He said that he could only hope that her life and career, along with my love of the Constitution and my love of the country, would inspire future generations.
Although Ketanji Jackson Jackson's name may not be familiar to most Americans, it is to Antoinette coakley, a Northeastern Law professor; Lisa Fairfax, a University of Pennsylvania law professor; and Nina Simmons who is a corporate lawyer. All three of the women met the federal judge as college freshmen at Harvard.
Coakley said to CBS News correspondent Erin Moriarty that she recalled thinking, "Oh my goodness, what we saw so long ago is really coming into this moment." From the moment we first met Ketanji, it was obvious that she was special. When we met, I told her that she would be the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court.
They were known as "The Ladies" back then. They became close roommates in college and went on to be Harvard Law classmates.
Simmons said, "It was, ‘We’re gonna do this together, and we’re going to help one another,’" "And Ketanji taught us that when one wins, all of us win."
Jackson's writing skills and analytical abilities earned her a place as an editor at the Harvard Law Review. Jackson's friends claim she was distinguished for more than academics.
Coakley said, "She's funny." "And that's something people might not anticipate because they're so blinded in her intellectual brilliance that they don't know she has another side."
She can dazzle with a story or a song. Fairfax said, "She has an incredible voice." "We have heard her sing and we know she would be a great singer if she wanted to do that."
However, her true passion was law. Fairfax said that she knew from the beginning that she wanted to become a lawyer.
"And not just a judge, right?" "She wanted to be a judge." asked Moriarty.
Simmons replied, "Yes, she did." "And I was like, Oh, that totally makes sens',' based on the way she talks and the way she walks.
Jackson was the oldest of two children from educators and grew up in Miami. Her father is also an attorney.
Simmons said, "They were there to help her." They said, "Why not you?" You belong here. You are the one. You have worked hard. You're smart. This is possible.
Jackson was raised in a predominantly white highschool where she was able to use her brain as a member on the debate team.
Stephen Rosenthal, who had met her in 7th Grade, was a part of the team and a good friend. He stated, "She was one, if not THE, shining star of the team. She was an outstanding player in all aspects.
Moriarty inquired, "You called her the Simone Biles oratory," which brings to mind agility.
"Yeah. Simone Biles is a gold medalist with all of these gold medals around the neck. This was Ketanji's way with debate trophies. You know she had more hardware than anyone else.
Her friends say that the most important quality she has is her ability listen and to weigh all sides. This skill will be a great asset at her confirmation hearings, which begin tomorrow.
Fairfax stated, "Ketanji, the ultimate preparer, is going to be prepared."
Like all successful women of color Jackson is used to being asked about her credentials. Simmons stated, "Ofcourse, she's needed to have an armour. All of us have one. I believe most people have this ability, but Black women are particularly vulnerable.
This is an example: Tucker Carlson, Fox News's anchor, ignored Judge Jackson's nearly nine-year tenure on the federal bench and asked about her LSAT scores, which is the entrance exam to law school. Let's find out what Ketanji Jackson's LSAT score is. How did she do on LSDAT. He asked.
Coakley said, "I laughed at that," "Because that's what I said: 'Is this best you can do?'
Rosenthal stated, "That man clearly has never met Ketanji Jackson!"
Judge, 51 years old, will likely be challenged on her past as a federal public defense attorney and her work with the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She will be the High Court's second working mother if she is confirmed. She is married to Dr. Patrick Jackson, and they have two daughters.
Fairfax stated, "It's more than just people who look like she who get inspiration from her; it is about all of us looking for the possibilities and understanding what it means."
A woman standing just five feet and one inch tall can break another barrier.
Fairfax said, "It's historic because it's just one more instance where we can declare, 'This America is what we all want to be part of. "The dream is possible.
