Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson honored with Truman Good Neighbor Award in Kansas City

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson was honored Thursday with the Harry S. Truman Good Neighbor Award during the Truman Foundation’s annual luncheon at the Kansas City Marriott Downtown.

Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the nation’s highest court, is just the fourth Supreme Court justice to receive the award since it was first given in 1973 to Chief Justice Earl Warren. It is awarded each year to celebrate the birthday of the 33rd President of the United States.

Roughly 600 people filled the ballroom for the midday ceremony, where Jackson delivered a keynote address centered on civil rights, public service, and the importance of judicial independence.

“In times when the spirit of America is tested,” she said, “if we proceed with courage, undaunted by fear and informed by history and if we persist in choosing to do what is right, despite the obstacles, we will honor both President Truman’s legacy and the fundamental values of our beloved country.”

She also reflected on the unique responsibility of judges to make decisions based solely on the facts and the law, even under public scrutiny. Quoting Truman, Jackson said, “America was not built on fear. America was built on courage, imagination, and an unbeatable determination to do the job at hand.”

The event also included the presentation of the Philip Pistilli Silver Veterans Medal and scholarships to students pursuing careers in international studies and public service.

Here are some photos from that event.

Emily Curiel

The Kansas City Star

Emily Curiel, is a visual journalist at The Star. With a broad scope of coverage, Curiel navigates subjects including breaking news, sports, features and long-form narratives. She is a first-generation graduate from San Francisco State University and a native of Los Angeles.