The United States again wrote a memorable page in its history last Thursday (30) when Ketanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as the first black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.

Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first black woman in the First Court of the United States. Photo: AFP/ND

The appointment of this 51-year-old woman by Democratic President Joe Biden means that for the first time in 233 years, white men no longer form a majority in the country’s highest court.

While his confirmation is a milestone, it won’t change the six-judge conservative majority versus the three progressive judges formed under Republican tycoon Donald Trump (2017-2021).

The court has been criticized for its latest rulings that expand civilians’ right to bear arms, repeal federal abortion rights and limit the government’s powers to curb greenhouse gas emissions.

Jackson’s “historic oath” “represents a huge step forward for our nation, for all young black women who now see their reflection in our highest court, and for all of us as Americans,” Biden said in a statement released this week. on Thursday.

“The Supreme Court has just received a colleague with a world-class intellect, the decent temperament the American people expect from a judge, and the strongest track record imaginable,” he added.

In a similar tone, Nancy Pelosi, leader of the Democratic bench in the House of Representatives (low) of the US Congress, spoke in a statement.

“As Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson takes his seat on the Supreme Court, our nation is taking a historic step towards realizing our highest ideals,” said Nancy Pelosi.

“In the midst of this court’s vicious encroachments on the health, freedom, and safety of Americans, she will be a much-needed force for equal justice for all,” she said.

Jackson takes office by securing the support of three Republicans in the Senate during a grueling confirmation process, which gives Biden a 53-47 bipartisan approval for his first Supreme Court nominee.

The appointment gives the Biden administration an opportunity to bounce back from a string of bad news in recent months, with polls pointing to approval ratings below 40% amid runaway inflation ahead of the midterm elections in November.

It also allowed Biden to show the black voters who saved his stunning 2020 primary campaign that they can count on him.