Law Center News
Southern University Law Center students among first group of HBCU students to attend historical confirmation hearing for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
As Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson entered a historic week of confirmation hearings, HBCU law students from across the country showed up to show Jackson they "have her back." If confirmed, Jackson will be the first Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court.
“This was an amazing experience,” pondered Jalyn Wells, second-year law student.“To be a part of history, and to watch it happen with so many Black attorneys and future attorneys was indescribable. This was my first experience in a rally or a march, and I’m appreciative to SULC for creating these opportunities for their students.”
In partnership with the National Black Law Student Association and the Black Public Defender Association, Demand Justice invited fifty Law Center students to travel to Washington DC to witness the first day of hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson. Four Southern University Law Center (SULC) students had the opportunity to be first-hand witnesses to history in the hearing room at the Hart Senate Office Building. SULC students were the first HBCU to attend the four-day hearing.
"Attending this historic day means to me that I, too, as a woman of color, can pursue my dreams," said Marina Castro, a third-year law student. "I am honored and privileged to represent the Southern University Law Center in person at this significant moment in the history of our great country."
Students attended a welcome dinner during the visit, which allowed them to network with public defenders, policy professionals, and other leaders. On the morning of the hearing, students rallied at the Supreme Court to join an official watch party with other supporters of Jackson. Students were also interviewed by local and national news outlets, including CNN, Good Morning America, ABC News, Essence Magazine, and many others.
"Black women need support from other black women more than ever,” said Emiia Charles, a first-year law student. “As a young black woman, myself, being able to be there in support of Kentaji Brown Jackson was a life-changing experience. This has inspired me even more to support more young women who look just like me. Black women are truly SUPREME!"
Being able to witness a huge moment in history is another way the Law Center continues to open the doors for students, especially African Americans, and broaden their horizons within the field of law.
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About Demand Justice:
Demand Justice is working to restore balance to the courts by reforming the Supreme Court, expanding the circuit and district courts, and championing new judges with experience as public defenders, civil rights lawyers, legal aid lawyers, and labor lawyers who represent working people.
About National Black Law Student Association:
The mission of NBLSA is to increase the number of culturally responsible Black and minority attorneys who excel academically, succeed professionally, and positively impact the community.
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