Childhood and Education Journey of Ketanji Brown Jackson in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ketanji Brown Jackson, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson is an American lawyer and jurist serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Nominated by President Joe Biden, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in 2022. Jackson is the first Black woman and the first former federal public defender to hold this position. Her appointment marks a significant milestone in the history of the Supreme Court and the legal profession.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

September 14, 1970: Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson Born

On September 14, 1970, Ketanji Onyika Brown Jackson was born. She is now an American lawyer and jurist serving as an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States.

Others born on this day/year

1988: Graduation from Palmetto as senior class president

In 1988, Ketanji Brown Jackson graduated from Miami Palmetto Senior High School as senior class president.

1989: Uncle's Sentencing

In 1989, while Ketanji Brown Jackson was an undergraduate at Harvard, her uncle Thomas Brown Jr. was sentenced to life in prison for a nonviolent cocaine conviction.

1992: Graduation from Harvard

In 1992, Ketanji Brown Jackson graduated from Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude. Her senior thesis was titled "The Hand of Oppression: Plea Bargaining Processes and the Coercion of Criminal Defendants".

1993: Attendance at Harvard Law School

In 1993, Ketanji Brown Jackson attended Harvard Law School.

1996: Graduation from Harvard Law School

In 1996, Ketanji Brown Jackson graduated from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor, cum laude.

1996: Married Patrick Graves Jackson

In 1996, Ketanji Brown Jackson married surgeon Patrick Graves Jackson, whom she met at Harvard College.

2010: Served on the advisory board of Montrose Christian School

In 2010, Ketanji Brown Jackson served on the advisory board of Montrose Christian School, a Baptist school.

2011: Served on the advisory board of Montrose Christian School

In 2011, Ketanji Brown Jackson served on the advisory board of Montrose Christian School, a Baptist school.

2016: Harvard Board of Overseers Member

In 2016, Ketanji Brown Jackson became a Harvard Board of Overseers member.

2017: Presented at the University of Georgia School of Law's 35th Edith House Lecture

In 2017, Ketanji Brown Jackson presented at the University of Georgia School of Law's 35th Edith House Lecture.

2017: Speech about Family Lineage

In a 2017 speech, Ketanji Brown Jackson mentioned that her ancestors were slaves on both sides of her family.

2018: Presided over a mock trial

In 2018, Ketanji Brown Jackson presided over a mock trial hosted by Drexel University's Thomas R. Kline School of Law to determine if Vice President Aaron Burr was guilty of murdering Alexander Hamilton.

2018: Panelist at the National Constitution Center's town hall on Alexander Hamilton's legacy

In 2018, Ketanji Brown Jackson was a panelist at the National Constitution Center's town hall on Alexander Hamilton's legacy.

2020: Gave the Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture at the University of Michigan Law School

In 2020, Ketanji Brown Jackson gave the Martin Luther King Jr. Day lecture at the University of Michigan Law School and was honored at the University of Chicago Law School's third annual Judge James B. Parsons Legacy Dinner.

2022: Received the Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award

In 2022, Ketanji Brown Jackson received the Academy of Achievement's Golden Plate Award, presented by Awards Council members Justice Amy Coney Barrett and retired Justice Anthony Kennedy.