The Senate confirmed Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court, making her the first Black woman ever to secure a seat on the highest court in America. Judge Jackson was nominated by President Joe Biden to replace former Justice Stephen Breyer, who announced he was stepping down earlier this year. She was confirmed on a 53 to 47 vote, with all 50 Democrats voting in favor of her confirmation. Judge Jackson is the only justice on the Supreme Court to have held jobs in multiple areas of public law, such as a public defender and a sentencing commissioner, but her path to confirmation has still been both highly celebrated and controversial.

I was so moved to see Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson confirmed this afternoon. Like so many of you, I can’t help but feel a sense of pride—a sense of joy—to know that this deserving, accomplished Black woman will be a part of the highest court in the land. pic.twitter.com/hnPcDuPt8w

— Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 7, 2022

Many were outraged at the questions that Republicans in the Senate chose to ask on her path to confirmation, while Democrat Sen. Booker teared up when addressing the historic nature of this nomination. When Judge Jackson was officially confirmed, those in opposition of her confirmation left the Senate chamber as others broke out in applause. She is expected to officially take the court in a few months.