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Women's History Month Feature: Ketanji Brown Jackson

So many times when we reflect on history, we always look way back to many years in the past.  However, there is history being made everyday.  March is Women's History Month so I'm sharing a portion of the history recently made by our first Black female Supreme Court Justice:  Ketanji Brown Jackson.

Jackson was born on September 14, 1970, in Washington, DC.  Her family would eventually move to Miami, Florida. In her senior year in high school she won the National Oratory title at the National Catholic Forensic League Championships in New Orleans.  Jackson was later quoted in her high school yearbook saying that she "(wanted) to go into law and eventually have a judicial appointment."  She graduated in 1988. Despite being told by her high school guidance counselor that she was not Harvard material, Jackson attended Harvard University for college and law school. Jackson's legal career included: Serving as District Judge for the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission and was a member of the Harvard Board of Overseers. 

Jackson was also a clerk with US Supreme Court Associate Justice Stephen Breyer. How ironic that she would succeed Justice Breyer upon his retirement from the court on June 30, 2022.

Ketanji Brown Jackson is married to surgeon Patrick Graves Jackson, who she met at Harvard.  The couple have two daughters.

Following her Supreme Court confirmation Jackson said, "So as I take on this new role, I strongly believe that this is a moment in which all Americans can take great pride. We have come a long way toward perfecting our union.  In my family, it took just one generation to go from segregation to the Supreme Court of the United States. And it is an honor, the honor of a lifetime, for me to have this chance to join the Court, to promote the rule of law at the highest level, and to do my part to carry our shared project of democracy and equal justice under law forward, into the future." 

For more information on Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and other outstanding, encouraging women in history, I encourage you to get books at your local library.

Black History Moment

Although February is designated as the "official" Black History month, I believe Black History should be celebrated more than once a year. Black History IS American History and should be a continual part of our school's curriculum. 

This month I'm sharing a Black History Moment about a courageous woman who was really ahead of her time: Ida B. Wells.

Born into slavery in Holly Springs, Mississippi in 1862, Ida B. Wells fought against injustice through the written word. She was co-owner and writer for the Memphis-Free Speech & Headlight newspaper.  Wells reported on incidents of racial segregation and inequality. She won an international reputation for her fiery denunciation of discrimination, exploitation and brutality. Wells would eventually publish the first statistical study of lynching called Southern Horrors and The Red Record.

Throughout her life, Wells was active in Civil Rights, the Women's Suffrage Movement and the NAACP.  Ida B. Wells died of kidney disease in Chicago on March 25, 1931 at the age of 68.

In 2020, she was posthumously honored with a Pulitzer Prize special citation "For her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching."

Happy New Me in 2023

Recently our Youth Pastor gave an awesome sermon at our church. He reminded the congregation, at any age, we ALL have a purpose. It was such a powerful message for me. Throughout my life I've always had goals; graduating from high school, going to college, having a media career, falling in love.  However, after having children, my life was all about them. Somehow over time, I kind of lost myself. The only thing I focused on was helping my children achieve their dreams and making sure they had the physical and financial resources they needed. I don't blame my children. The onus is really on me for forgetting who I was and putting my dreams on hold. Anybody else feeling that way?

Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm your; plans to give you a future and a hope".

If you are 25, 47, 63 or 90, don't lose hope. Keep making plans. No, matter your season in life, you still have value. It's never too late to go back to college, write that book, start that business. Remind yourself, everyday, you have a lot to give!

Making Music

I really enjoy the holiday season!  Although it's just the beginning of November, I'm so excited to hear some local radio stations are already playing Christmas music. Just love this time of year, because music is such an important part. And sharing music with our children is very important too.

During the holidays, it's common to attend our child's concerts at church or school. But when the season ends, how do we keep the music playing?

According to a 2016 study by the University of Southern California's Brain and Creativity Institute, musical experiences in childhood can actually accelerate brain development, particularly in the areas of language acquisition and reading skills.

Psalm 104:33 says, "I will sing to the Lord as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being."

Whether it's listening to music on your phone, singing in the choir; or playing an instrument, music can bring value to a child's body, mind and spirit. Find your rhythm and enjoy music all year through.