Before Justice Jackson sat on the highest court in the U.S., she competed in speech and debate. She cites in her new memoir "Lovely One" that the experience was formative in where she is now.

DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Speech & Debate Association (NSDA) is honored to present a live virtual Q&A with Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. CST via Zoom. The event will feature a discussion of Justice Jackson's recently published memoir, her storied career, and the role that speech and debate played in shaping her path to the nation's highest court. Hosted by NSDA Executive Director J. Scott Wunn and two-time Informative Speaking national champion Anneteke Adoga, this highly anticipated event is open to all.

In her memoir, Justice Jackson shares her journey from her early years in Miami to her historic role as the first Black woman on the Supreme Court. She reflects on her high school speech and debate experience, where she competed in speaking events such as Original Oratory and Humorous Interpretation under the mentorship of her coach, Fran Berger. In 1988, Justice Jackson's performance (found here) took her to the final round of the national competition—a milestone that highlighted her skill in public speaking.

The event is free to attend. To register or learn more, visit NSDA Live Q&A with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.

About the National Speech & Debate Association
The National Speech & Debate Association is the authority on public speaking and debate in the United States. The Association builds the infrastructure for speech and debate competitions around the world by providing topics, educational resources, and training for students and coaches. For 100 years, the National Speech & Debate Association has built a platform for youth voices that culminates in the National Tournament, the largest academic competition in the world. For more information, visit .

SOURCE National Speech & Debate Association