Journey to the Nation's Highest Court

Suffield Academy students and faculty had the opportunity to attend a talk with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson at the Springfield Public Forum on October 27. Justice Jackson shared insights and stories from her journey to the nation’s highest court.

Faculty member Molly Vianney reflected on the experience, sharing, “Bringing students to hear a sitting Supreme Court Justice—and the first African American woman to serve on the Court—share her personal and professional story was incredibly powerful. Justice Jackson inspires us and reminds us that the discrimination of the Jim Crow South and the tremendous advancements in human rights, achieved through the sacrifices and activism of ordinary Americans during the Civil Rights Movement, are not distant history.” She added, “Justice Jackson concluded her remarks with a call for continued civic education and active engagement in our democracy—an important message that I hope truly resonates with our students.”

The Springfield Public Forum, founded in 1935, is the oldest independent and free public speaker series in the United States. It brings nationally renowned speakers to Springfield to discuss topics in politics, science, and the arts.