WASHINGTON, D.C., February 1, 2022 – In the wake of Justice Stephen Breyer announcing his retirement from the U.S. Supreme Court, President Biden has recommitted to his campaign pledge to nominate the first-ever Black woman justice to the Court. There are many incredibly qualified women who are well-prepared to serve. Several have risen to the top as the likeliest contenders.
Alliance for Justice has launched a new hub to highlight the incredible records of many of these remarkable Black women jurists, lawyers, and professors. For each nominee, we provide a detailed look at their background and legal experience.
We hope this research is useful to reporters, legal experts, and the general public. In particular, we hope that it promotes honest dialogue about how well prepared these women are to serve the nation and the vital importance of finally placing a Black woman on the Supreme Court.
Alliance for Justice President Rakim H.D. Brooks issued the following statement:
“This is an historic moment for our nation, as we collectively reflect on just how many brilliant Black women are already serving our nation’s legal system. As I have said elsewhere, Black women have always been prepared to take this step, and I’m so glad that we are finally reaching that obvious conclusion. I have many hopes in the months ahead, but this one is primary: By interrogating the remarkable records of these women, the nation may better come to understand why it is imperative to broaden the demographic and professional diversity of the judges who serve on all of our courts, especially the Supreme Court.
“Any one of these possible nominees would make an excellent justice, and young women, young people of color, and young Black women in particular will spend the next month watching these role models in the spotlight. Indeed, I believe all Americans will revel in the power of their example. We can’t underestimate the difference that will make.
“We look forward to the conversations ahead about how this justice will protect equal rights for all and uphold the rule of law — knowing that it will likely be one of the women profiled on our site who will carry that torch forward. It’s such an exciting time.”
Click here to learn about the likely candidates to be a justice for all.