Courtesy Photo-Judge Wanda M. Stokes 30th Circuit Court
On Thursday, June 30th, 2022, Judge Katanji Brown Jackson was sworn in as an Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Watching her take the judicial oath of office as the first Black woman to serve in the 233 years of our high court caused my heart to overflow with pride, and optimism for the future. Not only because she’s an African American, but because of her ideas, values, and judicial experience. Justice Jackson has the distinction of being the first and only Supreme Court Justice with Public Defender experience. She brings to the bench a depth of diverse legal and judicial experience that will serve our nation well. During judicial discourse and debate her voice will be an integral part of developing fair and just legal decisions.
Following Judge Katanji Brown Jackson’s nomination by President Joe R. Biden, she was quoted as saying, “If I’m fortunate enough to be confirmed as the next associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I can only hope that my life and career, my love of this country and the Constitution, and my commitment to upholding the rule of law and the sacred principles upon which this great nation was founded, will inspire future generations of Americans.” I can proudly say she is an inspiration for me, and hopefully for future generations of practitioners in our legal profession. God bless our United States of America, Associate Justice Jackson, and the judiciary!
Judge Wanda M. Stokes
30th Circuit Court