A Bench for the Bench

Shortly after the African American Museum of Southern Arizona (AAMSAZ) opened in January 2023, Executive Director Beverely Elliott extended an invitation to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson to visit Tucson and the museum. The response from Justice Jackson’s staff was both gracious and encouraging. They shared that, due to scheduling considerations surrounding the upcoming presidential election, any potential visit would need to be considered at a later date.

Inspired by the possibility of welcoming the nation’s first African American woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, AAMSAZ began planning a special tribute in her honor. Beverely reached out to Benjamin Taylor, Esq., a Tucson native, Sahuaro High School graduate, and the first African American President of the Arizona Bar Association, inviting him to participate should Justice Jackson be able to visit. Mr. Taylor enthusiastically accepted and also offered to extend a personal invitation to Justice Jackson.

To commemorate this historic moment, AAMSAZ launched “A Bench for the Bench,” a community fundraising campaign to install a permanent bench honoring Justice Jackson. Working with the University of Arizona Women’s Plaza of Honor, U of A’s Facilities Management, and Santa Rita Tile Company, the museum designed a commemorative bench featuring engraved donor tiles. Community members enthusiastically embraced the project, purchasing engraved tiles that not only funded the bench but also demonstrated widespread support for recognizing Justice Jackson’s extraordinary achievements.

Although Justice Jackson was ultimately unable to visit Tucson, the museum proudly moved forward with the dedication. The Tucson Chapter of The Links, Incorporated acted as hostesses, Benjamin Taylor served as the keynote speaker, in sharing his admiration for Justice Jackson’s remarkable career and expressing his belief that she would have been honored to participate had her schedule permitted.  

“A Bench for the Bench” reflects AAMSAZ’s commitment to recognizing trailblazers whose achievements inspire young people to dream boldly, pursue justice, and believe that history is still being made.

A little About Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson

Justice Ketanji O. Brown Jackson made history in 2022 when she became the first African American woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. Nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed by the United States Senate, she also became the first former federal public defender and the sixth woman to serve on the nation’s highest court.

A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Law School, Justice Jackson served as an editor of the Harvard Law Review and later clerked for Justice Stephen Breyer, whose seat she would ultimately assume on the Supreme Court. Her distinguished career includes service as Vice Chair of the United States Sentencing Commission, a federal district judge for the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Today, Justice Jackson’s legacy extends far beyond the courtroom. She represents excellence, perseverance, integrity, and the power of breaking barriers for future generations.

“A Bench for the Bench” project reflects AAMSAZ’s commitment to recognizing trailblazers whose achievements inspire young people to dream boldly, pursue justice, and believe that history is still being made. 

Through this tribute, the museum celebrates not only Justice Jackson’s accomplishments but also the community that came together to honor one of the most influential women in American history.

The first African American woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, honored by our community right here in Tucson.

The Dedication Ceremony

Although Justice Jackson was ultimately unable to visit Tucson, the museum proudly moved forward with the dedication. The Tucson Chapter of The Links, Incorporated acted as hostesses. Benjamin Taylor, Esq. — a Tucson native, Sahuaro High School graduate, and the first African American President of the Arizona Bar Association — served as keynote speaker, sharing his admiration for Justice Jackson’s remarkable career and expressing his belief that she would have been honored to participate had her schedule permitted.

Through this tribute, the museum celebrates not only Justice Jackson’s accomplishments but also the community that came together to honor one of the most influential women in American history.

IN THE NEWS—Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson Speaks Out on Birthright Citizenship

In recent national news, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson has drawn widespread attention for her pointed questions regarding efforts to end birthright citizenship in the United States.

During arguments surrounding an executive order issued by Donald Trump — which seeks to limit citizenship at birth to children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents — several justices, including members of the Court’s conservative majority, raised concerns about its constitutionality.

Justice Jackson directly challenged the government’s position. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued that the constitutional phrase “subject to the jurisdiction” applies only to children whose parents demonstrate allegiance to the United States through domicile.

Her remarks have sparked widespread discussion, highlighting the real-world implications of constitutional interpretation and the importance of clarity, equity, and fairness under the law.

Justice Jackson’s voice on the highest court reminds us why representation matters — and why our community chose to honor her legacy with the Ketanji Bench right here in Tucson.

Source: Story by Sharelle B. McNair / MSN

About the Artist
Carrie Bejarano is the artist and bench designer behind the Ketanji Bench. Operating out of Santa Teresa Tile Works in Tucson’s historic warehouse arts district, Carrie specializes in handcrafted decorative tiles that blend artistry with storytelling.

Her work on the Ketanji Bench brings together vibrant color, symbolism, and craftsmanship to create a lasting monument to Justice Jackson’s legacy.

Santa Teresa Tile Works
https://www.santatheresatileworks.com
440 N 6th Ave
Tucson, AZ