WASHINGTON — Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is set to launch a nationwide book tour to promote her highly anticipated memoir, “Lovely One,” exploring her remarkable journey from segregation to becoming the first Black woman appointed to the Supreme Court.
In her memoir, Jackson shares her family’s legacy and personal experiences, reflecting on the evolution of civil rights and the “promise of America.” She highlights her unique perspective as the first public defender to ascend to the Supreme Court, detailing the challenges and triumphs of being a woman of color and a mother in the demanding legal profession.
Since her appointment in June 2022, Jackson has emerged as a leading voice in court sessions, showcasing a dynamic approach to constitutional interpretation that sometimes bridges liberal and conservative perspectives.
Fully embracing her historic role, Jackson expressed readiness to contribute significantly during her ceremonial swearing-in, remarking on her newfound position and responsibility.
The book tour officially kicks off on Tuesday at the Apollo Theater in New York coinciding with the book’s release date. Jackson’s itinerary includes major cities such as Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco during its initial week.
With an impressive advance of nearly $900,000 for her memoir, Jackson joins the ranks of fellow justices who have also released books, potentially signaling a growing trend among Supreme Court members to share their life stories and insights.
Previous memoirs from justices have received significant acclaim, with titles documenting their challenging journeys rising to bestseller status. Jackson’s upcoming publication may follow suit, as interest in her narrative continues to build.
In light of ongoing discussions about ethics and transparency within the Supreme Court, Jackson has advocated for a binding code of conduct, emphasizing the need for standard ethical practices akin to other judicial branches. This comes amidst calls from various organizations for more accountability among justices.
Jackson began working on her memoir shortly after joining the court, with the title “Lovely One” being a tribute to her roots, signifying her family’s heritage and aspirations.
Her life story, beginning in Washington, D.C., and flourishing in Miami, traces the formative experiences that ignited her passion for law, inspired by her father’s journey as an attorney.
In the context of literary contributions from current justices, Justice Neil Gorsuch has also embarked on a book tour for his publication, while Justice Amy Coney Barrett is reportedly preparing her own memoir.
