Before the U.S. Supreme Court began its new term in 2025, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson visited the International African American Museum on Monday, Sept. 1. She was joined by her husband, Dr. Patrick Jackson, U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel of South Carolina and his wife, Belinda Gergel.
Justice Jackson, the first African American woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, met with the museum’s executive team and experienced firsthand the profound historical significance of the site, which tells the untold stories of the African American experience across generations. Justice Jackson’s visit offered a moment of reflection and historical connection at the museum, which opened its doors just a year after her historic confirmation.
Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, IAAM's CEO and President, shared her perspective on the significance of the visit:
"Every generation carries the responsibility to preserve our shared history and witness history as it unfolds. The appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson marked a defining moment for our nation. While every Supreme Court appointment is consequential, Justice Brown Jackson’s – as the first African American woman on the Court – will forever shape our country’s story. Justice Brown Jackson’s appointment came just one year before IAAM’s opening, a moment that crystallized our belief: if she is possible, then we are possible. When Justice Brown Jackson walked through IAAM’s doors, we knew we were not just sharing history with her, but also making it. As a Black woman, hosting her was deeply personal. I smiled until my cheeks hurt, and from that day forward, I walk with my head held a little higher. I am profoundly proud of our team for building an institution worthy of such a visit."
To honor the occasion, the IAAM executive team presented Justice Jackson with a sweetgrass necklace—a profound symbol of African American heritage and resilience in the Lowcountry. This particular piece was crafted by Corey Alston, a celebrated fifth-generation sweetgrass artist. Adding to its significance, the sweetgrass incorporated into the design was harvested directly from IAAM’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden, thus linking the gift directly to a sacred ground of African American history. Jackson also received cherished items from our IAAM Collection, as well as the children’s book “Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You” written by Jessica Care Moore and illustrated by Dare Coulter.