As anyone who’s followed my participation here on Daily Kos knows, I don’t generally write diaries. But I thought we needed a bit of good news, and today California Governor Gavin Newsom provided some. Newsom has nominated his judicial appointments secretary, Martin (Marty) Jenkins to a position on the California Supreme Court. Jenkins will make history as the first openly gay member of the state’s highest court.
As the Los Angeles Times notes:
Jenkins, a 66-year-old Democrat, is now Newsom’s Judicial Appointments secretary. He would become the first openly gay man on the California Supreme Court, and only the third Black man ever to serve on the state’s highest court.
The Sacramento Bee has a bit more about his background:
Jenkins graduated from Santa Clara University in 1977 and earned his law degree from the University of San Francisco. He spent what the governor’s office said was a “brief” time as a Seattle Seahawks pro football player after college.
His began his career as a prosecutor for the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, and the moved to the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice, where he prosecuted police misconduct and racial violence cases like cross burnings as a trial attorney. His career also includes judgeships with the Alameda County Superior Court and the Oakland Municipal Court.
He served as a United States District Court for the Northern District of California judge from 1997 to 2008 under former President Bill Clinton’s appointment. With his confirmation, Jenkins will become the first Black man in nearly 30 years to serve on the state’s highest court.
Speaking to young people who might be struggling with their identities, Jenkins said he has also faced challenges as a gay man. He said he was “not here in spite of the struggle,” but “because of the struggle.”
Congratulations to Justice Jenkins, and thank you, Governor Newsom for your commitment to diversity and LGBT rights.