“Today, the US Senate Judiciary Committee voted to advance the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the floor of the Senate. All the Democrats, including our Senator Richard Durbin, voted in favor. Yet, not one single Republican Senator voted for her. Even after weeks of Judge Jackson answering their questions with grace and dignity. Each of the Republicans stood in the way of one of the most qualified and credentialed candidates to ever be nominated for the Court, a Black woman, much like others in their party who stood in the schoolhouse doors to prevent Black children from receiving an education.”
I think back to last week when I listened to the powerful speech by US Senator Cory Booker during the hearings. His passionate and honest words about Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson moved me and stirred my soul. He expressed plainly and freely the challenges facing Black Americans, but he also shared his sheer joy about Judge Jackson’s life and the journey that brought her to this moment. I gladly admit it brought tears to my eyes more than once. It made me think about my own parents, who guided my journey. For Black women, we often feel like we are behind the Eight Ball. My father said to me giving 100% was never enough – you had to give 110%. Later this week, the US Senate will confirm the first Black woman to serve the US Supreme Court, and it will inspire me and hopefully everyone in our country. ” said Ald. Pat Dowell, candidate for the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ 1st Congressional District.