South Florida officials rejoice after Jackson’s historic Supreme Court confirmation
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Ketanji Brown Jackson makes history as first Black woman justice
On Thursday, April 6, the Senate voted 53 to 47 to confirm Ketanji Brown Jackson to the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson will become the first Black woman and the first Floridian on the court upon taking the oath of office.
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South Florida officials on Thursday celebrated after the Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.
From Miami-Dade to Broward and Palm Beach counties, they embraced the historic appointment — as she’s now set to become the 116th person, the first Black woman and the first Floridian to serve on the court. All but seven of the justices who came before her have been white men.
Miami City Commission Chairwoman Christine King, the first woman to chair the government body, extolled that her heart “filled with pride” when Vice President Kamala Harris announced Jackson’s confirmation on the Senate’s floor. King, who is also an attorney, said Jackson’s confirmation would not have been possible without the sacrifices of civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
“I’m so proud to be a Black woman,” she added.
Miami Gardens Councilwoman Linda Julien highlighted that “it feels like America is living up to its promise of inclusivity for all.”
“This is the America that makes me proud,” she said.
State Sen. Rosalind Osgood, a Democrat from Tamarac, said Jackson is an “exceptional role model” for her granddaughter Kyla.
“Representation is the fabric of Democracy,” she wrote in a statement.
Other South Florida leaders took to Twitter to commemorate the moment.
READ MORE: Florida’s Rubio and Scott vote against Jackson’s confirmation
Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine Cava underscored the impact of Brown’s confirmation and how it “will shape our legal system for the better, and inspire a new generation of young Black women to achieve their highest potential.”
“I know Judge Brown Jackson will enjoy a long and fruitful career on the high court,” she added. “She will be an inspiration for generations to come.”
Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle described Jackson as a “superbly qualified jurist.”
READ MORE: Jackson’s confirmation to Supreme Court boosts Biden’s legacy
“Truly a day to celebrate with the historic bi-partisan confirmation of our very own Miami-Dade superstar,” she said.
State Sen. Shevrin Jones, a Miami Gardens Democrat, wrote in a news release that Jackson’s confirmation “is reason for much celebration as she blazes this trail for our country and young girls of color nationwide.” Like Fernandez Rundle, he said Jackson is a “jurist of exceptional qualification.”
“The FUTURE is FEMALE!” he tweeted.
Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Jose L. Dotres made sure to congratulate the Palmetto High School graduate.
“Thank you for being an example and inspiration to students at Miami-Dade schools on the value of hard work and commitment to excellence,” he said.
Broward County Commissioner Jared E. Moskowitz, too, sang Jackson’s praises.
READ MORE: Miami’s Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed to Supreme Court
“It’s WAY past due for Black women to be represented on the highest court in the land,” he said. “There is no doubt she is talented, exceptionally qualified, and will be a historic asset to SCOTUS.”
Dale V.C. Holness, former Broward mayor and commissioner, noted that “we witnessed history being made.”
“This historic moment is evidence that we are making strides towards inclusivity and equity in all levels of government,” he said.
Palm Beach County Commissioner Melissa McKinlay exuberantly lauded Jackson’s momentous appointment.
“A product of Miami-Dade schools, a talented lawyer and judge,” she said. “So many applauding you today, including me! Florida is proud!”
This story was originally published April 7, 2022 at 6:45 PM.
