Judicial history reached a milestone this week. President Joe Biden has achieved a groundbreaking feat by appointing 40 Black women to lifetime federal judgeships—a record-setting accomplishment in American history.
The latest addition came with Judge Tiffany Johnson’s confirmation to the Northern District of Georgia. This appointment caps off a remarkable journey of judicial diversity under Biden’s leadership. The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights confirms Biden has appointed more Black women to federal courts than any previous president.
Breaking Barriers in a Traditionally Homogeneous System
Biden’s appointments challenge long-standing diversity gaps in the judicial system. Roughly 40 percent of his confirmed Black judges come from diverse professional backgrounds, including civil rights lawyers and public defenders.
Lena Zwarensteyn from the Leadership Conference explains, “This isn’t just about fairness—it’s about better decision-making and restoring public trust.”
A Stark Contrast with Previous Administrations
The numbers tell a compelling story of transformation. While Donald Trump appointed only two Black women to the federal judiciary during his first term, Biden has appointed 62 Black judges overall—the most by any president in a single term.
Several historic firsts stand out in Biden’s judicial appointments. Tiffany Cunningham became the first Black judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit. Dana Douglas broke ground as the first Black woman on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.
Supreme Court Milestone: Ketanji Brown Jackson
Biden’s most visible judicial appointment remains Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. Her confirmation to the Supreme Court in 2022 was a defining moment, underscoring the president’s commitment to an inclusive judiciary.
As Biden prepares to leave office, these appointments could serve as a critical counterweight to potential policy changes. With a divided Congress and the prospect of a second Trump presidency, these judges might play a crucial role in defending civil rights and democratic norms.
