Black History

Black California Judge Among Frontrunner Nominees to Fill U.S. Supreme Court Vacancy

As a lawyer, California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, 45, held various positions in public and private practice until she joined the U.S. Solicitor General’s Office during the Obama Administration where she argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court. Married and the mother of two young children, she joined the California State Supreme Court in 2015 where her decisions have been considered a stable, left-leaning voice.

Published

3 years ago

February 3, 2022

Oakland Post

Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger. Photo by Lonnie Tague, US Department of Justice via Wikimedia Commons.

California Supreme Court Justice Leondra Kruger, 45, is one of two Black women favored for nomination by Pres. Joe Biden to the U.S. Supreme Court when Associate Justice Stephen Breyer steps down in June.

The daughter of a Jamaican mother and Jewish father — both of whom are pediatricians — Kruger was raised in Glendale, Ca., later attending Harvard University followed by Yale Law School. As a lawyer, she held various positions in public and private practice until she joined the U.S. Solicitor General’s Office during the Obama Administration where she argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court. Married and the mother of two young children, she joined the California State Supreme Court in 2015 where her decisions have been considered a stable, left-leaning voice.

With Kruger or Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, the other Black women considered a good choice for the job, Biden would be fulfilling a campaign promise made while he was on the road in 2020.

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Activism

Former U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee Reflects on Her Career as She Bids Farewell to Congress

“Together, we have raised our voices and pushed the envelope for peace, justice and equity. It has been the honor of a lifetime to provide constituent services, deliver federal investments to my district, speak out, and often times be the only one to take tough votes against the tide. I have, and will continue to, fight for working families, the middle class, low income and poor people,” said Lee On her final day in Congress.

Published

4 days ago

February 9, 2025

Oakland Post

Rep. Barbara Lee. File photo.

By Bo Tefu, California Black Media

Outgoing Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA-12) expressed deep gratitude to her constituents and marked the end of her 26-year career in public service.

Lee, who is succeeded by Lateefah Simon, a civil rights and racial justice activist, praised people in her community for their support. She also highlighted her dedication to promoting peace, justice, and equity.

Throughout her tenure, Lee earned a reputation as a principled lawmaker known for taking bold and sometimes unpopular stances. One of her defining moments came in 2001 when she was the sole member of Congress to vote against the Authorization for the Use of Military Force in response to the September 11 attacks. This decision led to death threats but ultimately cemented her legacy of courage.

Lee’s leadership extended beyond her district, where she fought for social justice, the rights of low-income communities, and global health initiatives. She was a key figure in pushing for the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). She was a vocal critic of the Hyde Amendment, which restricts federal funding for abortion services.

The Congresswoman also faced significant challenges in her career, including a failed Senate bid in 2024. Yet, Lee’s efforts have paved the way for more excellent representation, with more Black women now elected to Congress. She worked closely with organizations like Representation Matters to encourage more women of color to run for office.

Lee says she looks to the future, confident that the next generation of leaders will continue her unfinished work, particularly on issues like military force and reproductive rights.