Perseverance, brilliance and determination. These are just some of the words used by Black lawyers in the Twin Cities to describe Ketanji Brown Jackson, who will soon become Justice Jackson. In the Supreme Court's 233-year-history, never has an African American woman been considered for the job.
None of the lawyers NewsTalk 830 spoke with, have a personal relationship with Ketanji Brown Jackson.
Uzodima Frank Aba-Onu is the President of the Minnesota Black Lawyer Association, or MABL. He says Jackson's confirmation is an amazing thing to see.
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"It's been a long journey and it shouldn't have been this long," said Aba-Onu.
"But she is someone who without doubt is highly qualified. She'll bring so much diversity in her perspective... her having worked as a public defender, her gender, and her skin color all of the above."
While other law associations and most Americans are supportive of Ketanji Brown Jackson, MABL members were keenly aware of the challenges KBJ experienced during her confirmation process.
"There was a lot of down-casting and misdirection about her even though she's overly qualified," said Aba-Onu. He points out how people wanted to see her LSAT and bar admission scores, even though; Jackson is a graduate of Harvard Law School, clerked for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer (who she is replacing) and worked for decades as a judge.
Attorney and MABL member, Jules Porter says while some people tried soiling Jackson's name, nobody could criticize her qualifications.
"Even the senators who voted against her, or attacked her for unrelated reasons, had to admit that KBJ is one of the most qualified candidates for the United States Supreme Court that our nation has ever had in its 245 year history."
Vice President of the Minnesota Black Lawyer Association, Dana Mitchell, who is also a Black female lawyer shares similar sentiments.
"One word that struck me through the confirmation proceedings, was perseverance." Mitchell says Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson had to persevere "walking through the courtyard of Harvard, when she probably wasn't feeling like she belonged."
Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is expected to take the judicial oath this summer. Meanwhile, MABL members hope Jackson's ascension to the Court, will become a movement, not just a moment.
"I think it just helps people understand and see themselves in people in high places," said Aba-Onu."Locally, it's something that can spur folks being interested in the law."
