President Joe Biden on Friday introduced Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as his pick to be the next associate Justice of the Supreme Court (watch above).

Biden praised the 51-year-old’s character and professional credentials, touting her record as a public defender, trial judge, and appellate court jurist. He said she is “proven consensus builder” with a “brilliant legal mind.”

He noted the historic nature of Jackson’s nomination. If confirmed, she’ll be the first Black women on the Supreme Court.

“For too long, our government, our courts haven’t looked like America,” Biden said. “I believe it’s time that we have a court reflects the full talents and greatness of our nation with a nominee of extraordinary qualifications, and that we inspire all young people to believe that they can one day serve their country at the highest level.”

After being introduced by the president, Jackson said “I must begin these very brief remarks by thanking God for delivering me to this point in my professional journey. My life has been blessed beyond measure and I do know that one can only come this far by faith.”

Jackson would be replacing Justice Stephen Breyer, who she clerked for after graduating Harvard Law School.

“Justice Breyer, the members of the Senate will decide if I fill your seat. But please know that I could never fill your shoes,” she said.

Jackson also praised her parents, who were both public school teachers. Eventually her father pursued a law career.

“Some of my earliest memories are of him sitting at the kitchen table reading his books,” Jackson said. “I watched him study and he became my first professional role model.”

Jackson expressed gratitude toward Biden. “I am especially grateful for the care that you have taken in discharging your constitutional duty in service of our democracy, with all that is going on in the world today,” she said in a clear reference to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The Washington Post adds:

Jackson said she is standing on the shoulders of Constance Baker Motley, the first Black woman to be appointed as a federal judge. Coincidentally, Jackson noted, she shared a birthday with Motley.

“Judge Motley’s life and career has been a true inspiration to me as I have pursued this professional path,” Jackson said. “I can only hope that my life and career, my love of this country and the Constitution, and my commitment to upholding the rule of law and the sacred principles upon which this great nation was founded will inspire future generations of Americans.”

The Post notes: “Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.) has publicly set a goal of confirming Biden’s nominee before the Easter recess, which is scheduled to begin April 8.”