U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, offered a personal look into her life, legacy, and perspective on democracy during a featured appearance at the Global Black Economic Forum at the Essence Festival of Culture.
In a candid conversation with ABC News journalist Linsey Davis, Justice Jackson reflected on her journey, her faith, and her early years on the Supreme Court bench, just as she marked the third anniversary of her historic confirmation.
The discussion opened with a tribute to her memoir, Lovely One, as Jackson read a poignant passage about standing in an “unprecedented place” while swearing an oath on two stacked Bibles—symbols of both personal and national progress. The moment was set to the soulful sounds of Cheryl Lynn’s “Got to Be Real,” underscoring the event’s celebratory yet reflective tone.
We’ve Come This Far by Faith
Asked about the role of faith in her life, Justice Jackson recalled the foundational influence of her grandmother and the traditions of the Black church.
“Going to church with my grandmother, singing hymns, hearing Bible stories—that grounding has helped me navigate this current situation,” she said. Her message resonated with many in the audience who, like Jackson, have leaned on faith as a guiding force through uncertain times.
“Perseverance” and the Power of One Word
Jackson also revisited a defining moment from her freshman year at Harvard. Feeling unsure of her place, she was approached by a stranger—a Black woman who whispered a single word: “Persevere.”
That brief but powerful encounter stayed with her for decades and has come to symbolize the kind of encouragement she believes is vital in today’s world.
“I would just encourage you all to do that for even strangers that you meet,” she said, “who may need a word from you right now.”
Weighing in on the Court and the Country
Justice Jackson also addressed growing concerns about the direction of the Supreme Court and the state of American democracy. While careful not to speak in generalities, she acknowledged that many of her recent dissenting opinions—including one warning that “executive power will become completely uncontainable”—reflect deep unease about the direction of certain rulings.
In one recent dissent, she wrote with “deep disillusionment” about decisions that, in her view, reflect a “let-them-eat-cake obliviousness” to systemic inequality.
Though she declined to speak about specific cases during the interview, Jackson explained that her judicial writings serve as a means of transparency.
“The nice part about being on the court is that you have the opportunity—whether you’re in the majority or in the dissent—to express your opinions,” she said. “And that’s what I try to do.”
Finding Balance—Even Through Boxing
On a lighter note, Justice Jackson shared that she has taken up boxing as a physical outlet.
“One of my detail members is a boxer and said, ‘You should really try this,’” she laughed. “And I’ve really enjoyed it.” It’s a rare glimpse into the personal side of a jurist who walks, as she wrote, “along corridors where few Black Americans have been, much less worked.”
A Legacy in Motion
From her reflections on faith and family to her vigilant dissents and calls for civic engagement, Justice Jackson’s message was clear: representation matters, and so does responsibility.
“I feel extraordinarily lucky,” she said. “I’m aware that people are watching. They want to know how I’m going to perform in this job. I want people to see and know that I can do anything just like anyone else.”
As she continues to navigate her historic role, Justice Jackson remains committed to using her voice—and her pen—to uplift truth and justice, one ruling at a time.
