The Gift of Ketanji Brown Jackson
ELLE US|October 2024
In an exclusive profile and a new memoir, the history-making Supreme Court justice is telling her story.
Jacqueline Woodson
The Gift of Ketanji Brown Jackson

At the halfway point in her memoir, Lovely One, Associate Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson recounts the story of Mrs. Mallard, the mother duck in Robert McCloskey's picture book Make Way for Ducklings, about a family of mallards living on a lagoon in the Boston Public Garden. The justice isn't citing McCloskey's book to wax poetic about the beloved books of her childhood-although this is clearly a cherished one. Instead, she is taking us inside a brain that I've learned is at once well-read and enchantingly creative, while at the same time steadfast and sure in its practicality. Weeks later, I will sit across from Justice Brown Jackson and realize I have never been in the presence of this kind of brilliant mind. But for now, I turn the pages slowly, fascinated from afar. The justice tells the story of the ducklings as a metaphor to describe Judge Patti B. Saris, the first judge she clerked for out of Harvard Law School. As Saris beaconed Brown Jackson toward a deeper understanding of social justice, the rights of women, and the law, amplified here is the nurturing provided. And, like McCloskey's ducklings, remembered.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ELLE USView all
Peer Into Our Crystal Ball
ELLE US

Peer Into Our Crystal Ball

And behold the future of your skin, hair, and body. The ELLE beauty team talked to experts to learn about the most exciting innovations ahead.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC
ELLE US

THE BIRTH OF THE LITERARY IT GIRL AESTHETIC

A new book brings Joan Didion, Eve Babitz, and their still-influential style into focus.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON
ELLE US

Love Lessons - JOHN DAVID WASHINGTON

The actor and former pro-athlete - star of Tenet, The Creator, and now The Piano Lesson, in select theaters November 8 - talks about facing his fears, being ghosted, and meeting one actual ghost.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
KYLE'S WORLD
ELLE US

KYLE'S WORLD

Front-row fixture and budding designer Kylie Jenner expands her growing empire.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
Kesha Frees Herself
ELLE US

Kesha Frees Herself

With a new album, her own record label, and a 10-year plan to upend the music industry, the liberated pop star says anyone with \"deep, dark secrets better run.\"

time-read
10 mins  |
November 2024
Making Her Own Way
ELLE US

Making Her Own Way

Actress Nico Parker is shining by embracing her individuality.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO
ELLE US

WHERE THE WORLD'S BEST SKIERS GO

From the steepest slopes to luxury spas, find your spot.

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
EMPIRE STATE OF MIND
ELLE US

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

A new launch from Michael Kors celebrates the beauty and grit of New York City.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
OUT OF OFFICE
ELLE US

OUT OF OFFICE

For Agua by Agua Bendita, resort isn't merely a season—it's a lifestyle.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
Fringe Fantasy
ELLE US

Fringe Fantasy

Alessandro Michele gets into a '60s groove with the Garavani Nellcôte bag from his debut collection for Valentino.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024