As the first Black woman nominated to the Supreme Court, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson has become an inspiration and a beacon of hope for many people around the world, especially Black law school students.
Hundreds of law students, including members of the Florida A&M University College of Law Chapter of the National Black Law Students Association (NBLSA), traveled to Washington last week to support Jackson at her confirmation hearing.
“As we marched to Capitol Hill, while singing and chanting, it was very evident that we had Judge Jackson’s back,” first year FAMU law student Lauryn Pruitt said.
In typical Rattler fashion, they showed up and showed out. During their visit to the nation’s capital, FAMU law students participated in rallies, spoke to lawmakers and media outlets, watched the intense proceedings live in support of the trailblazer.
Although the students showed overwhelming support for Judge Jackson, the hearing was uncomfortable to watch at times for some. The students said they believe the line of questioning by some Republicans was harsh and uncalled for.
“Watching them bully her was very difficult to watch. The questions they were asking her were either irrelevant or appeared to be a microaggression,” Pruitt said. “Furthermore, as a Black woman, it was hard seeing another Black woman being bullied and degraded in front of the world.”
Pruitt said she became even more inspired by Judge Jackson because of how well she handled herself amid the tension in the room.
“I think she handled it with poise and grace. She held her composure and her responses were very respectful,” she said. “Additionally, she was very strategic in her responses. As Black women, we get the bad representation with being ‘angry,’ mad,’ or ‘sassy,’ but she did not subject to those stereotypes. Instead, she kept herself calm and remained polite.”
For many students, the best time to make a change is now and Judge Jackson is primed to rise to the occasion.
“As a Rattler for Justice it was important for me to go to Washington, D.C. not only to witness history, but to provide Judge Jackson with a strong showing of support,” Jasmine McMillion, president of the Black Law Students Association chapter at FAMU Law, said. “This nomination is important because we see someone who is highly qualified to fill this position who happens to be the first Black woman to be nominated to the Supreme Court.”
This historic moment will take far more detractors to derail the purpose and mission of Judge Jackson to occupy a seat on the highest court in the nation.