Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson stepped into her Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Monday looking confident and absolutely joyous at the thought that she’s breaking glass ceilings for Black women working in the judicial system. She didn’t take the historic moment lightly and she knew she didn’t get to this momentous place alone — she had her family by her side.
In her opening statement, she took the time to acknowledge her loved ones who helped get her to this stage of unbelievable success. Her parents, Johnny and Ellery Brown, got a mention for making her believe that her “path was clearer” after they faced so many racial barriers themselves. And her husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, who hasn’t left her side in this week’s proceedings, got emotional when he heard his wife’s tribute to him. “I have no doubt that, without him by my side from the very beginning of this incredible professional journey, none of this would have been possible,” she shared.
But the moment that made her most proud was introducing her two daughters, Talia, 21, and Leila, 17, who sat behind their mom on the first day of the hearing. “Girls, I know it has not been easy as I have tried to navigate the challenges of juggling my career and motherhood,” she said lovingly. “And I fully admit that I did not always get the balance right. But I hope that you have seen that with hard work, determination, and love, it can be done.”
Meet Ketanji’s extended family and see how they are supporting her every step of the way as she strides into the U.S. history books, and hopefully, the Supreme Court.
Meet Her Husband
Dr. Patrick Jackson is a surgeon at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has been married to his wife for 25 after meeting in college.
Official Notetaker
Patrick takes copious notes of his wife’s confirmation hearing. You can tell he’s determined to remain her rock throughout the ongoing confirmation hearing.
Official Bag Carrier
There aren’t going to be any burdens placed on Ketan this week because her only focus is reminding everyone why she deserves a place on that Supreme Court. Patrick is sweetly taking on job duties like official bag carrier for his wife.
Emotional Moments
The first day was an emotional one for the Jackson family as Ketanji’s opening statement moved everyone with its heart and the magnitude of the historical moment.
Meet Her Daughters
The judge’s daughters, 17-year-old Talia (center) and 21-year-old Leila (far right) came to support their mother on the first day of the confirmation hearing. At the age of 11, Leila already knew her mom was destined for greatness and wrote a letter to former President Barack Obama to nominate her to the Supreme Court.
A Serious Moment
The Jackson family looks on with serious faces — Ketanji’s nomination is a group effort. They are there to offer support, comfort and a friendly face in the crowd.
Full of Smiles
And there are moments of levity during the heavy week — Patrick, Talia and Leila share a sweet smile as Ketanji focuses on answering questions.
Focused on the Task at Hand
Ketanji beams with pride as her family looks on. She honored her daughters in her opening statement, “I am so looking forward to seeing what each of you chooses to do with your amazing lives in this incredible country.”
A Successful First Day
The family shows a united front as they exit the first day of the Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.
Meet Her Parents
Ketanji’s parents Johnny and Ellery Brown, along with her younger brother Ketajh Brown, attended the first day of the hearing. Her parents have been married for 54 years and were public school teachers in Washington, D.C. Ketajh is currently an associate at the law firm K&L Gates’ Chicago office, but he is also a Maryland Army National Guard veteran, doing two tours in the Middle East as an infantry officer.
Superstars
Johnny and Ellery are already famous on Capitol Hill, thanks to their daughter. They posed for a selfie during a break on Tuesday — how adorable!
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