Sometimes, if you find yourself in a situation you’d rather not be in—like attending an event you don’t fully support—why not make your feelings known in your own unique way? That’s exactly what Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson did during Donald Trump’s inauguration.
While the likes of Mark Zuckerberg, Jeff Bezos, and Elon Musk were all smiles, flashing thumbs-ups and mingling, Justice Jackson chose a more reserved approach. Dressed in her judicial robes, she added a striking touch to her outfit—a collar and earrings made from cowrie shells. It’s unclear exactly why she chose this statement piece, but experts believe it’s a subtle act of quiet resistance.
You see, cowrie shells have deep cultural significance. In many African cultures, they were treasured as symbols of wealth and protection. But for African Americans, the shells carried even more weight. They were seen as powerful talismans—possibly even brought to America during the time of slavery to help resist enslavement. And, for Justice Jackson, who has ancestral ties to enslaved people, it’s likely that these shells held a personal, meaningful connection.
The cowrie shells are also linked to womanhood, which adds another layer of meaning to her choice, especially considering Trump’s well-documented track record with women—most notably, his troubling history of sexual abuse allegations and policies that have been less than favorable for women’s rights.
No matter what motivated Jackson to wear the shells, one thing’s for sure: she gave us something beautiful and meaningful to reflect on during a very charged moment.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the quietest statements are the most powerful.
