After 232 years and 115 other justices, the Supreme Court will have its first Black woman justice. The senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson on Thursday by a vote of 53-47. Three Republicans — Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Susan Collins of Maine and Mitt Romney of Utah — voted with Democrats to confirm her.
Jackson’s confirmation is an opportunity for newsrooms nationwide to take a look at the diversity at their own local and federal courts. It’s a time to assess not only whether the bench looks like the community it serves but also to profile some jurists who, while not in the spotlight like Jackson, are no less notable.
