Sangamon Sun

In a July 7 Facebook post, Sen. Sally Turner (R-Lincoln) congratulated Lisa Holder White, the state's newest Supreme Court Justice.

"Congratulations to our friend and former 4th district appellate court justice, Honorable Lisa Holder White who was sworn in today as our newest Illinois Supreme Court Justice! We are extremely honored and proud!" Turner posted.

Turner shared an ABC7 link about the event. 

According to the Brennan Center for Justice, just 17% of justices are Black, Latino, Asian American, or Native American across all state high courts. By contrast, people of color make up almost 40% of the U.S. population. Holder White, who was appointed to replace retiring Justice Rita Garman, has been the first in several roles in her career. She was the first Black judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit when she was sworn in in 2001 and became the first Black justice in the Illinois Appellate Court, Fourth District in 2013.

Holder White was sworn in by Justice Mary Jane Theis at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. “My heritage is a heritage that once involved minds and bodies that were shackled, and doors that were so, so long closed,” Holder White said. “Taking my oath in this place today recognizes the undeniable value and merit of what I — as a Black woman, mother, daughter, sister, wife, and jurist — have to contribute to the work of our state’s highest court. It is proof positive of the progress of this great nation and our great state. It is a testimony to the notion that as women and people of color we need not limit our dreams or settle for less.”

Holder White's term begins in July and will expire in 2024 after a full-time replacement is determined in the November 2024 general election.