Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made history by becoming the first member of the court to perform on Broadway. Over the weekend, she joined the cast of & Juliet for a one-night-only performance, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Jackson's passion for theater and her groundbreaking achievements continue to inspire.
- Ketanji Brown Jackson had her Broadway debut
- The justice's lifelong dream was realized
- Many criticize the moment
Jackson's Broadway Debut
In an unprecedented event, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made her Broadway debut, marking a milestone as the first Supreme Court member to perform on the famed stage. Appearing in the musical & Juliet, Jackson embraced a one-night-only role that reimagines the classic 'Romeo and Juliet' tale.
The production, featuring popular songs by Max Martin, captivated audiences with its unique twist: what if Juliet chose not to end her life? This appearance not only highlighted Jackson's love for theater but also added another feather to her cap of firsts.
Behind the scenes, the excitement was palpable as the Broadway production shared clips of Jackson preparing alongside the cast. Her enthusiasm was evident as she expressed, "This has been a dream of mine," in a TikTok clip.
@andjulietbway Justice served. #andjuliet #andjulietmusical #broadway #theatrekid #musicaltheatre #ketanjibrownjackson ♬ original sound - & Juliet on Broadway
Her new memoir reveals her early ambitions to attend Harvard, which she believed would help her achieve her fantasy of becoming both a Supreme Court Justice and a Broadway performer.
Jackson has been a longtime fan of theater, and wrote about it in her memoir, 'Lovely One', earlier this year. "I wished to attend Harvard as I believed it might help me ‘to fulfill my fantasy of becoming the first Black, female Supreme Court Justice to appear on a Broadway stage,'" she wrote in the book, per 'NPR'.
Jackson's path to this moment is as inspiring as her performance. In 2022, she shattered another glass ceiling by becoming the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, following her nomination by President Joe Biden. Her passion for theater, however, has been a constant companion.
In a conversation with NPR, she shared, "I got a call, and someone said, ‘We heard that this was your lifelong dream.' And it is — to be a Broadway performer and a Justice." Her journey serves as a testament to the power of dreams and perseverance.
Ketanji Brown Jackson's appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2022 was a historic moment, making her the first African American woman to serve on the nation's highest court. Nominated by President Joe Biden, her confirmation was hailed as a significant milestone in the effort to diversify the judiciary. However, her appointment was not without controversy, especially during her confirmation hearings.
Critics, particularly from conservative circles, raised concerns about her judicial philosophy, her approach to constitutional interpretation, and her record on sentencing in criminal cases.
Some criticized her rulings in child pornography cases, accusing her of being lenient, although her supporters pointed out that she followed the law and sentencing guidelines. Conservative lawmakers and commentators also questioned her left-leaning views and perceived activism, claiming that she might bring an overly progressive agenda to the court.
Despite the pushback, Jackson's nomination was strongly supported by Democrats and civil rights groups, who emphasized her extensive legal experience, which included serving as a federal judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, as well as her background in criminal defense and public service.
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Her confirmation was ultimately successful, with a 53-47 vote in the Senate, with some Republican senators breaking ranks to support her.
While Jackson's appointment was contentious, it marked a moment of progress in the ongoing conversation about racial and gender representation in the judiciary. Many saw her confirmation as an important step toward a more inclusive and reflective Supreme Court.
