United States Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s Visit to IAAM in Charleston, SC

October 3, 2025

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Visits the International African American Museum (IAAM), Marking First Official SCOTUS Visit

Charleston, S.C. – Prior to the Supreme Court of the United States beginning its new term for 2025, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson made an exclusive visit to the International African American Museum (IAAM) on Monday, September 1, along with her husband Dr. Patrick Jackson, Judge Richard Gergel of the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina and his wife Belinda Gergel.

Justice Jackson, the first African American woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court, met with the museum’s executive team and experienced firsthand the profound historical significance of the site, which tells the untold stories of the African American experience across generations. Justice Jackson’s visit offered a moment of reflection and historical connection at the museum, which opened its doors just a year after her historic confirmation.

Dr. Tonya M. Matthews, IAAM’s CEO and President, shared her perspective on the significance of the visit:

“Every generation carries the responsibility to preserve our shared history and witness history as it unfolds. The appointment of Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson marked a defining moment for our nation. While every Supreme Court appointment is consequential, Justice Brown Jackson’s – as the first African American woman on the Court – will forever shape our country’s story. Justice Brown Jackson’s appointment came just one year before IAAM’s opening, a moment that crystallized our belief: if she is possible, then we are possible. When Justice Brown Jackson walked through IAAM’s doors, we knew we were not just sharing history withher, but also making it. As a Black woman, hosting her was deeply personal. I smiled until my cheeks hurt, and from that day forward, Iwalk with my head held a little higher. I am profoundly proud of our team for building an institution worthy of such a visit.”

To honor the occasion, the IAAM executive team presented Justice Jackson with a sweetgrass necklace—a profound symbol of African American heritage and resilience in the Lowcountry. This particular piece was crafted by Corey Alston, a celebrated fifth-generation sweetgrass artist. Adding to its significance, the sweetgrass incorporated into the design was harvested directly from IAAM’s African Ancestors Memorial Garden, thus linking the gift directly to a sacred ground of African American history. Jackson also received cherished items from our IAAM Collection, as well as the children’s book “Your Crown Shines: For Ketanji Brown Jackson and You” written by Jessica Care Moore and illustrated by Dare Coulter.

Justice Jackson’s visit continues the museum’s tradition of welcoming esteemed individuals—including former President Joe Biden, Charlamagne Tha God, and Chris Rock—who seek a deeper understanding of African American and African Diaspora history through an international lens.

IAAM stands as a vital, permanent institution dedicated to preserving and sharing the untold narratives of this history, inviting visitors from around the globe to connect with this profound legacy. IAAM remains committed to being a sacred, educational space where every visitor can learn about the resilience, culture, and countless contributions of African Americans to the world.
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About the International African American Museum

As one of the nation’s largest African American museums, the International African American Museum (IAAM) explores the history, culture, and impact of the African American journey on Charleston, South Carolina, the nation, and the world. IAAM shines light and shares stories of the diverse journeys, origin, and achievements of descendants of the African Diaspora. Located at the historically sacred site of Gadsden’s Wharf, IAAM honors the untold stories of the African American journey. Learn more about IAAM at www.iaamuseum.org and follow IAAM on Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, TikTok, andLinkedIn.

Become an IAAM member today at www.iaamuseum.org/membership. Support the International African American Museum and learn more about IAAM’s “Road to 500K” Campaign.