Since the founding of our nation, the Supreme Court has been composed of predominantly white males, but as the retirement of Justice Breyer becomes finalized, President Joe Biden is promising to replace him with an African American women justice.  The confirmation process begins with the President’s nomination and will head to the Senate where it needs a majority vote. These select nominees could be the first Black women justice in the Supreme Court.

DC Circuit Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson

Brown Jackson, 51, is a graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School making her a strong candidate. Brown Jackson was recently appointed to the Court of Appeals, the second highest court in the land, by President Biden.  She clerked for Breyer early in her career, making her a fitting choice for his position.

California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger

Kruger is the youngest out of all the nominees, making her favorable for appointment. She has clerked under late Justice John Paul Stevens and has worked intimately with the Obama administration. Kruger has been a strong leader in the California Supreme Court and has taken interesting stances on cases, which makes her an important candidate to watch.

South Carolina U.S. District Court Judge J. Michelle Childs

Childs is a strong contender for appointment to the Supreme Court. She has demonstrated strengths and knowledge that Biden has recognized and has a close relationship with Majority Whip James Clyburn. Out of the nine justice nominees, Childs is the only candidate without a degree from an Ivy League, showing that one doesn’t need to go to the most prestigious schools to become a nominee for the Supreme Court.

Though not confirmed, there have been a handful of names that have been thrown around for consideration. 

With this information coming out in lieu of Black History Month, people around the country will be watching history as the next Supreme Court Justice is appointed.