To celebrate Black History Month, we’re recognizing diverse voices in the judiciary to uplift and inspire others in the community. The following features Illinois Appellate Court Justice Cynthia Cobbs and her thoughts on Black History Month, diversity, and more.
Hometown: Maryland
College/Law School: Morgan State Univ. (B.A.); University of Maryland (M.S.W.); IIT-Chicago Kent (J.D.)
District or Circuit: Illinois Appellate Court, First District
What inspired you to pursue law, and eventually, become a judge?
As a clinical social worker, my work involved investigating and providing family counseling and services to families with children suspected of having been abused and/or neglected. That work often required my appearance in juvenile (orphan’s) court advocating for the protection of children alleged to have been victims of abuse or neglect. That work was the genesis for my interest in seeking a law degree, which, once attained and coupled with my social work degree, would better equip me in representing the children in my child protection caseload in court proceedings.
I had not contemplated becoming a judge; such a position seemed far beyond my reach. While serving as the Director of the Illinois Courts, I was informed by the justices of the Illinois Supreme Court of a judicial vacancy and offered the opportunity to serve. By that time, I had worked as a Research Attorney in the appellate court, a Judicial Law Clerk in the appellate court, the Senior Judicial Law Clerk to Supreme Court Justice Charles E. Freeman, a staff attorney and, subsequently, Chief Legal Counsel in the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts. In September 2011, I was appointed by the Court to the Circuit Court of Cook County.
When you reflect on your career, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
Given that a career in law was seemingly unavailable to African American women in my generation, I feel particularly privileged to have worked as a lawyer in the Illinois courts. I am, however, most proud of my service as the Director of the Illinois Courts. In 2002, I became the first woman and the first African American to serve the Illinois Supreme Court in that capacity. Work as the Director created opportunities to blend my administrative and legal skills in assisting the Court in its mandate to administer and oversee the Illinois courts.
What is a challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?
In high school, I registered for and completed coursework in what was then known as the “college prep” curriculum. Notwithstanding my positive academic achievement, I was advised by my guidance counselor, an older white gentleman, to forego a college education, and to instead pursue a vocation requiring no degree. No help from the counselor was forthcoming to either identify colleges, to pursue scholarships or even student loans. Nevertheless, with the support and encouragement of my non-college degreed parents, I pursued and attained my bachelor’s degree. The suggestion from my guidance counsellor, intended to cast doubt on my ability, is ever present. However, over time, and with each new career opportunity, the level of doubt is diminished, and I am motivated to work harder, which for me, is a positive outcome of what was clearly negative advice.
Who do you consider to be a strong Black leader who has influenced your life?
Maya Angelou – for her strength, her character and her wisdom --- and most of all --- her integrity, in the face of adversity.
Why do you think it’s important to discuss and recognize diversity, both on the bench and in everyday life?
Briefly, there is so much about us as individuals that connects us to each other, even if in some small way. But our differences --- when acknowledged and accepted --- create opportunities for growth, understanding and compassion --- all necessary qualities on and off the bench.
What is one of your favorite traditions or customs of your culture/family? (Ex. Food, Special Event, etc.)
In our family, the winter holiday season is ushered in by our Fall Family Breakfast --- a time when all 5 generations of our family gather at the home of my parents to share a home cooked meal comprised of everything from salmon cakes to home fried potatoes, coupled with lots of laughter, hugs and remembrances of times spent with family in the past.