By RaNeeka Witty
Senator Dick Durbin, D-Ill., and staff made it possible for six Howard University School of Law students to witness history this week. The students attended the Senate Judiciary Committee’s second day of confirmation hearings for U.S. Supreme Court nominee Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.
While each student had different individual perspectives on being able to attend, they all agreed that the experience was nothing short of amazing. The students each reflected on the moment.
Hailey Guillory, 3L
Post-graduation plans: Assistant district attorney, Kings County District Attorney’s Office in Brooklyn, New York
“Witnessing history being made by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson was breathtaking. We’ve only read about most historic civil rights moments, but actually seeing it in action was amazing. And no matter what questions they asked her, she had the perfect answer each and every time. This moment is so much more than her as an individual. This moment is setting the stage for many Black girls and boys to come.”
Tiffani Kennedy, 3L
Post-graduation plans: Associate at Sidley Austin LLP’s litigation practice; then law clerk for the Hon. Judge Carlton Reeves, South District of Mississippi; then law clerk for the Hon. Judge Theodore McKee, Third Circuit
“Attending Judge Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing was amazing. Her mastery of the law – though unsurprising – was inspiring! I admired her explanation of Fourth Amendment precedent. She detailed constitutional rights in a way that was both accessible and digestible to anyone viewing. Watching her respond to substantive legal questions with such clarity and poise motivated me to sharpen my approach to learning and mastering the law. And I admired how she tackled all manner of questions – including those lacking any clear substance. It was both an honor and a privilege to witness this moment in history. I will never forget it.”
Kufere Laing, 3L
Post-graduation plans: Associate at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe’s Supreme Court and Appellate practice; then law clerk for the Hon. Judge Robert L. Wilkins, U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
“Today, Judge Brown Jackson demonstrated why she will soon be Justice Brown Jackson. Her ability to discuss complicated sentencing guidelines, constitutional law, the importance of being impartial and fair was a masterclass in preparation. At no point was the moment too big. It was the highlight of my law school career to witness her composure under immense pressure, and it was quite inspiring. Future Justice Brown Jackson’s testimony was proof that through hard work, anything is possible. It may not be easy, nor likely, but if you diligently chase your dreams, and do so with unwavering principles, you can change the world.”
Drew Lewis, 3L
Post-graduation plans: Assistant district attorney, Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, New York
“Attending Judge Jackson’s confirmation hearing today was surreal. I feel incredibly blessed and honored to have occupied the same space as her, a future associate Supreme Court justice, and senators on the [Senate] Judiciary Committee. I will forever cherish those intimate moments where I was witnessing history in a private viewing box in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. Judge Jackson is a woman of great intelligence, grace and composure. It was inspirational watching her in her element. Her nomination, and hopefully future confirmation, embodies the representation on the bench that is exactly what is progress in society, as she is changing what people in power look like. The new face of justice will be a Black woman sitting in our nation’s highest court. That makes me incredibly proud as I highly anticipate the endless opportunities that this presents for the Black community.”
Jasmine Marchbanks-Owens, 1L
Post-graduation plans: Pursue a career in movement lawyering
“I am very grateful to have been extended an invite to the nomination hearing. It was a very emotional experience to see Judge Brown Jackson sit before a small crowd and talk about her views on the constitution and the judicial branch. Coming from a long lineage of farmers in Alabama and being the first person in my family to pursue a law degree, I felt inspired and in awe of her poise and knowledge. She is doing something I never thought I would witness in my lifetime, and I feel honored to have witnessed such a monumental moment in our nation’s history.”
Adrienne Parms, 3L
Post-graduation plans: Associate, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP’s New York office’s corporate practice
“I was honored to attend Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing and witness history in the making. It was such a surreal moment, and one I will carry with me for a lifetime. As a Black woman entering the legal profession, Judge Jackson serves as an inspiration to the limitless possibilities that I can achieve in this field. Judge Jackson exuded so much grace and excellence and showcased her legal brilliance, making her the perfect person to serve as the next Supreme Court justice. Despite a long day of questioning the day before, Judge Jackson was a delight to watch as she effortlessly answered questions from Senate Judiciary Committee. During a time when so many unprecedented things have occurred, I was privileged to watch an unprecedented event as huge as the confirmation hearing for the first Black woman Supreme Court justice.”
