As we wrap up Black History Month, we are met with an unprecedented move by President Joe Biden, as he nominates the first African American woman, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, to the U.S. Supreme court in its 233-year history.

This nomination comes as the second record breaking event for African American women in Biden’s presidency, as his Vice President, Kamala Harris, is the first African American Woman to become vice president. Kamala also holds the distinction of being simply the first woman vice president as well.

President Biden first made the promise of nominating an African American woman to the Supreme Court back in 2020, during his presidential campaign. A promise he has now been able to make good on.

“For too long, our government, our court hasn’t looked like America,” President Biden said on Friday, February 26th. “I believe it’s time that we have a court that reflects the full talent and greatness of our nation.”

In reference, there have been just two African Americans on the Supreme Court to date: Justice Thurgood Marshall and Justice Clarence Thomas. Additionally, African American women make up about 3% of the federal judiciary, according to data from the Federal Judicial Center.

Ms. Jackson, currently a federal appeals judge, replied that she was “humbled” by the nomination.

However, the nomination does not guarantee that Judge Ketanji Brown will be confirmed. The nomination will first need to be approved by the senate with a simple majority. Of the 100 senate seats, 51 senators will need to confirm the nominee. In the event of a tie, 50-50, Kamala Harris could be the tie breaking vote, which is one of the duties of the vice presidency.

If Ms. Jackson’s confirmation goes through, she will replace retiring Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. Justice Breyer’s replacement would not shift the court’s current 6-3 conservative majority.