History has been made.
Yesterday’s confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the United States Supreme Court makes her the first Black woman appointed to the high court and one of the most experienced, qualified justices of all time.
The New York Women’s Foundation celebrates this historical moment and its significance for advancing justice for women and gender-expansive people and changing the face of civic leadership. Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation brings us further in alignment with the vision of expanding democracy and building a society that allows women and gender-expansive people to thrive.
At a time when reproductive rights, ballot access, and the rights of LGBTQ+ people hang in the balance, Associate Justice Jackson’s position on the high court is crucial for ensuring these interests are protected and bolstered. Her perspective brings a balance that represents the diversity of this country.
The Foundation’s investments strengthen the leadership and civic engagement of women, supporting them to lead and ignite movements for change in communities throughout New York City and beyond. We salute our grantee partner Higher Heights for their dedicated and successful advocacy throughout Associate Justice Jackson’s confirmation process. It is through the collective, concerted action of organizations like Higher Heights, and decades of organizing and community work led by Black women, that this moment was made possible.
Together, we march forward in the hope and expectation that women and gender-expansive people will continue to have their voices represented in the democratic process—and to be the civic leaders that make this change possible.
In Solidarity,
Ana L. Oliveira
President & CEO
