The Links, Incorporated’s Statement Supporting An African American Woman To The Supreme Court

Thomas Paine, one of the country’s founding fathers, once said, “It’s not in numbers but in unity that our great strength lies.” As African-ancestored women, we know inherently the power of that sentiment and embody its message.

Over the last year, we celebrated the inauguration of Vice President Kamala Harris, the country’s the first woman, first African American and first South Asian American, and a member of The Links, Incorporated, to hold the position. We could barely contain our joy when then newly elected President Joseph R. Biden thanked women of color for changing the political landscape, then vowed to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court. History was made, and we created the opportunity. President Biden’s words gave hope and honored our work, community commitment, and decades of sacrifice.

Today, the president has vowed to keep his election promise and will name a Black woman to the nation’s highest court as Justice Stephen G. Breyer retires. Members of The Links, Incorporated, more than 16,000 strong worldwide, thank him and are beyond grateful.

As women of color, we recognize the talent and capacity of those in our community. We see and experience those gifts every day. We also know there are several African American women who can fill the seat with integrity, intelligence, and creative spirit. We have labored and longed for this moment, and our beautiful, brown daughters, granddaughters, and nieces will be the direct beneficiaries. So we thank President Biden again and look forward to his selection. And now the real work begins.