Apr 14, 2010 – Last week, Justice John Paul Stevens announced his retirement from the United States Supreme Court at the end of this term. Justice Stevens, who will turn 90 on April 20, was appointed by President Gerald R. Ford in 1975 and is the longest serving member of the current Supreme Court. President Mavis T. Thompson, speaking on behalf of the National Bar Association, commended Justice Stevens for his nearly 35 years of service on the nation's highest court. Thompson stated, "Justice Stevens has contributed greatly to the advancement of the nation through his insightful and scholarly opinions."

Thompson noted that "Justice Stevens' retirement creates the opportunity for the country to have its first African American female Supreme Court Justice." As is the case with Justice Stevens, the replacement must have the highest integrity, be undoubtedly very well qualified, have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law and possess appropriate judicial temperament. A noteworthy candidate to fill the vacant seat includes the Honorable Ann Claire Williams, the first African American ever appointed to the Seventh Circuit and the third African American woman ever to serve on any United States Court of Appeals. A moderate and faithful adherent to constitutional principles of government, Judge Williams is extremely well qualified to serve on the Supreme Court and has all the necessary experience and the professional expertise to succeed Justice Stevens.

Consistent with the NBA's historic mission and its leadership role on behalf of over 44,000 of the nation's African American lawyers, judges and academics, the NBA is committed to playing an active role in the process to fill the vacancy created by Justice Stevens' retirement.

The NBA strongly urges President Obama to use this upcoming vacancy as an opportunity to further diversify the high court and to make it more reflective of the nation it serves. Without question, at this critical juncture in the nation's history and with so many important legal issues to come before the United States Supreme Court, Judge Ann Claire Williams is the right person to succeed Justice Stevens.

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Founded in 1925, the National Bar Association is the nation's oldest and largest national network of predominately African American attorneys and judges. It represents approximately 44,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the United States and around the world. The organization seeks to advance the science of jurisprudence, preserve the independence of the judiciary and to uphold the honor and integrity of the legal profession. For additional information about the National Bar Association, visit www.nationalbar.org.