First African-American Chief Justice elected in Oklahoma Supreme Court

Members of the Oklahoma Supreme Court elected Justice Tom Colbert to become the next Chief Justice of the state’s highest court.

The historic election marks the first time an African-American has served as Chief Justice. He also holds the distinction of being the first African-American Vice Chief Justice and also the first African-American on the Court.

Colbert was originally appointed to the Supreme Court by Governor Brad Henry in October of 2004. Colbert was appointed by Governor Frank Keating to serve as a judge on the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals in 2000 and served until 2004.

Colbert was born in Oklahoma City and graduated from Sapulpa High School. He attended Eastern Oklahoma State College and earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Kentucky State University in 1973. He was an All-American track and field competitor in college. Justice Colbert served in the United States Army and received an honorable discharge in 1975. He then earned a Master of Education degree from Eastern Kentucky University in 1976 and taught in the Chicago public schools.

He received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1982, was Assistant Dean at Marquette University Law School from 1982-1984 and then Assistant District Attorney in Oklahoma County from 1984-1986. He maintained a private law practice in Oklahoma City from 1986-2000.

Formal swearing in ceremonies for Chief Justice Colbert and Vice Chief Justice John Reif will be Friday, January 4, 2013 at the State Capitol.