50 Facts About Ketanji Brown Jackson

Early Life and Family

Ketanji Brown Jackson's journey to the Supreme Court is rooted in her early life and family background. Her upbringing played a significant role in shaping her career and values.

1. Birth and Early Life: Ketanji Brown Jackson was born on September 14, 1970, in Washington, D.C., to Johnny and Ellery Brown. Her parents were public school teachers at the time.

2. Family Influence: Growing up in Miami, Jackson was surrounded by a strong educational and professional environment. Her parents' dedication to teaching and her father's legal career likely influenced her early interest in law.

3. Parents' Legacy: Both her parents attended segregated primary schools and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) before rising through the ranks of the Miami-Dade Public School system.

4. African Roots: Her name, Ketanji Onyika, is an African name meaning "Lovely One." Her aunt, who was based in West Africa with the Peace Corps at the time of her birth, sent her parents a list of African girls' names.

Education and Early Career

Jackson's academic journey is marked by excellence and determination. Her education laid the foundation for her illustrious career in law.

5. Education: Jackson attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School, where she excelled in speech and debate competitions. She was elected student body president.

6. Harvard University: In 1988, Jackson enrolled at Harvard University, where she met her future husband, Patrick Jackson. She graduated magna cum laude in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in government.

7. Harvard Law School: After working briefly at Time magazine, Jackson entered Harvard Law School. She graduated cum laude in 1996 with a juris doctor (J.D.) degree.

8. Early Career: Jackson's early career included clerkships for three federal judges: Justice Stephen Breyer, District Judge Patti B. Saris, and First Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Bruce M. Selya.

Public Defender and Sentencing Commission

Jackson's experience as a public defender and her role in the U.S. Sentencing Commission significantly shaped her perspective on the legal system.

9. Public Defender: Between 2005 and 2007, Jackson served as an assistant federal public defender in Washington, D.C. This role allowed her to represent clients in federal courts.

10. U.S. Sentencing Commission: From 2010 to 2014, Jackson served as the vice chair and commissioner of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. Her work influenced federal sentencing policies.

Judicial Career

Jackson's judicial career includes significant rulings and appointments that highlight her commitment to justice and fairness.

11. District Court Judge: On September 20, 2012, President Barack Obama nominated Jackson to serve as a United States district judge for the District of Columbia. She was confirmed by the Senate in March 2013.

12. Notable Cases: Jackson's rulings include dismissing pending wrongful death cases related to missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and blocking the Trump administration from expanding its powers to fast-track the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

13. Court of Appeals: In April 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Jackson to the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. She was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 53 to 44 on June 14, 2021.

14. Notable Rulings as Appeals Court Judge: During her time on the appeals court, Jackson confronted issues related to executive privilege and presidential powers.

Supreme Court Nomination

Jackson's nomination to the Supreme Court marks a historic milestone in American jurisprudence.

15. Supreme Court Nomination: On February 25, 2022, President Biden nominated Jackson to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Her nomination was historic, marking the first time a Black woman had been nominated to the Supreme Court.

16. Confirmation Hearings: Jackson's confirmation hearings were marked by intense scrutiny and debate. Despite some of her rulings being overturned on appeal, she gained support from the Congressional Black Caucus and bipartisan backing.

17. Sworn into Office: Jackson was confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office in June 2022, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Personal Life and Inspirations

Jackson's personal life and inspirations reflect her commitment to family, community, and social justice.

18. Personal Life: Jackson is married to Patrick Jackson, whom she met while studying at Harvard. They have two daughters, Leila and Talia.

19. Marriage and Family Connections: Jackson is related by marriage to former House Speaker Paul Ryan. Ryan's brother-in-law is Jackson's husband's twin.

20. Favorite Poem: Jackson's favorite poem is "The Ladder of St. Augustine" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. This poem reflects her values of perseverance and striving for excellence.

21. Civil Rights Influence: Her parents kept a copy of civil rights activist Derrick Bell's book, "Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism," on their coffee table.

22. Inspirational Women: Jackson is inspired by a diverse group of women, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

Community Involvement and Philosophy

Jackson's involvement in her community and her personal philosophy highlight her dedication to hard work and service.

23. Harvard Board of Overseers: Jackson served as a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers from 2016 to 2022.

24. Personal Motto: The motto in her household is "Do what you need to do before what you want to do."

25. Memberships and Interests: Jackson is a member of the Cosmos Club and is known for being an early riser and someone who values hard work and dedication.

