Celebrating Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson: It's time to let justice roll down like a river

The Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association stands as a United Force for Change in congratulating the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson in being confirmed by the Senate as the first African American female Associate US Supreme Court Justice in its 233-year history and only the sixth woman. Undeterred by the systemic challenges commonly experienced by law students of color in America, Judge Jackson embodies the hopes and dreams of the janitors, cafeteria workers, librarians, mentors, church mothers, family members and friends who all played a role in encouraging her through Harvard University and Harvard Law School. Judge Jackson is an existential representation of what the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. meant when he said “I Have a Dream” while standing on the steps of Lincoln Memorial on August 28, 1963.

As an organization founded 45 years ago to fight for equality and equity in opportunities for the advancement and impact of all women in the workplace, today’s Senate confirmation represents a major milestone, especially for women of color. This moment speaks to the intentional representation and inclusion of marginalized voices that is needed to ensure all are citizens feel seen, heard and valued with respect to justice. With Judge Jackson’s ascension to the highest court in the land, the US Supreme Court has become more reflective of the diversity which exists in the society it aims to serve.

 Judge Jackson now walks into the next phase of her journey with multiple identities along with the historic identity of being the first Black woman confirmed to the Supreme Court. She will be an Associate Supreme Court Justice, and she is also a devoted wife, dedicated mother, loving daughter, loyal sister-friend, consummate law professional and a fierce advocate for the underrepresented and underestimated constituents who for centuries were unheard and overlooked. Each of those identities embodies what many women and Black women walk with each day and are oftentimes faced with bias and discrimination which can lead to a sense of hopelessness. Judge Jackson will be a role model to millions of young girls and women around the entire globe. Multiple generations will now bear witness to the living reality that anything is possible. The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to achieving one’s fullest potential—especially when with the support of a strong village and committed sponsors who are willing to put their name and credibility on the line when it counts the most.

 I join with the great cloud of witnesses who marvel at this historic moment. My two daughters and my son are seeing in real-time what it looks like for the world to be more just, equitable, diverse and inclusive to ensure a sense of belonging for all. With infinite hope, we believe Judge Jackson’s addition to the US Supreme Court is truly a movement towards greater justice and equality for all. We also believe it will take all of us working together in every sector of society to be the change we desire to see in our own homes, places of work, and community.

 In the words of Judge Jackson, “I am here standing on the shoulders of generations of Americans who never had anything close to this kind of opportunity.” And In the words of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, “Let justice roll like a river, and righteousness like a mighty stream.” More work to come, but for today we pause to celebrate significant progress.