In one of her initial public appearances promoting her newly released memoir titled “Lovely One,” Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson didn’t create significant headlines, but she did accomplish a notable feat: she joined a list of luminaries like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson by singing at the Apollo Theater.
During a conversation with interviewer Gayle King on Tuesday evening, Jackson fondly recalled her love for musical theater, even performing a few lines from “The Wiz” and reciting a favorite chant from “Schoolhouse Rock.” The packed audience at the renowned Harlem venue enthusiastically cheered and sang along.
King had assured, and kept her word, to concentrate on Jackson’s personal narrative rather than legal matters. Jackson shared insights into her upbringing in Miami, the significance of her name (which means “lovely one”), her time at Harvard University, her interracial marriage to Dr. Patrick Jackson, and her journey through the judicial system, culminating in her historic appointment as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court in 2022.
Jackson revealed that her interest in law began during her childhood when she would sit with her father, Johnny Brown, who studied law books at the dining table. Her aspiration solidified in middle school after learning about Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve on the federal judiciary.
Her memoir, spanning 405 pages, delves into family history, legal exploits, and personal experiences, outlining her improbable path to becoming a Supreme Court Justice in a country where segregation persisted well into the 20th century. “Lovely One” serves as a guide and inspiration for young women, people of color, and ambitious individuals striving to achieve their goals.
Despite facing tough questioning from Republican senators during her confirmation process and serving on a notably conservative and divided court, Jackson avoids naming individuals or criticizing colleagues in her book and declined to engage in such discussions during her conversation with King.
When prompted about possible conflicts with fellow justices, Jackson humorously deflected the question. She also mentioned that while justices do have lunch opportunities, she did not delve into specifics about social dynamics within the Supreme Court.
Reflecting on her approach during confirmation hearings, Jackson highlighted her composure, readiness, and political acumen, aided by extensive White House preparation. By anticipating potentially difficult questions and leveraging prior interactions with senators, Jackson navigated the confirmation process gracefully.
