to possibilities.”
Phyllis Hill, national director of organizing, Faith in Action:
“For more than 200 years, our supreme court has excluded the critical perspective and experience of Black women and today is a step towards change. Justice Jackson sends a message, that Black women are usually overqualified and better prepared to sit in the highest courtrooms, boardrooms, and any other rooms that decide how we will belong in this country called the UNITED states. Like foremothers and forefathers before her, Justice Jackson is paving the way for so many young Black girls and women to be their ancestors’ wildest dreams. This is a blessing beyond measure, a mix of God’s faithfulness and Justice Jackson’s hard work, and a reminder that the arc bends toward justice because she, we, and our ancestors bent it.”
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