Earlier this month, we published an editorial in this space calling for diversity to be a key consideration in President Obama’s deliberations on his first Supreme Court nomination.

In that piece we singled out Judge Sonia Sotomayor, of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, as a possible selection. On Tuesday, the president put Sotomayor’s name forward, setting off a Senate confirmation process that could last through the summer and has already drawn conservative critics of her support for affirmative action and other progressive policies.

We applaud the nomination, and this week offer the reaction of several women of color who believe as we do — that come the first Monday in October, the nation should be privileged to witness the seating of the first Latino justice (and only the third woman) in the court’s history.

Melanie L. Campbell, executive director and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, whose 2009 theme is “Celebrating Our Sisters”: “What better way to celebrate sisterhood than to witness the appointment of a highly qualified Puerto Rican woman to the U.S. Supreme Court? In addition to her impeccable credentials, her wide range of legal and judicial experience, and her reputation for being tough on the bench, Judge Sotomayor epitomizes the American dream. Her successful journey from the projects in the South Bronx to the federal bench is a clear indication that she understands the struggles of people on main street.

Rep. Loretta Sanchez: “Judge Sotomayor is an inspiring individual with an exemplary judicial record and history of public service. As a fellow Latina, I am proud of her accomplishments and the positive example she has set for young people in our community. She is living proof that all Americans, no matter their background, can achieve great things through hard work, persistence, and a commitment to excellence.”

Susan L. Taylor, editor-in-chief emeritus of Essence Magazine and founder and CEO of the National CARES Mentoring Movement: “I am so excited for our Hispanic sisters and brothers — and for all Americans. The United States is becoming the nation it ought to be. Sonia Sotomayor’s success is a shining example of what is possible for our young living in poverty and filling up prisons. When we find the courage to reshape public policies to fix failing schools, the children will succeed.”

Barbara Williams-Skinner, president of the Skinner Leadership Institute: “As an African-American woman, I am extremely proud of President Obama’s historic nomination of a phenomenal woman, Judge Sonia Sotomayor, as the first Latina woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Not only is she extraordinarily well qualified and experienced judicially, she also embodies the kind of levelheaded sensitivity to the pressing needs of ordinary citizens that is so critical for justices today.”

Felicia M. Davis, president of Just Environment and member the Black Women’s Roundtable: “As long as I can remember I have longed for the appointment of an African-American woman to the United States Supreme Court as the most transformational act that I could imagine. Until today it did not occur to me how much I would identify with the appointment of a woman of color from the Latino community. Remarkably, Sonia Sotomayor’s story resonates as deeply as any I could imagine. I am proud to join in celebrating the nomination of such an exceptional woman and historic first. It is my hope that the confirmation process will move expeditiously with strong bipartisan support. Women of color share in this nomination in a special way and we are confronted with a unique opportunity to rally all women in support of an eminently qualified candidate that will also bring much needed diversity to our highest court.”