Ketanji Brown Jackson has been nominated by President Joe Biden as the first black woman to serve in the country’s Supreme Court.
If confirmed, the 51-year-old American attorney who also serves as a jurist on the United States Court of Appeals will become the first black woman to serve in the court in 233 years. She is to replace Justice Stephen Breyer whose term ends in June.
Announcing the nomination on Friday, President Biden described the two degree holder from Harvard University alumni as an "extraordinary" candidate, with an "independent mind, uncompromising integrity and a strong moral compass".
“For too long, our government, our court hasn't looked like America," Mr Biden said on Friday. "I believe it's time that we have a court that reflects the full talent and greatness of our nation," said Biden.
Speaking about her nomination, Judge Ketanji said that she was honoured.
“Mr President, I am extremely honored and humbled by this nomination”, she said while giving her speech.
Mr Biden first promised to nominate a black woman to the top court two years ago while campaigning for the Democratic presidential nomination and he sure did kept his word. Vice President Kamala Harris was also in attendance.
Data from the Federal Judicial Center shows that black women make about 3% of the Federal Judiciary.
Ms Jackson's nomination is historic for more than one reason. If she is confirmed, four women will sit together on the nine-member court for the first time.
In 2012, then President Barack Obama nominated Ms Jackson to serve as a district court judge in Washington, DC.
Ms Jackson was born in Washington, DC but grew up in the Miami area. She and her husband share two children.