In 2024, it is both remarkable and disheartening to realize that Black individuals are still breaking barriers and achieving firsts in various fields. While this underscores the persistent systemic issues that impede the progress of BIPOC individuals, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the significant contributions they make within and beyond their respective industries.

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Chief Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is a prime example of such  individuals. However, her story of distinction does not solely revolve around her appointment to the U.S. Supreme Court. Jackson's journey began in Washington, D.C., where she was born before relocating to Florida to support her father in pursuing his law degree. During her time in the coastal state, Jackson excelled academically, while her parents forged ahead in their careers. Her mother ascended to the position of principal at a prominent magnet school, while her father rose to become the attorney for the county school board. These familial role models, coupled with her participation in the debate and speech club, played a pivotal role in shaping Jackson's accomplishments and future trajectory. Following her exceptional performance in high school, she was admitted to Harvard University and graduated magna cum laude in 1992.

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After completing her undergraduate studies, Jackson briefly worked as a reporter for Time magazine before embarking on a successful legal career. In 1996, she graduated from Harvard Law School, and since then, she has navigated the legal field in various capacities. Jackson clerked for two judges immediately after law school, including Justice Stephen Breyer, who preceded her on the Supreme Court. She subsequently transitioned between different positions in Boston and Washington, D.C., progressively increasing her earning potential.

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While Jackson's career is now more stable and established, she often reflects on her journey to inspire others seeking a similar path. Speaking to a group of law school graduates at Boston University in 2023, she emphasized the importance of adaptability and resilience in a profession that continually evolves. Jackson firmly believes that while being a lawyer can be intellectually rewarding, the ever-changing nature of the legal landscape presents its fair share of challenges.

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Through her dedication and meticulous preparation, Jackson achieved a historic milestone in 2022 when she was appointed as the 116th Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. Forbes estimates her hard work has resulted in a net worth of $2 million. While her legal career contributes significantly to her wealth, Jackson has also made savvy financial decisions to augment her financial standing.

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According to Forbes, after navigating various positions, Jackson secured a counsel role at an appellate firm in 2009. Opting out of the partner track to prioritize her responsibilities as a mother and wife, she earned a more modest salary of $184,500. Since then, Jackson has remained in government roles, steadily increasing her net worth. In 2012, she attained a lifetime judge appointment in the D.C. district court and reported a net worth of just under $700,000 at that time. This figure encompasses her salary earnings, investments, and retirement savings, both on her own and jointly with her husband, Patrick Jackson. Despite a reduced salary in her new role, her earnings gradually rose to $218,600 in 2021.

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Beyond her legal career, Jackson has also made astute real estate investments. In 2002, she and her husband purchased a Maryland home for $650,000, which they sold in 2007 for $875,000 to accommodate their expanding family. They then moved to a new home worth $1.2 million. In 2013, the couple acquired their current residence in D.C., valued at just under $1.9 million. Although the property is still under mortgage, a recent appraisal estimated its worth at $2.4 million. Additionally, Jackson holds a 20% stake in a vacation home in West Virginia, valued at $400,000.

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Forbes reported that Jackson began her tenure as a Circuit judge with a net worth of $1.7 million, which increased to $1.8 million within a year of her appointment to the Supreme Court. Considering her investment ventures and real estate undertakings since then, her current net worth is estimated to be $2 million. However, People magazine suggests that this number is poised to rise further. Jackson is set to release her memoir, titled "Lovely One," in September 2024. In her statement, she expressed that her journey has been unlikely but has been paved by the courage of women and men who came before her. The memoir, which combines her public record with lesser-known aspects of her life, is expected to become a bestseller, thereby augmenting her net worth and broadening her earning potential over time.