If you’re a Black woman, chances are you’ve been watching Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court confirming hearing with a keen, and sometimes teary, eye. Jackson is making history as the first Black woman to go through the Supreme Court confirmation process, and watching the graceful way she’s navigated the hearing is nothing short of inspirational.
On more than one occasion, Jackson has made Black women feel seen with her candor, emotions and overall poise while being ridiculed by white, GOP senators. Out of all of the moments she’s made us feel seen, here are six we’ll remember long after the hearing is over.
1. Her Slight Shade To Ted Cruz
Judge Jackson waiting for Ted Cruz tirade to end. pic.twitter.com/WsjM4pflId
— Steven Mazie (@stevenmazie) March 21, 2022
2. Balancing Motherhood And Her Career
One of the most earnest and poignant moments of the hearings was when Jackson opened up about her past struggles trying to balance motherhood and her career.
Seeing Jackson’s vulnerability was profound for Black women.
We are moved by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s words for her daughters, Talia and Leila. Finding a balance between career and motherhood is a challenge for working mothers. We appreciate Jackson bringing her full self to her confirmation hearings.
Video credit: @GMA pic.twitter.com/1qIQoqQqwW— Lean In (@LeanInOrg) March 22, 2022
3. Her BFF Introducing Her
Lisa Fairfax, a professor and co-director of the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School’s Institute for Law and Economics and one of Jackson’s BFFs, introduced her at the hearing, as Blavity previously reported.
It was a beautiful moment that reminded us how special friendships between Black women can be.
WATCH: Law Professor Lisa Fairfax introduces her friend and college roommate, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, during the first day of her SCOTUS confirmation hearing. pic.twitter.com/JCRHTzPgJT
— Senate Judiciary Committee (@JudiciaryDems) March 21, 2022
4. Cory Booker Acknowledging The Impact Of The Moment
“You have earned this spot. You are worthy. You are a great American.”
Senator Cory Booker offered Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson a respite from conservative attacks during her Supreme Court confirmation hearing, endorsing her candidacy in emotional terms.https://t.co/LBUOzMBIva pic.twitter.com/H2NHOsSB9H
— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 24, 2022
5. Her Family Watched On With Pride
Black mothers are the pillars of their families—a fact that was only further proven by the reactions of Jackson’s family during the hearing. We saw her parents, husband and daughters tear up and beam with pride as the hearing went on.
Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson’s daughter Leila smiling at her mom in complete admiration warms our hearts 💕 pic.twitter.com/Z1FxqwpFbj
— MEFeater Magazine (@mefeater) March 24, 2022
6. Her Husband Getting Emotional
We were all tearing up alongside Jackson’s husband, Patrick Jackson, who was shown wiping away tears as his wife detailed what his support as meant to her over the years.
“I hope that you’ve seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done.” – SCOTUS nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson spoke directly to her daughters and her husband of 25 years, Dr. Patrick Jackson, as he wiped tears from his eyes. pic.twitter.com/P6qWmVHpVI
— CNN (@CNN) March 21, 2022
Seeing Jackson be loved and supported like that is a reminder of our worth and the kind of love that we deserve.
