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Justice, Power, and Progress: Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Inspires at Global Black Economic Forum Mainstage During Essence Festival

July 9, 2025

Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman on America's highest court, delivered a powerful keynote address at the 2025 Global Black Economic Forum (GBEF) during the Essence Festival in New Orleans. Speaking to 500,000 in-person attendees and millions online, Justice Jackson shared her journey from Miami's public schools to the Supreme Court, emphasizing that justice requires active participation in decision-making processes. The GBEF Public Convention, part of the Essence Festival which generates $1 billion in economic activity, features various programming including health initiatives and policy discussions, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore scheduled to speak next.

Who is affected

  • Black communities worldwide and marginalized communities
  • 500,000 attendees at the Essence Festival and millions watching online
  • Future generations of Black Americans (mentioned in Justice Jackson's quote)
  • The Black Diaspora (specifically mentioned in GBEF's focus)

What action is being taken

  • The Global Black Economic Forum is hosting discussions and programming at the 2025 Essence Festival
  • GBEF is curating spaces for leaders to "preserve, build, and reimagine" economic opportunities
  • The organization is leveraging global summits, leadership development, policy advocacy, and workplace innovation
  • GBEF is livestreaming events for those who couldn't attend in person
  • The Essence Festival is generating $1 billion in economic activity

Why it matters

  • Justice Jackson's presence represents a historic milestone as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court
  • The forum addresses the problem that "major decisions on the justice system, economic opportunity, and freedoms are often made without our input"
  • The initiatives aim to create "a healthier, wealthier, and more sustainable future for Black communities worldwide"
  • The forum combines justice and economic concerns to advance Black prosperity
  • The event demonstrates how representation and leadership can inspire collective progress

What's next

  • Maryland Governor Wes Moore and First Lady Dawn Moore will take the mainstage at 4:00 p.m. CST the following day
  • The remaining events will be livestreamed at gbef.com

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint