Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Inspires Ole Miss Students During Stop

Jackson, the first Black woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, recounted stories and anecdotes from her memoir, "Lovely One" (Penguin Random House, 2024) during a reading and moderated discussion inside the Gerturde C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts.

Hosted by the UM Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience, the School of Law and Penguin Random House, the event served as an extension of the university's Common Reading Experience. More than 500 students, enrolled in EDHE 105 or 305 classes or at the law school, attended.

During a discussion moderated by U.S. District Chief Judge Debra Brown, Jackson shared about the lessons she learned from her parents' and grandparents' resilience through adversity in the segregated South.

"When my parents graduated from college in the 1960s, they were coming of age during the Civil Rights Movement," Jackson said. "It was a time of growth, understanding and activism that was about ending segregation and giving African Americans full rights in the community.

"My parents were very proud of our African American heritage and identity and the struggles and the triumphs. This was always a part of their consciousness and therefore mine."

Born to two teachers in Washington, D.C., in 1970, it was her father's decision to go to law school that set Jackson on her future path.

"My earliest memories are sitting at the kitchen table in our apartment, and my dad is at the table with his law books and I'm there with my coloring books and we're working together," she said. "This idea of going to school and becoming a lawyer was instilled in me from that age.

"My parents not only taught me but taught me by example.

Taking questions from the audience, Jackson shared that gratitude fuels much of her motivation and discussed challenges of balancing work and family life.

"Gratitude is so much of what motivates me in this moment," Jackson said. "My grandmother used to say, 'To who much is given, much is required.' I feel like I have been given so much, and that is why I work so hard to give back and pave the way for others.

"Understand you are so privileged to be at a university like this one, getting an education and improving yourself and your family and your community; not everybody has this chance even now. If you think about the gratitude, I think that is a helpful way to go through life."

When asked if college students should seek mentorship, her verdict was unmistakable: yes, look far and wide.

"You'll be surprised at how many people who are in positions of authority would be happy to help you and to coach you and to train you and to be involved in your career," she said.

"Mentors are a group that are very key to helping you develop."

Jalon Hightower, a junior political science major from Durant, said he was grateful for the opportunity to hear the federal judge speak openly about her relentless work ethic and positive mindset.

"Her realness provides comfort," Hightower said.

"So many times, we hear these fairy tale stories or people paint a picture that they didn't have any struggle. That's what makes Justice Jackson so relatable."

Jackson shared how the stories of figures such as Constance Baker Motley – a former federal judge who as an attorney represented James Meredith in the Supreme Court in his effort to integrate Ole Miss in 1962 – inspired her and helped her focus on her goals. For students such as Teeda Phans, a junior biology and psychology major from Madison, it is Jackson's story that serves as inspiration.

"I was energized by her because as a person of color, and especially as a woman, seeing her step into this role in our government that was not originally set up for people who are like us is really amazing," she said. "And the people in my classes came together to celebrate that with her."

Jackson's stop at Ole Miss was one of only a handful of college and university visits on her book tour.

Bringing leaders to campus takes lessons of public service and leadership beyond the classroom, said Shawnboda Mead, vice chancellor for student affairs.

"Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's story is powerful because it reminds us that achievement is never a solo act," she said. "Her memoir and discussion highlighted how family, community and an unwavering belief in one's purpose can help propel a person through barriers and moments of doubt.

"I hope our students left with the understanding that resilience is not simply about enduring hardship; it's about continuing forward with intention, clarity and connection to the people who support you."

Top: U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (left) discusses lessons she learned from her parents and grandparents with U.S. District Chief Judge Debra Brown at the Gertrude C. Ford Center for the Performing Arts. Jackson's visit to campus was part of a book tour for her memoir, 'Lovely One,' and was hosted by the university's Center for Student Success and First-Year Experience and the School of Law. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services