Dr. Maya Angelou wrote an amazing poem that was very prophetic in nature. “Still I Rise,” is an anthem that championed the power of Black women. As timeless as this poem is, the prophetic message has manifested itself again in the personage of the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson. A strong beautiful Black woman with strong healthy locs and impeccable cheekbones. She is the recipient of the prayers of many Black women, who have come before her. Prayers that cry out for cycles to be broken and her-story to be made.
In a world where it seems as if anything is possible, Black women still face a daunting task of proving that they too, are more than just their anatomy, more than just a pretty face. They work harder than any other demographic while simultaneously devalued faster than fool’s gold. However, on April 7, 2022, Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson did what Black women have been doing since the beginning of time; she made her-story. Since the retirement announcement of the U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, President Joe Biden was very thoughtful in his selection and nomination for this lifetime appointment. With many names that might have come across his desk, there was something special about this Black woman. This woman who had all the audacity to sit as a federal judge and rock her natural hair, with the Blackest name that you would hear. This woman, whose qualifications surpass the average Supreme Court Justice, received the nomination.
This woman named Ketanji Brown Jackson, an alumnae of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, became a beacon of hope and inspiration when she was confirmed as the 116th Justice of the United States Supreme Court. In the Court’s 233-year history, there has never been a Black woman to serve. Not only does she check all the boxes that qualify her to serve in this lifetime appointment, but she proves a point that continually made, that Black women are magical and powerful.
As this nation celebrates the crowning achievement and elevation of Justice-Designate Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson, let this be a lesson to all, that Black women can do any and everything.