Celebrating a Historic Moment
Dear UCSF Community,
Yesterday, we witnessed history: The U.S. Senate confirmed Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman to sit on the highest court in our nation since it first assembled in 1790.
Judge Jackson will be the 116th justice to serve on the Supreme Court when she replaces retiring Justice Stephen Breyer at the end of the court’s session this summer.
As we followed, perhaps anxiously, her nomination hearings, we saw the boundaries of what is possible redefined. Judge Jackson’s confirmation gives us all, but especially Black women and girls, a new vision of limitless professional possibility. This vision—this hope—is why diverse representation is essential. Today, as I reflect on this moment, I feel a sense of pride and joy.
According to the American Bar Association (ABA), Black women represent only 4.7 percent of all lawyers nationwide. And just 70 Black women have ever served as a federal judge. These numbers highlight that we still have much work ahead of us to achieve diversity and equity. However, as we work to make UCSF a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization, Judge Jackson’s confirmation reminds us that we can make change. So today, let us rejoice in this historic moment.
Sincerely,
J. Renée Navarro, PharmD, MD
Vice Chancellor
Chief Diversity and Outreach Officer