Fayetteville has played host to some big names in the past, including Presidents. On Thursday, Sept. 4, the city hosted the Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Justice Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court. She was appointed in 2022.
Her presence brought excitement among her fans and supporters. Held at J. W. Seabrook Auditorium on the campus of Fayetteville State University, this intimate event was hosted by the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity. Justice Jackson wasn’t here on a political visit; she was here to discuss her book Lovely One.
Her book is a memoir of her incredible life and the choices that led her to be sworn in as an Associate Justice, and she discussed the content with the CEO of the Fayetteville Area Habitat for Humanity, Brandon Price. This free event was an effort by the organization to further promote their “commitment to bringing people together to build homes, communities, and hope. A safe, decent place to live is the cornerstone of a strong community." Emphasizing, “Our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Inspiring and deeply resonant, Lovely One is a testament to the power of dreaming big.”
Attendees were required to register for the event a month prior to allow for proper security vetting. The day of the event, FSU’s campus was abuzz. While the day-to-day activities continued, the small corner of campus that houses the auditorium was packed with cars, people and Secret Service.
Drones flew over the courtyard, black SUVs and suited members of the secret service fanned the way for the VIP guests. Distinguished guests were met with the enthusiastic smiling faces of FSU staff, students and alumni.
Lanyards were passed out at check-in and campus security ensured everyone made it to the right seating area.
Inside, balloons, centerpieces and standing cocktail tables were meticulously placed for the book signing scheduled right after the one-on-one. Attendees had the option at registration to purchase a book for the book signing.
The two-story, intimate theater space was dimly lit with more emphasis on the stage where Justice Jackson and Mr. Price sat and discussed her journey to the Supreme Court.
After prayer and the National Anthem, Judge Toni King had the honor of introducing the phenomenal Ketanji Brown Jackson. A roar of applause filled the auditorium, and many stood to their feet.
She approached the podium and read an excerpt from her book, Lovely One, her voice, gentle but commanding.
And command she did. Every word commanded the attention of the audience. Her journey takes the reader from her birthplace of DC to Florida, where she would finish high school, then on to Harvard to complete her law degree. She eventually made it back to DC, not as a little girl, but as a mighty force and voice for justice.
Her book is a self-titled memoir. A point of contention for some and a point of pride for most, Ketanji, one of the names her aunt sent her mother while she was serving with the Peace Corps in West Africa, has always been something to be proud of, a continuation of culture, for Justice Jackson.
When the one-on-one ended, those who had purchased a book received their signed copies and enjoyed a small reception in honor of her visit.
Ketanji Brown Jackson left a lasting impact on everyone in the room. To purchase her book, visit https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/737094/lovely-one-by-ketanji-brown-jackson/