Judge William Sylvester White (Finding Aid)

Judge William Sylvester White

1914 - 2004

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Chocolate Ice Cream

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Anywhere Warm

Interview Length: 103 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 5, 2000

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Judge William White describes his family's background, explaining that both of his parents attended college and earned degrees, a noteworthy achievement at the time. White recalls his childhood growing up on Chicago's South Side, describing his favorite activities, his home life, and his schools. White also talks about him being rather class conscious for a small child. Judge William White continues to share memories about his childhood and youth in Chicago, Illinois and also discusses his education. White explains his decision to attend the University of Chicago for both his undergraduate and law school studies. White talks about his success there and his early career as a lawyer. White's big break came when he was hired to be an assistant United States attorney. White describes many of the cases he tried in this new position. Judge William White narrates several stages of his career. He begins by describing his time as assistant U.S. Attorney, and explains how his time in that position was cut short by his being drafted into the Navy during World War II. White describes his experience as one of the Golden Thirteen, the first thirteen blacks to be commissioned as officers in the Navy. White then explains how he got his career started again after the war, first as the Illinois State Attorney, and then as a judge for the Circuit Court of Cook County. Judge William White evaluates his long career as a judge, first with the Circuit Court of Cook County. White discusses his time in the Criminal Court and the Juvenile Court, explaining how his rulings helped to revolutionize juvenile court systems across the country by insisting that juvenile suspects be given the same rights as adult suspects. White then reflects back on his law career and recommends it as a profession, as well as describing how he would like to be remembered.

25 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)