# Fachin Defends Black Female Justice Minister for STF

> Brazil's Supreme Court president pushes for a black woman to join the court amid racial representation gaps.
- Title: Fachin Defends Black Female Justice Minister for STF
- Summary: Brazil's Supreme Court president pushes for a black woman to join the court amid racial representation gaps.
- Keywords: edson fachin, stf, supreme federal court, black women, racial representation, judiciary, lula, senado federal, conselho nacional de justiça, judges, ministers, judicial system
- Source: Poder360 — https://poder360.com.br/poder-justica/fachin-defende-indicacao-de-ministra-negra-para-o-stf
- Author: PODER360
- Published: 2026-11-13T23:32:51+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: edson fachin, stf, supreme federal court, black women, racial representation, judiciary, lula, senado federal, conselho nacional de justiça, judges, ministers, judicial system
## Fachin's Statement
President of the Supreme Federal Court Edson Fachin defended the need for a black woman to join the court during the 9th National Meeting of Black Judges and Lawyers.

> Eu olhava o auditório, ouvia as manifestações das magistradas que me precederam e certamente me vinha à cabeça que, quem de direito para definir uma próxima vaga da Suprema Corte brasileira, saberia que há magistradas negras à altura deste lugar para honrar o Brasil e o povo brasileiro
## Racial Representation Gap
Black individuals make up 15% of judges and 28% of judicial staff in Brazil according to CNJ data.
## Historical Context
The Brazilian judiciary has historically contributed to racial inequality, with judges often being part of the system that perpetuates it.

> Essa assimetria não é acaso nem falta de mérito, é herança. O Judiciário brasileiro não foi, ao longo da história, mero espectador da desigualdade racial. Em muitos momentos, foi seu avalista
## Vacant STF Seat
The Supreme Federal Court has one vacant seat since the early retirement of Justice Luís Roberto Barroso in 2025.
## Lula's Nomination
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva nominated lawyer Jorge Messias for the vacant seat, but the Senate rejected the choice.
## Future Vacancies
Lula can make up to four nominations to the Supreme Court during his new term, with three judges set to retire in the next four years.
## Nomination Process
The president of Brazil must nominate judges, who then undergo a Senate hearing and approval by a majority vote.
## Current STF Composition
The Supreme Federal Court currently has 11 judges, with one seat vacant due to the early retirement of Justice Luís Roberto Barroso.
## Racial Disparity
Black individuals represent 15% of judges and 28% of judicial staff in Brazil, highlighting a significant racial gap in the judiciary.
## Historical Role
The Brazilian judiciary has historically been a participant in racial inequality, not just a passive observer.

> Essa assimetria não é acaso nem falta de mérito, é herança. O Judiciário brasileiro não foi, ao longo da história, mero espectador da desigualdade racial. Em muitos momentos, foi seu avalista
## Future Nominations
Lula can make up to four nominations to the Supreme Court during his new term, with three judges set to retire in the next four years.
## Senate Approval
Nominated judges must pass a Senate hearing and receive approval by a majority vote before being confirmed.
## Current Vacancy
The Supreme Federal Court has one vacant seat since the early retirement of Justice Luís Roberto Barroso in 2025.
## Racial Representation
Black individuals make up 15% of judges and 28% of judicial staff in Brazil, highlighting a significant racial gap in the judiciary.
## Key takeaway

Brazil's Supreme Court president Edson Fachin advocates for a black woman to fill a vacant seat on the Supreme Federal Court to address racial underrepresentation.