Celebrating Black History Month with Judge Vincent F. Cornelius

To celebrate Black History Month, we're recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary to uplift and inspire others in the community. The following features Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Vincent F. Cornelius and his thoughts on his career, diversity, and more.

College/Law School: University of St. Francis, BBA; Northern Illinois University College of Law, JD

District or Circuit: Twelfth Judicial Circuit Court, Will County

What motivated you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?

I decided I wanted to be a lawyer when I was in elementary school, after watching a riveting episode of The Perry Mason Show. I was probably much too young to make such a life defining decision, and I often wish my initial inspiration to be a lawyer had been something more noble. Oddly enough, my nine-year-old decision seemed to align perfectly with my adult strengths. The opportunities to serve the public and the profession, to practice law, and to become a judge, have been among the great joys of my life.

When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of? What challenges have you had to overcome?

When I reflect on my career, I do feel a sense of pride about my successes in the courtroom, but I am equally proud of the leadership opportunities I have had in both the legal profession and the broader community. The law has given me a skill set to positively impact my profession, my community, the faith community, political arenas, and my family. It has also provided a platform for me to address and oppose the wrongs I see all too often.

What advice would you give to your younger self and those starting their legal career today?

If I could advise my younger self, I would emphasize something I actually learned as a young person. I learned that preparation is the most important part of any pursuit. Whatever it is, once you've shown yourself worthy, the chances are much better that the opportunity will pursue you.

Can you share a memorable experience in your career that has influenced your perspective on the legal system?

On the evening of June 18, 2016, I was honored to be installed as the 140th president of the Illinois State Bar Association. It was widely reported that I was the first African American to be elected ISBA president. Family, friends and colleagues from across the nation descended on Rosemont, Illinois for the ceremony and celebration to follow.

Who do you consider to be a strong Black role model in your life? What advice did they share with you?

The strong Black role models in my life were many. My mother, Lorrayne Cornelius, was a beloved educator in our community. My grandfather, US Brown Sr., was a trailblazing entrepreneur and community leader. Educators and lawyers were common in my church and neighborhood, inspiring many of my generation to become educators and lawyers. The late Judge Raymond Bolden was a leader of our Joliet, Illinois village and a close friend of our family. I was blessed to have many role models, too many to name.

Why do you think it's important to discuss and recognize Black History and diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?

Black History is a significant part of American history, but it was essentially excluded from American history books, classes, curricula, and the broader American discourse. It is a proud history, despite its ugly beginnings. Because most Americans don't know the depth and breadth of this history, we aren't even speaking the same language when discussing politics, the justice system, socioeconomic issues and other critical concerns of the day. American history will remain incomplete without the teaching and telling of its whole story.

What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family?

The family reunion is a deeply rooted facet of the African American Diaspora. While family reunions exist among other nationalities and ethnicities, the post slavery endeavor to find and reunite with family members who had been forcibly separated from one another was an endeavor of desperation. Success in reuniting with family members was cause for a great celebration. Family reunions are now tradition. To this day, family reunions are an integral part of our family and reason to celebrate.