Justice Jackson tells Springfield audience: ‘Anything worth doing takes effort’

SPRINGFIELD — U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson told a packed Springfield Symphony Hall Monday night that "anything worth doing takes effort." Her message: Hard work and determination can lead to great things — even a seat on the nation's highest court.

Jackson spoke as part of the Springfield Public Forum's Speaker Series, which brings notable voices to the city for free public talks. She was joined by Mount Holyoke College President Danielle R. Holley for a conversation about her path from childhood to becoming the first Black woman on the Supreme Court.

Tickets were free but sold out early. Signed copies of Jackson's memoir, "Lovely One," were available.

Jackson shared stories of growing up in Miami, Florida. Her parents, both educators, taught her to value learning and to take pride in her heritage. Her father later became a school board attorney and her mother was a principal.

As a child, Jackson dreamed of being a Supreme Court justice and a Broadway performer. She's done both — recently appearing in a one-night performance of "& Juliet." She also loves musicals like "Wicked," "Matilda," and "Hamilton."

In high school, Jackson was active in speech and debate. Her college essay said she wanted to be a Supreme Court justice and her yearbook listed her goal as a federal judge.

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, (left) on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Mount Hoklyoke College President Danielle R. Holley, (right) was the moderator for the evening. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Here from left, Denise Jordan a Springfield Alunnae of Delta Sigma Theta, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson and Delta Sigma Theta chapter president Dena Cooper sit for a photograph backstage. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Ketanji Brown Jackson (left), stands with Dean of the Western New England School of Law Zelda B. Harris backstage. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Here The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Here Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson smiles as she enters the stage. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Ketanji Brown Jackson (second from the left), stands with Dean of the Western New England School of Law Zelda B. Harris backstage. At left is Harris' father Wesley L. Harris Sr, and at far right is Harris' son Wesley Harris Peck. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)

Crowds wait to enter Springfield's Symphony Hall for the Springfield Public Forum talk featuring United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)

Crowds wait to enter Springfield's Symphony Hall for the Springfield Public Forum talk featuring United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. Here Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (center) is seen backstage with memebrs of the Springfield Champter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. (Dave Roback photo)

She graduated from Harvard University and Harvard Law School, then worked as a public defender, served on the U.S. Sentencing Commission and held several federal judge positions before President Joseph Biden nominated her to the Supreme Court in 2022.

The forum began with a reading from "Lovely One," describing the moments before her swearing-in on June 30, 2022.

She recalled that her family and friends were present to witness history and wondering if the other justices could hear her heart pounding.

She took the oath with her right hand raised and her left on two Bibles — one a restored family Bible used throughout her career and the other once owned by Justice John Marshall Harlan, who famously opposed segregation in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case.

She said she was the embodiment of a dream that Harlan probably never imagined, but one her family knew was possible for someone like her. A million prayers carried her since the nomination, she said.

That moment reminded her of the country's progress and the importance of standing up for justice. She added her name to the Bible — one generation after her parents were denied equal rights.

Her book weaves together her personal story and the broader history of Black Americans. Jackson said her parents grew up in segregation in Miami, attended historically Black colleges and instilled pride and hope in her.

Jackson said her father's decision to attend law school inspired her. She remembers sitting at the kitchen table coloring while he studied, a memory that stayed with her.

At Harvard Law School, she began to understand what it meant to be a Black lawyer. She recalled watching the O.J. Simpson trial and debating its racial impact with classmates. The famous line, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit," stuck with her.

The Springfield Public Forum talk featured United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. She smiles as she enters the stage. (Dave Roback photo)Dave Roback

Jackson reflected on how few lawyers and judges in the U.S. are Black. While progress has been made, she said more work is needed to diversify the profession.

She first visited Massachusetts as a high school debater, competing at Harvard for three years before attending the university. There, she met her future husband, Patrick Jackson, in a class about race and society. They've been married for 29 years and have two daughters.

She credited six close friends from a Harvard literature class with supporting her throughout life. During her confirmation process, four of them helped with media outreach, surprising her with their dedication.

Jackson is the only current Supreme Court justice who served as a public defender and worked on the U.S. Sentencing Commission. She has held 15 legal jobs, gaining experience in many areas of law.

Her time clerking for Justice Stephen Breyer shaped her understanding of how judges interpret laws. Breyer still visits the court and mentors her.

Jackson has served at all three levels of the federal court system. Her nomination process moved quickly, and she met with 98 senators before her confirmation hearing. Though the hearing felt like a performance, she stayed calm.

One emotional moment came when Sen. Cory Booker praised her achievements and reminded her she was worthy. Jackson said she cried, even though aides had advised her not to. His words gave her strength.

She explained how Supreme Court opinions, when in written draft form, are shared and revised before the final version is published. Dissenting opinions are especially important, she said, because they speak to the public and to history.

Jackson hopes her writing helps others see the values of freedom, fairness and minority voices in the law. She wants young people to be inspired by her journey and to consider careers in law and public service.

She shares a birthday with Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to serve as a federal judge. Motley was sworn in 49 years before Jackson, on the same day. Jackson said that connection gives her hope that students will believe they can make a difference too.

She reminded students that success takes effort. Even Michael Jordan had to practice, she said.

Jackson said civic engagement is essential to democracy. "You can't have people on the sidelines," she said. "'Equal justice under law' only works if everyone is treated fairly and stays involved."

Crowds wait to enter Springfield's Symphony Hall for the Springfield Public Forum talk featuring United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, on Monday evening, October 27, 2025. (Dave Roback photo)Dave Roback

Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .