October 13th, 2024

By: Roy Douglas Malonson

Civil Rights lawyer Thurgood Marshall was nominated by President Lyndon B. Johnson on June 13, 1967, making him the first African American to ever serve on the Supreme Court. Marshall had already achieved so much in the cases he had defended in front of the Supreme Court as he won 29 of the 32 cases he argued. One of the historical cases he was known for was the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka in 1954. This case ruled that segregation in schools was unconstitutional. While on the Supreme Court, Marshall, continued his fight to protect those against discrimination. He served 24 years on the Supreme Court and retired in 1991. Marshall died on January 24, 1993.

Now, President Joe Biden has the opportunity to nominate a person to the Supreme Court Justice, and he wants to give that nomination to a Black woman. Some people are happy that a Black woman will have an opportunity to serve. However, there are some people who are upset that Biden has already declared who he wants to sit on the highest court in America.

One of these “nay-sayers” is Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz was very vocal in expressing his opinions about Biden’s promise. On an episode of his podcast, “Verdict with Ted Cruz,” he said, “The fact that he’s willing to make a promise at the outset, that it must be a Black woman, I gotta say that’s offensive. You know, you know Black women are what, 6% of the US population? He’s saying to 94% of Americans, ‘I don’t give a damn about you, you are ineligible.”

He further commented, “And he’s also saying — it’s actually an insult to Black women. If he came and said, ‘I’m gonna put the best jurist on the court and he looked at a number of people and he ended up nominating a Black woman, he could credibly say, ‘OK I’m nominating the person who’s most qualified.’ He’s not even pretending to say that he’s saying, ‘If you’re a White guy, tough luck. If you’re a White woman, tough luck. You don’t qualify.'”

Why can’t a Black woman serve on the Supreme Court? More importantly, why has it taken so long for a Black woman to even be considered? These are the questions that we should be asking.

The Supreme Court began to take form with the passage of the Judiciary Act of 1789 and held their first assembly in 1790. In the 232 years the Supreme Court has existed, there has never been a Black woman to serve. There have been 113 Supreme Court Justices to serve on the Supreme Court. Out of that total, 107 have been white men, two have been Black men, and there have been four women. Justice Sonia Sotomayor was the first and only Hispanic justice in history. This is a problem.

It is hard to understand how Cruz is “offended” by this gesture from President Biden. How can he be offended by the 107 white men who have had an opportunity to serve? If anything, Black people, specifically, Black women should be offended by the statistics. The statistics pretty much say, “I don’t give a damn about Black women.”

More diversity is needed on the Supreme Court. It is sad that Black people in 2022 are still making history. It is sad that Black people are still fighting against racism and discrimination. It is sad that Black people do not have the same rights and opportunities as other races. The time is now to make change!

The potential nominees who are on the observers’ short list include Ketanji Brown Jackson, Leondra Kruger, and J. Michelle Childs. There are other names that have been mentioned, such as Wilhelmina “Mimi” Wright, Eunice Lee, Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, Anita Earls, Holly A. Thomas, Tiffany P. Cunningham, Arianna Freeman, Melissa Murray, and Sherrilyn Ifill. If President Biden delivers on his promise, one of these women will be the first African American woman to serve on the Supreme Court Justice! Long overdue. Time to make history – again.

 

Latest Articles

NEED PAST ISSUES?

Search our archive of past issues Receive our Latest Updates
 
* indicates required

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

Scroll to Top
Search