Our History
Story About Us
How It All Began Who Are We?
The Illinois Judicial Council was founded on January 13, 1982, when a group of African-American judges met in Chicago to address challenges faced by Black judges. This historic meeting, called by Judge Charles J. Durham, led to the council's formation.
The Illinois Judicial Council was officially incorporated on October 18, 1983, with a founding Board of Directors that included Judges Russell R. DeBow, Marion Garnett, Glenn T. Johnson, William E. Peterson, Albert S. Porter, Lucia T. Thomas, Charles J. Durham, Everette Braden, and Justice Kenneth E. Wilson.
October 18, 1983
The IJC was incorporated. The incorporators were Judges Russell R. DeBow, Marion Garnett, Glenn T. Johnson, William E. Peterson, Albert S. Porter, Lucia T. Thomas, Durham, Braden and Justice Wilson. Judges Sophia H. Hall, James L. Harris, William Sylvester White, DeBow, Peterson and Justice Wilson formed the first Board of Directors.
Organizational Purpose
The stated purpose of the corporation was to “enhance the image of the judiciary and to improve the quality of life in the community through educational enlightenment as to the manner in which the legal process serves the community.
Community Involvement
IJC members work with community groups such as the Cook County Bar Association, Black Women Lawyers’ Association, Illinois State Bar Association, Illinois Judges Association, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Chicago Bar Association, and numerous other churches and civic groups presenting educational programs regarding the court system
Charitable Arm
IJC Foundation
The Illinois Judicial Council Foundation is the charitable arm of the IJC. The IJC has grown to an organization of over 100 members. While it is primarily composed of African-American judges and judicial officers of the state, it has grown to include judges and judicial officials representing a myriad of ethnicities, as well as judges who serve on the federal bench.
Current Officers
Take a look at our current Illinois Judicial Council staff.
Past Presidents
Reflect on some of our past Illinois Judicial Council Presidents.