Tulsa County Judge Reacts To First Black Woman Nominated To SCOTUS

President Joe Biden nominated Federal Appeals court judge, Ketanji Brown Jackson, for the Supreme Court. She is the first Black woman ever nominated for the nation's highest court.

News on 6 has reaction from Judge Sharon Holmes, who was the first Black woman to become a Tulsa County judge.

"We've been ignored for so long, this is just, it's just phenomenal is a word that keeps coming to my mind," said Judge Holmes.

Ketanji Brown Jackson's nomination to the US Supreme Court fulfills a promise President Biden made while running for office -- to nominate the first Black woman to serve in the Supreme Court.

"For too long our government, our courts, haven't looked like America," said President Biden, "I believe it's time that we have a court that reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation."

If confirmed, Ketanji Brown Jackson would become the first Black woman to serve on the court in its 233-year history. Judge Sharon Holmes is Tulsa County's first Black female to be elected district judge. She said it is a historic day, because Black women have been ignored in the criminal justice system.

"To have another Black woman be appointed or nominated to the highest court in the land, I just, my heart is just so full of pride, and I don't know what else to say," said Judge Holmes.

Judge Holmes said it's important to look at the nominee's background. Judge Jackson is a Harvard Law School graduate who was a law clerk for Justice Stephen Bryer, who she'd be replacing because of his retirement.

The 51-year-old is currently an Appeals Court Judge for the Washington D.C. district. She would become the second-youngest associate justice in the high court. Judge Jackson would also be the first public defender to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court.

"I am truly humbled by the extraordinary honor of this nomination," said Judge Jackson, at this morning's announcement of Biden's nominee.

Judge Holmes said when little Black and brown girls see Ketanji Brown Jackson, they'll know they can be a Supreme Court Justice too.

"As a Black woman, I'm extremely proud and I hope that young Black women take special note of it -- because we can do anything," said Judge Holmes.

No date has been set for a confirmation hearing, but Senate Democrats say they want to act quickly on Judge Jackson's nomination.