President Biden nominates Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson to Supreme Court

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- For the first time in history, a Black woman has been nominated to the Supreme Court. The announcement came from President Biden on Friday. Now, Wisconsin leaders and advocates are reacting to the news. 

"The sacred principles upon which this great nation was founded will inspire future generations of Americans. Thank you again Mr. President, for this extraordinary honor," said Judge Kentanji Brown Jackson during a press conference Friday. 

It was a big day for Jackson. Some say her Supreme Court nomination proves that anything is possible. 

"She was the daughter of a public school teacher and had a lot of talent and was very smart. But people scoffed at her ambition to go to Harvard. I think she stands for something for all girls, to not let people tell you that you can't achieve your dreams," said Justice Rebecca Frank Dallet of the Wisconsin Supreme Court. 

Dreams members of the Black community feel are long overdue. 

"I believe there has been plenty of minorities, especially African American women, that have been qualified, who just never got the chance. So I am truly ecstatic and I am in full support of President Biden's nomination," explained Shellie Wiles, founding executive board member of Racine Women for Racial Justice. 

President Biden says Judge Jackson is one of our nation's brightest legal minds. If confirmed, she would replace Justice Stephen Breyer. He is retiring after many years of service. Many feel Jackson would bring something special to the table. 

"I think another aspect of her that is really terrific is that she is a public defender. We have yet to have a public defender, I think, on the U.S. Supreme Court. She will bring a different perspective which is what we need on courts, differing perspectives," said Justice Dallet. 

It's a perspective advocates feel will benefit many generations to come. 

"Children are really the future. So, when you see it and it's tangible and feel it and see it and believe it, you can do it. So, I am really excited for the younger generation to be a part of history witnessing this," said Wiles. 

If confirmed, Judge Jackson would be the fourth woman on the current court, the highest number ever. Currently, Democrats hold a slim 50-50 majority in the upper chamber. Vice President Kamala Harris would have to provide the tie-breaking vote, if needed.