Judge William Cousins (Finding Aid)

Judge William Cousins

1927 -

Favorite Color: blue

Favorite Food: Salmon

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Italy

Interview Length: 156 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 16, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

William Cousins recalls his family background and his early childhood in Swiftown, Mississippi, and Memphis, Tennessee. He also remembers his high school years in Chicago, Illinois. William Cousins recalls his high school and college years, particularly the teachers and mentors who influenced him, and his own drive to work hard towards success. William Cousins recounts his undergraduate studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and his law school experiences at Harvard. He also details his military service in Korea. He concludes by discussing his marriage to his Japanese wife. William Cousins details his career path, from his early days with the Chicago Title and Trust Company, through his election as alderman in 1967 for Chicago's 8th ward, to his election as circuit court judge in 1976. William Cousins discusses his affiliation with the Republican Party during the Daley Democratic Machine era, and why he eventually left the Republican Party to become an independent. He also details his many successes as a judge. William Cousins reflects on his life and career, and shares his hopes and concerns for the black community.

32 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)