About the book
Named “Ketanji Onyika,” which means “Lovely One,” Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson took pride in her heritage from birth. This remarkable memoir covers her journey to becoming the first Black woman ever confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Readers get an intimate look into her personal and professional life throughout the book. She shares stories of her family’s heritage and experiences in segregation, learning to channel her voice, and the triumphs and challenges of her career.
About the author
Justice Jackson was born in Washington, D.C. She made history when she became the first Black woman ever confirmed to the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Jackson received her undergraduate and law degrees from Harvard University. After graduating, she served as a law clerk for three federal judges, including Justice Stephen G. Breyer. Through her career, Justice Jackson served in different legal positions, including as a federal public defender and as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals. She began her term as a Supreme Court justice in June 2022.
Discussion questions
- Justice Jackson makes a number of sacrifices to pursue success. How did she accomplish her goals while balancing the professional and personal aspects of her life? How do we find balance in our lives? What things do we consider?
- Justice Jackson found several mentors who strongly influenced her. How did this support help her in reaching the Supreme Court of the United States?
- Does mentorship factor into your life? Was there an individual who helped you become who you are? What was the best advice you received from them?
- Asking for help is not easy. On her path to the Supreme Court, Justice Jackson looks to her family and friends for support. How did she utilize her community? How can we ask our community for help and show up for others when they need help?
- Justice Jackson achieves many levels of excellence in her memoir, including becoming the first Black female Supreme Court justice. In her life outside of the court, what do you think are her successes? Could you identify with any of the successes or challenges she faced?
- At an early age, Justice Jackson developed interest in debate and oratory. How did this resonate throughout her life?
- Both Justice Jackson and her parents traveled to Africa. These experiences made life-long personal impacts. How did these journeys affect their view of themselves and the world around them? How does leaving our local communities change how we see ourselves and others?
- After arriving at Harvard, Justice Jackson finds a group of lifelong friends. How does this fierce bond influence her life? How does friendship affect our lives? What does it take to nurture and maintain these relationships?
- Justice Jackson describes her many experiences of being a Black woman in predominantly white male spaces. What are some of the ways she navigates this?
- Personal style and appearance, especially hair, plays a role in Justice Jackson’s journey. What considerations does she have to navigate that her peers do not? Have there been moments in your life where your outward appearance clashed with cultural norms and expectations?
- Personal expectations come from many places. This can include parents, teachers, cultural stereotypes, even the passing comments of strangers. How was Justice Jackson’s life affected by the perceptions of other people?
- Justice Jackson’s life continues a legacy of excellence from people such as Constance Baker Motley (the first Black woman to argue at the Supreme Court amongst many other achievements). How did following in the footsteps of others affect Justice Jackson? How does following in the footsteps of others affect your decisions in life?
- “Ketanji” means “lovely one.” How has your name affected how you approach the world? If someone were to read your name then meet you in person, would they react differently?
- The influence that family has on our lives is discussed throughout the book. How does our family, whether it’s chosen or biological, affect who we become? How did it affect Justice Jackson’s life?
- For those who listened to the audiobook, what was your experience listening to the author read her own work?
- Justice Jackson mentions several legal decisions that have built a foundation for today’s existing civil rights legislation. What are some of these cases and how have they influenced civil rights? How did Black women play a role in them?
Discuss, learn and be inspired
Explore the themes of the book through events and discussions. Check the events calendar for information. From January to March 2026, you can attend events surrounding the book and its themes.
About Everybody Reads
Everybody Reads 2026, a community reading project of Multnomah County Library, is made possible by gifts to The Library Foundation with the author’s appearance made possible by Literary Arts.
Special thanks to the Black Cultural Library Advocates team for their knowledge and contributions to Everybody Reads.