National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 24, 2021

Media Contact:
Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290

WASHINGTON-National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan issued the following statement today upon Senate confirmation of Candace Jackson-Akiwumi to the United States Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit:

“The Senate just confirmed another outstanding woman to the federal bench: Candace Jackson-Akiwumi. As an organization committed to safeguarding individual rights and freedoms, National Council of Jewish Women knows that Jackson-Akiwumi shares the same commitment. Throughout her career, she has worked to improve the lives of the most vulnerable, serving as a public defender for ten years in Chicago, where she argued cases related to immigration, sentencing, and unreasonable searches and seizures.

“With today’s vote, the Senate also de-segregated the Seventh Circuit: Candace Jackson-Akiwumi will be the only Black woman on the court, which presides over 7.5 million people of color throughout Illinois, Indiana, and Wisconsin. Creating a fairer federal judiciary requires judges who have insight into the way a significant part of the population experiences the courts. From her background to her track record of ensuring equal access to justice, the federal bench will be stronger with Candace Jackson-Akiwumi serving on it.”

###

National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.