NEWARK – The following can be attributed to Ryan P. Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, in reaction to the confirmation today by the U.S. Senate of Ketanji Brown Jackson as Supreme Court Justice:
“There is great joy in seeing America reach this milestone – and great meaning for Black women and girls who see themselves represented in Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson despite all the forces that still stand in their way.
“Judge Jackson is the Supreme Court Justice America needs. She will be the first former federal public defender on the Supreme Court. She will also be the first Justice with significant experience representing low-income people accused of crimes since the tenure of Justice Thurgood Marshall. These real-world perspectives have long been excluded from the nation’s highest court.
“Black Milestones Matter – not only for their symbolism but for how they advance our country in terms of widening our perspective, increasing our inclusiveness and moving forward our journey toward equality.”