—
In a momentous occasion that echoed through the halls of history, the Senate’s confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court sparked a wave of reflection and inspiration across multiple generations.
For 88-year-old James Meredith from Mississippi, this historic event brought to mind the pioneering figure of Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge.
“She reminds me of Judge Motley, though not in stature, she matches her in intellect,” Meredith shared with CBS News’ Jericka Duncan, drawing an intriguing parallel between the two trailblazers.
Interestingly, Jackson and Motley share more than just their groundbreaking roles; they also celebrate the same birthday, adding another layer of connection between these two remarkable women.
Six decades ago, Motley was instrumental in a pivotal case involving Meredith, who broke racial barriers as the first Black student at the University of Mississippi.
Serving as an attorney for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, Motley became the first African American woman to present arguments before the Supreme Court, securing victories in nine out of ten cases, including one that ensured Meredith’s right to education in a racially segregated institution.
Reflecting on Jackson’s climb to the highest court in the land, Meredith sees it as a long-overdue recognition of Black women’s contributions.
“The Black woman has often been overlooked.
While we’ve seen advancements with a woman vice president and a woman ambassador to the U.N., ascending to a Supreme Court justice represents the pinnacle of achievement, not just for women but for anyone, particularly young women,” he emphasized, hoping that Jackson’s success would light a fire of ambition in Black women everywhere.
Jackson’s confirmation resonated not only with those who have witnessed history but also with the younger generation, exemplified by 11-year-old Maddi Morgan.
Earlier this year, Morgan reached out to President Biden with a bold request: to be considered as the first Black female Supreme Court justice.
“Seeing no strict requirements for the role, I thought, why not take my chance?”
she remarked.
