And, yes, meeting this #MovementMaker extraordinaire was absolutely amazing

You know those moments that make you wonder if you’re dreaming?

That’s exactly how I felt sitting down with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and fellow #Firestarters at Random House in New York. Together, we had the incredible privilege of interviewing Justice Jackson about her powerful new memoir, “Lovely One,” which chronicles her groundbreaking journey to becoming the first Black woman on our nation’s highest court.

And, yes, I’m still pinching myself! Today, I want to share with you some of the most inspiring moments from a conversation I will always remember.

Staying Focused on Your Calling

Justice Jackson spoke movingly about the foundation of her success — the unwavering support of her family. “I had so much cultural and spiritual grounding from my parents,” she told us. Starting when she was very small, they made sure she knew that she could do whatever she wanted to do.

I was also so happy to hear Justice Jackson emphasize the power of mentorship. As someone who believes no movement moves alone, I 10,000% agree with her practical wisdom about finding guides along your journey.

“Take mentorship wherever you can find it,” she advised. When she was growing up, there weren’t many Black mentors in specific spaces. Her solution? Learn from “whoever was willing to teach and invest in you.” Now, she sees her memoir as a way to mentor and encourage others.

One of the most powerful moments of the conversation was when Justice Jackson shared a story about nearly drowning that taught her to trust her abilities even in deep waters. “I vowed that if I’m ever in the deep end of any situation again, I will swim,” she said. “I’ve taken that lesson in all kinds of circumstances since then.” Doesn’t that just perfectly capture what it means to be a #Firestarter?

Justice Jackson’s response to obstacles is a lesson for all #MovementMakers, especially Black women. She referenced Toni Morrison’s insight that “the point of racism is to keep us from doing our work.” Her response: “Knowing that should help anyone who is feeling victimized by racism to stay focused on what it is that you need to be doing or that you have been chosen to do or called to do. You don’t want to be thrown off course when you understand that that’s really what is at the root of what’s happening.”

Believe me, though, it wasn’t all serious conversation! Justice Jackson lit up when sharing stories about her first trip to Africa, where a customs agent, upon hearing her African first and middle names, welcomed her home.

She even dropped some wisdom about finding love, telling us with a smile, “Sometimes you find love when you least expect it… I think if you focus on the work that you’re doing, the goals that you have for yourself, you’re more likely to find someone who has similar interests and values and develop that kind of connection.”

I left this conversation feeling more energized than ever about the power we all have to create meaningful change. Justice Jackson showed us what it looks like to combine faith and fortitude in pursuit of justice. What a gift to have been part of this historic moment — one I’ll treasure forever.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House and sponsor Ivy Box for the opportunity, and to my incredible fellow interviewers: entrepreneur, attorney and publisher Tamira Chapman; marketing agency founder, author and activist Eunique Jones Gibson; civil rights attorney, DEI executive and wellness content creator Ashley Oliver Thomas; JAG officer and foundation founder Velma Gay Thompson; communicator and community organizer Braxton Simpson; and Dr. Brooke Williams, internal medicine physician, and nonprofit founder.

I have to tell you that this entire experience felt like an answered prayer, a dream come true, a sneak peek at all there is to come. I’ve always been a storyteller for change, and I get fuel from sharing the journey of others. However, the opportunity to interview Justice Jackson allowed me to see, feel, and touch what many would say are limitless possibilities. And for that, I will remain ever grateful.

Click here to watch the interview, and I promise you that you will not be disappointed!

 

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