Earlier this semester, the Civic Leadership, Diversity, and Systems Thinking class, along with other Presidians, had the privilege of attending a City Arts & Lectures event featuring Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson in conversation with john a. powell. The evening offered a profound insight into the intersection of law, leadership, and personal values, as Justice Jackson shared her life story and her path to becoming the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court. The event was part of her book tour for her new memoir, Lovely One.
Justice Jackson’s biography is nothing short of remarkable. Born in Washington, D.C., and raised in Miami, Florida, she pursued her undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University, both with honors. Her legal career is distinguished by her service as a law clerk for three federal judges, including Justice Stephen Breyer of the Supreme Court. She has filled many roles over the years: attorney, Vice Chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and an assistant federal public defender. Appointed to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by President Obama in 2013, and later to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, Justice Jackson was nominated to the Supreme Court in 2022 by President Biden, a historic appointment that broke centuries-old barriers.
During the event, Justice Jackson wove together her personal and professional journey in a way that was open, vulnerable, and deeply human. She spoke candidly about her husband and the challenges of motherhood, particularly balancing the demands of parenting a child with unique health needs alongside her intense career. Reflecting on her parents’ experiences growing up as African Americans in the segregated South during the 1950s and ’60s, Justice Jackson drew a powerful connection between their perseverance and her own path to becoming the 116th justice of the Supreme Court.
She shared the profound moment during her Supreme Court appointment when she signed the Bible of John Marshall Harlan, the lone dissenter in Plessy v. Ferguson. Justice Jackson reflected on key legal cases that have shaped her career, offering a perspective on law that is deeply rooted in empathy, purpose, and justice.
One of the CLDS students, Declan Durand, was struck by her approach to legal interpretation: “I love her perspective on the interpretation of law. By asking the question, ‘what was this statute meant to solve when it was put into place,’ we build institutions off intention and leave space for flexibility and growth.”
For many in the class, the event was more than just an educational experience; it was deeply personal. Kamille Lang expressed gratitude, saying: “Thank you so much for allowing Presidio Graduate School students in the Civic Leadership course to attend this event! It was a once-in-a-lifetime privilege to have this close connection with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. This person has been an icon that my mom and I have bonded over recently. Justice Brown Jackson is such a tremendous storyteller that has helped me elevate the values I have in conversations with my mom. This is the first time in my life that I have referred to it as ‘my’ Supreme Court. I am proud as a human and an American citizen to know Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is in that role.”
The conversation highlighted Justice Jackson’s personal values, which were clear throughout the evening. Maggie Moellering, another student, reflected on how these traits are crucial to civic leadership: “I enjoyed hearing about her childhood and personal life. Both her humility and empathy were clear in her presence and stories, which are great values in a civic leader and have clearly helped her make the impact she has in her career.”
John A. Powell, an expert on civil rights, race, and democracy, helped to guide the conversation, offering his insights and engaging deeply with Justice Jackson’s reflections on justice and leadership. For my students, the opportunity to hear these two distinguished figures discuss critical issues was invaluable.
As Amanda Teoman summed it up: “The conversation was inspiring, eye-opening, and I enjoyed learning how Justice Jackson’s background has informed her impressive and groundbreaking career.”
The event was an extraordinary experience, one that left an indelible impact on all who attended. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of diverse leadership in shaping a more just and inclusive future.
