Retired Leon Co. judge reacts to Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Tuesday was day two of Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Jackson is on track to make history as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

For many, like Nikki Ann Clark, this moment is long overdue.

Clark is a retired judge, who was the first African American and the first woman appointed to Florida’s second circuit court back in 1993.

She was also the first African American woman to serve on Florida’s first district court of appeals.

“All the judges before me had been white men,” Clark said.

As someone who broke barriers as a Black woman in Florida’s judicial system, she said the nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court was a special moment for her.

“When I found out she was going to be nominated, I cried,” Clark said. “It was such an emotional appointment--to see that we are finally going to be in the highest court in the land.”

Clark said she hopes to see Jackson confirmed, bringing a perspective to the court that Clark believes is so important.

“Because we’re part of America,” Clark said. “We’re an important part of America. And when you start excluding people, then what you have is a court that excludes thoughts.”

If Jackson is confirmed, she’ll become not only the first Black woman, but also the first justice with a background as a public defender.

Clark believes this will give Jackson a unique perspective which will be a valuable addition to the court.