26. Hard Work and Success: Jackson credits her success to "hard work, big breaks, and tough skin."

27. Poll Monitoring: In 2008, she served as a poll monitor for the Obama campaign with Lawyers for Change during the primary and general elections.

Legacy and Impact

Jackson's legacy extends beyond her judicial decisions. She represents a new generation of lawyers committed to social justice, equality, and fairness.

28. Representation of Guantanamo Bay Detainee: During her Court of Appeals confirmation process, Sen. Tom Cotton asked about her representation of a terrorist who was a Guantanamo Bay detainee.

29. Supreme Court Clerkship: Following two clerkships under Justices Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Jackson worked at the firm for nine months before leaving to serve as a clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer between 1999 and 2000.

30. Notable Rulings as District Court Judge: As a district court judge, Jackson issued several high-profile rulings, including ruling against the Trump administration's attempt to shield documents and witnesses from congressional inquiries.

31. Notable Rulings as Appeals Court Judge: During her time on the appeals court, Jackson confronted issues related to executive privilege and presidential powers.

32. Confirmation Hearings: Jackson's confirmation hearings were marked by intense scrutiny and debate. Despite some of her rulings being overturned on appeal, she gained support from the Congressional Black Caucus and bipartisan backing.

33. Personal Philosophy: Jackson's personal philosophy is reflected in her favorite poem, "The Ladder of St. Augustine," which emphasizes perseverance and striving for excellence.

34. Community Involvement: Jackson is a member of the Cosmos Club and is known for being an early riser and someone who values hard work and dedication.

35. Inspirational Figures: Jackson is inspired by a diverse group of women, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

36. Family Legacy: Both her parents had attended segregated primary schools and HBCUs before rising through the ranks of the Miami-Dade Public School system.

37. Civil Rights Influence: Her parents kept a copy of civil rights activist Derrick Bell’s book, “Faces at the Bottom of the Well: The Permanence of Racism,” on their coffee table.

38. High School Achievements: At Miami Palmetto Senior High School, Jackson was elected student body president and excelled in speech and debate competitions.

39. Harvard Board of Overseers: Jackson served as a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers from 2016 to 2022.

40. Inspirational Women: Jackson is inspired by a diverse group of women, including Sojourner Truth, Harriet Tubman, and Eleanor Roosevelt.

41. Personal Motto: The motto in her household is “Do what you need to do before what you want to do.”

42. Memberships and Interests: Jackson is a member of the Cosmos Club and is known for being an early riser and someone who values hard work and dedication.

43. Hard Work and Success: Jackson credits her success to “hard work, big breaks, and tough skin.”

44. African Roots: Her name, Ketanji Onyika, is an African name meaning “Lovely One.” Her aunt, who was based in West Africa with the Peace Corps at the time of her birth, sent her parents a list of African girls’ names.

45. Early Legal Aspirations: Jackson’s interest in the legal profession was sparked during her dining table study sessions with her father while she attended preschool in Miami.

46. Parents’ Legacy: Both her parents had attended segregated primary schools and HBCUs before rising through the ranks of the Miami-Dade Public School system.

47. Notable Cases: Jackson’s rulings include dismissing pending wrongful death cases related to missing Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 and blocking the Trump administration from expanding its powers to fast-track the deportation of undocumented immigrants.

48. Legacy: Ketanji Brown Jackson’s legacy extends beyond her judicial decisions. She represents a new generation of lawyers who are committed to social justice, equality, and fairness.

49. Supreme Court Nomination: On February 25, 2022, President Biden nominated Jackson to the Supreme Court to replace retiring Justice Stephen Breyer. Her nomination was historic, marking the first time a Black woman had been nominated to the Supreme Court.

50. Sworn into Office: Jackson was confirmed by the Senate and sworn into office in June 2022, becoming the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court.

Ketanji Brown Jackson's Impact

Ketanji Brown Jackson's journey to the Supreme Court is nothing short of inspiring. From her early days in Miami to her historic appointment, she's broken barriers and set new standards. Her work as a public defender, district court judge, and on the U.S. Sentencing Commission showcases her dedication to justice and fairness. Jackson's rulings, especially those challenging executive power, highlight her commitment to transparency. Her personal life, marked by strong family ties and a love for education, adds depth to her professional achievements. Jackson's story is a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of perseverance. As she continues her tenure on the Supreme Court, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations. Her journey reminds us that with determination and dedication, one can achieve great heights and make a lasting impact on society.