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A Grandfather's Gift:
​From the Underground Railroad to Thoughts on Race


Map: Compiled from "The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom" by Willbur H. Siebert Wilbur H. Siebert, The Macmillan Company, 1898.[1], Public Domain.
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A Historic Nomination - Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

4/5/2022

3 Comments

 
Picture Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson
A Moment in History
~ Nancy Jean

​I was so very moved and inspired by Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s handling of her confirmation hearing.  She was composed, knowledgeable and patient, even when subjected to several senators’ acrimonious questions.  If confirmed, which at this writing is likely, she will become the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court.
Cory Booker Picture
"Judge Jackson a "Harbinger of Hope" - Senator Cory Booker
~ Shelly Michell

Senator Cory Booker praised her “grit and grace” in withstanding the series of attacks from Republicans and spoke emotionally of our history; the Irish immigrants that endured decades of persecution here, the Chinese Americans forced into near slave labor building railroads to connect our country, LGBTQ+ Americans that were rejected and oppressed and died silently with their secrets, the “hidden figure” women who did critical research for our government, yet were never given credit or recognition until portrayed in a Hollywood movie.

He mentioned that throughout our history, America did not love these people, yet they all loved and believed in this country and persevered to make it a better place.

"You are a person that is so much more than your race and gender – you are a Christian, you are a mom, you are an intellect, you love books.  You have earned this spot.  You are worthy.  You are a great American." 

He ended his impassioned speech by saying that Ms. Jackson is “My harbinger of hope that the United States could live up to its promises of freedom and equality and that the United States of America, the greatest country in the world, will be better because of you.” 
Picture
All Jokes Aside
~ Kristine Schwartzman
​
When I first heard that President Biden nominated Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson for the Supreme Court, I joked, "Well, at least she won't cry, and tell us how much she likes beer, like Brett Kavanaugh did." I was wrong, at least in part.

After being grilled for several days over supposed "light" sentences for child pornographers, which are, in fact, in the same range as sentences handed down by GOP judicial appointees, defining her views on Critical Race Theory, and fending off Ted Cruz's ridiculous implication that she knows all Black people, especially those he doesn't like, Senator Booker's heartfelt speech of support made her cry. 

She deserved it. She'd taken it all in, handled herself with the utmost aplomb, and shown the world exactly why she is qualified. 

As of this writing, Judge Jackson's confirmation appears likely. If she is confirmed, we will have one of the most qualified judges ever to begin serving on the Supreme Court, white or Black, male or female. 

The question is, why did it take so long?
3 Comments
Shelly
4/5/2022 06:02:17 pm

It took so long because we have historically held down people of color rather than allow them to have the positions they have earned. Her intelligence, experience and calm demeanor under fire proves that she will be the smartest and most capable person in that room, and that scares the hell out of all of those who would choose to hold her down. The ludicrous reasons they have given for opposing her is a cover up for their real fear of having an accomplished, brilliant woman that also happens to be Black. They know they would be vilified if they actually spoke about her color or her gender as the the real reason for their fear. It is simply atrocious posturing on their part to turn the attention back to themselves and pander to the racism of their Q-Anon base.

Reply
Kristine link
4/6/2022 04:06:28 am

You are so right, Shelly.

Reply
Debbie Schlinger
4/19/2022 07:38:15 pm

Another clear, insightful, and excellent posting of a historically significant event in our country. I fell informed as well as moved emotionally by the words you print and the honesty revealed about what is happening in our politics. Thanks again for shedding light so needed on important issues!

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    Nancy Jean

    Nancy Jean is a woman of several lives and careers, including school teacher, homemaker, parent, amateur musician and writer. ​Read more...

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