Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the United States Supreme Court, has become more than a legal trailblazer. She has also emerged as a cultural icon, using her platform to subtly but powerfully celebrate Black identity, heritage, and resilience. Among her many statements, one of the most striking has been her choice to wear a cowrie shell necklace—a decision that speaks volumes to those who understand its profound significance.
This symbolic accessory is a quiet yet bold declaration of connection to African heritage, a reminder of the strength, beauty, and wisdom carried by Black women through generations. Justice Brown-Jackson’s cowrie necklace reminds us to root ourselves in our history and to wear our pride unapologetically, no matter the room we enter.
The Power of the Cowrie Shell
The cowrie shell, with its ties to African spirituality, prosperity, and feminine energy, has long been a symbol of empowerment. In wearing it, Justice Brown-Jackson connects herself—and us—to a lineage of strength, wisdom, and resilience. Her choice goes beyond fashion; it is an act of defiance against the erasure of African culture and a statement of pride in her identity.
For centuries, Black women have used adornments like cowrie shells to carry the stories of their ancestors and to claim their rightful place in spaces that have often sought to exclude them. Justice Brown-Jackson’s subtle yet meaningful nod to this tradition is a call to action for us to remember and honour our heritage in our own ways.
Channeling Michelle Obama: Choosing Spaces with Purpose
Justice Brown-Jackson’s intentionality in her self-presentation invites us to take a page from another iconic Black woman: Michelle Obama. The former First Lady taught us the power of choosing our spaces wisely—whether by declining invitations that do not serve our purpose or by showing up boldly to the ones that do.
Like Michelle Obama, we can choose not to go places—physically or metaphorically—that diminish our value, dismiss our voices, or fail to uplift our spirits. Instead, we can embrace spaces where we are celebrated, not tolerated. And when we do step into a room, we should do so with intention, presence, and unapologetic authenticity, as Justice Brown-Jackson demonstrates.
Adorning Ourselves with Empowerment
Justice Brown-Jackson’s cowrie necklace is more than an accessory—it is armour. It serves as a reminder to wear items that empower us, whether that means a piece of jewellery, a bold colour, or a symbol of cultural pride. Adorning ourselves with intention allows us to carry strength into our daily lives, to channel the resilience of our ancestors, and to stand firm in our truth.
This empowerment can be as subtle or as bold as we desire. It might be a dashiki-inspired scarf, a waist bead tucked beneath our clothing, or a bracelet etched with affirmations. Whatever we choose, let it serve as a constant reminder that we, too, belong in every space we step into—whether it is the boardroom, the courtroom, or the halls of Congress.
The Legacy We Leave
As we look to Justice Brown-Jackson, we are reminded of the importance of living intentionally and leaving a legacy of empowerment for the next generation. Every time she wears the cowrie shell, she challenges a system that often seeks to dilute cultural expression, and she inspires us to do the same.
We have the power to define our own narratives, to create spaces where our voices are heard, and to build a legacy that honours the sacrifices of those who came before us. Whether through the spaces we enter—or choose not to enter—or the symbols we wear, we have the ability to empower ourselves and those around us.
Taking the First Step
Let us follow the lead of Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson and Michelle Obama by moving with purpose and embracing symbols of our heritage that strengthen us. Let us create spaces where our stories and identities are celebrated. And let us wear our empowerment—boldly, proudly, and unapologetically—just as Justice Brown-Jackson wears the cowrie shell.
In a world that too often tries to silence or minimise us, Justice Brown-Jackson reminds us to stand tall and carry our legacy forward, one intentional step at a time.