Celebrating Black History Month: Judge William Sylvester ("Syl") White, Jr. (J.D. '37)

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In honor of Black History Month, I'm celebrating people who have influenced me, have University of Chicago connections, and have made important contributions in law, civil rights, and other law-related fields.

First up, Judge William Sylvester "Syl" White, Jr. (1914-2004).

Judge White was a graduate of The College, at The University of Chicago (1931-1934). He received his B.A. in the Law School in 1935 and his J.D. in 1937. He was one of the “Golden Thirteen” (the first African-American naval officers) in 1944. Because the original 13 succeeded, they paved the way for others to follow. (1)

William "Syl" White went on to serve as city, state, and federal attorney in Chicago, and directed several city departments.

He became a judge in 1964. He was the second African-American to be presiding judge for the Cook County Juvenile Court. He served as a judge on the Illinois Appellate Court from 1980 until his retirement in 1991.

My favorite quote from Judge White is: "It's not always about you." He meant to look beyond yourself to help others be happy.

For more information about Judge White, check the following:


(1) In 1941, 2% of the U.S. Navy were Black, but none of them were officers. In 2020, there were 10 Black admirals (of 268 total) and 8% of all naval officers were Black. The Golden Thirteen led the way. Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunity in the Armed Services: Background and Issues for Congress, CRS Report R44321, updated June 5, 2019. See also 2020 Portrait of Black / African American Active Duty Service ( Department of Defense Office for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion); The African American Experience in the U.S. Navy (Naval History and Heritage Command); Navy Lt. Cmdr. Desmond Walker, "The Burden of a Black Naval Officer," Military News, June 16, 2020; and Steve Walsh, Why Are There So Few Black Admirals In The Navy? Some Blame A Culture Of Discrimination (September 16, 2020). See longer story at NPR, November 6, 2020.