Dead at 87: The Devastating Passing of a Supreme Court Icon Leaves the Nation Reeling

On September 18, 2020, the nation was dealt a devastating blow as it lost a champion of women’s rights and a trailblazing figure in the Supreme Court. Ruth Bader Ginsburg, affectionately known as the Notorious RBG, passed away at her home in Washington, D.C. due to complications from pancreatic cancer. She was 87.

Ginsburg, who served as the second female justice to sit on the highest court in the United States, left behind an indelible mark on the nation’s judicial landscape. A stalwart advocate for women’s equality and social justice, her tireless efforts paved the way for future generations to challenge the status quo and fight for their rights.

Throughout her illustrious career spanning over six decades, Ginsburg earned numerous accolades and recognitions for her unwavering commitment to justice. She was just 21 years old when she enrolled at Harvard Law School, commencing a remarkable journey that would take her through some of the nation’s most esteemed institutions and, eventually, onto the highest court.

Despite the hurdles she encountered along the way, including the loss of her husband to cancer while she was still in law school, Ginsburg persevered and flourished. She would go on to graduate from Columbia Law School, beginning a remarkable career that saw her work for the likes of the American Civil Liberties Union and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

In 1993, then-President Bill Clinton would appoint Ginsburg to the Supreme Court, where she would become the second female justice after Sandra Day O’Connor. The rest, as they say, is history. Ginsburg’s appointment marked the beginning of an era that saw her become a beacon of hope for those seeking justice and equality across the United States.

Ginsburg’s remarkable legacy extends far beyond her work in the courtroom. Her enduring spirit, her love for opera, and her devotion to family have captivated the hearts of millions across the nation. Her improbable friendship with fellow justice Antonin Scalia has become the stuff of legend, serving as a poignant reminder of the times in which we live.

Even as her health began to deteriorate in the years leading up to her passing, Ginsburg remained an unwavering presence on the court. Despite the nation’s deep divisions and what seemed to be insurmountable odds, she forged ahead, fueled by an unwavering commitment to justice and her love for the institution she called home – the Supreme Court.

As news of her passing sent shockwaves throughout the nation, an outpouring of love and appreciation began as the country mourned the loss of one of its most beloved figures. Eulogies from across the nation’s highest offices to the streets below poured forth as Americans sought to pay their respects to the justice who left an indelible mark on their lives.