Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday that he's chosen Fabiana Pierre-Louis to serve on the state Supreme Court.

If she's confirmed, Pierre-Louis would be the first black woman to serve on the state's highest court, and the third black justice in state history.

"Standing here today, I know that I have truly lived and continue to live the American Dream that my parents came to this country in search of," said Pierre-Louis.

Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, who is the first black woman elected to a statewide office, was moved for her fellow trailblazer.

"Fabiana, I cannot wait to see what you will do with your moment, and how you bring your perspective to serve the 9 million people who will look to you for justice," said Lt. Oliver.

Pierre-Louis is the daughter of Haitian immigrants.

"I was the first person in my family to go to law school. My father was a New York City cab driver, my mother worked at St. Vincent's in patient transport. I am a first-generation American-born citizen and English was not my first language,” she says.

Pierre-Louis would replace Walter Timpone, who was appointed by Gov. Chris Christie and who reaches the mandatory retirement age of 70 in November.

At 39 years old, Pierre-Louis could be on the state's highest court until 2051.

She still needs an approval from the state Bar Association and state Senate.

Senate president Steve Sweeney said Friday he looks forward to meeting her but did not formally offer his support.