Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Talks About Memoir ‘Lovely One’ at Apollo

In a notable public appearance promoting her recently released memoir, “Lovely One,” Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made history by performing at the iconic Apollo Theater in New York City. She joins the ranks of legendary artists such as James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Smokey Robinson who have graced the stage.

During her conversation with Gayle King on Tuesday night, Jackson shared her deep passion for musical theater. The audience was delighted as she sang memorable lines from “The Wiz” and recited a beloved chant from “Schoolhouse Rock,” creating an engaging atmosphere in the packed venue.

King kept the discussion focused on Jackson’s personal journey rather than legal matters. Jackson reflected on her childhood in Miami and explained the meaning behind her name, which translates to “lovely one.” The Supreme Court Justice also spoke fondly of her years at Harvard University, her interracial marriage to Dr. Patrick Jackson—who was present in the audience—and her remarkable ascent through the judicial system, culminating in her historic appointment as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court in 2022.

She vividly remembered the moment when President Joe Biden called her, describing it as “a roaring ocean” in her ears at the time. This call was to offer her the position left vacant by retiring Justice Stephen Breyer, for whom Jackson had previously clerked.

From a young age, Jackson aspired to be a lawyer. She recalled her father, Johnny Brown, studying law while she explored coloring books during their shared mealtime. Her ambition intensified in middle school when she learned about Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve on the federal bench. “I remember this kinship with this fantastic woman,” Jackson told King, expressing her inspiration to pursue a career in law and potentially become a federal judge herself.

“Lovely One,” a 405-page memoir, blends family history, legal trajectories, and personal anecdotes. In it, Jackson narrates her extraordinary journey as a Black woman navigating the legal system in a country still reeling from the legacy of segregation. The book serves as a motivational guide, framed in the preface as “a testament for young women, people of color, and strivers everywhere” who hold ambitious dreams and maintain faith in their ability to realize them.

Throughout her confirmation process, Jackson faced intense scrutiny from Republican senators. She now finds herself on one of the most ideologically divided courts in U.S. history, known for casting dissenting opinions on crucial rulings, including those involving legal immunity for former presidents. During her appearance, Jackson chose not to specifically name any justices with whom she has had disagreements but acknowledged that Senator Ted Cruz, a fellow law school alumnus, attended the same institution as her.

When pressed to disclose any contentious relationships with her fellow justices, Jackson playfully declined to answer. “I’m not going to answer that question,” she said with a laugh. She acknowledged that while justices do get chances to socialize, including lunch, their focus remains mainly on their judicial responsibilities.

Jackson recounted the strategies she employed to maintain her composure throughout the challenging confirmation hearings. With meticulous preparation and a solid understanding of the political landscape, she was able to foresee potential questions that could be provocative. An aide had wisely counseled her on the importance of maintaining perspective, saying, “You can get angry or you can be a Supreme Court justice.” Additionally, she found value in meeting with senators prior to the hearings.

Reflecting on those encounters, Jackson described the senators as “lovely” and gracious. These pre-hearing conversations proved to be tremendously beneficial, offering her insights into their motivations. “When I realized they were not talking directly to me, it helped me keep grounded,” she shared.