Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Memoir ‘Lovely One’ Chronicles Her Historic Journey

J. Scott Applewhite/Pool via REUTERS

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is embarking on a nationwide tour to promote her new memoir, “Lovely One: A Memoir” published by Random House.

The memoir, which hits shelves this week, provides an intimate look at Jackson’s journey from a childhood in a segregated America to her historic confirmation as the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

In “Lovely One,” Jackson, 53, explores her family’s rise from the era of segregation to her groundbreaking achievements, framing her story as a reflection of “the promise of America.”

The memoir also delves into her experiences as the first public defender to become a Supreme Court justice and the challenges she faced as a woman of color advancing in the legal profession while balancing a demanding career with motherhood.

Jackson’s memoir is not just a personal narrative but also an exploration of her judicial philosophy.

Known for her active participation in court arguments since joining the bench in June 2022, Jackson offers insights into her approach to originalism—a method of interpreting the Constitution that she has sometimes applied with a liberal lens, distinguishing her from her more conservative colleagues.

The memoir’s title, “Lovely One,” is derived from the English translation of her given middle name, Ketanji Onyika, which was suggested by her aunt, a Peace Corps worker in West Africa.

Jackson’s parents chose the name to honor their African heritage, a theme that resonates throughout her life story.

Jackson began working on the book shortly after her appointment to the court.

Her book tour will kick off at New York’s iconic Apollo Theater on the day of the memoir’s release, with additional stops planned in Washington, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, and San Francisco.

The tour promises to draw significant attention, further cementing Jackson’s role as a history-making figure in American law.

In a recent television interview, Jackson reflected on the Supreme Court’s newly adopted code of conduct, which came in response to criticism over undisclosed gifts and trips received by some justices.

While the code lacks enforcement mechanisms, Jackson expressed openness to the idea of an enforceable ethics code, noting that “a binding code of ethics is pretty standard for judges” and questioning why the Supreme Court should be different.

Jackson’s memoir joins a growing list of books written by sitting Supreme Court justices, with her $900,000 advance placing her in the company of Justices Clarence Thomas and Sonia Sotomayor, both of whom received million-dollar advances for their memoirs.

Jackson’s book is expected to follow in the footsteps of these successful publications, potentially landing on bestseller lists and further amplifying her influence both on and off the bench.

“Lovely One” offers a window into the life and mind of one of the most consequential figures in the nation’s legal landscape.