Mississippians on Sotomayor’s Nomination to the Supreme Court

Federal appeals court judge, Sonia Sotomayor is tapped by President Barack Obama to become the nations first Hispanic Supreme Court Justice.

Mississippian's are weighing in on the supreme court nomination of 54 year old Sonia Sotomayor. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

With an upbringing in a South Bronx housing project and Latin roots, 2nd district US. Congressman, Bennie Thompson calls Sotomayor's nomination to the high court as a true snapshot of America.

“The diversity of America is more and more reflected in its population. So you would expect our institutions, be they legislative or judicial to reflect that diversity.”

Juan Carlos Cook, works with the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. For Cook, Sotomayor's nomination proves that the American Dream is possible.

“For so long as we’ve had elitist folks have access to these privileged positions and I think over time its reinforced the perception that only the elite can access such realms of society. And with her it means that it’s possible. You work hard and you can make it.”

Before Sotomayor can be confirmed as the newest justice she must first participate in senate confirmation hearings. Mississippi College, Constitutional Law Professor Matt Steffy. says issues like abortion, 2nd amendment rights and affirmative action will be high on the list for republican committee members.

“They’ll have sincere concerns about how she exercised her judicial duty. But it is also a moment that the republican party will un-doubly use to help define themselves as an opposition party. And after being heard I think she’ll be confirmed easily.”

If confirmed during hearings this summer, Sotomayor will become the first Hispanic and only third woman ever to sit on the high court. For MPB news, I'm Lawayne Childrey.