The Declaration's Journey - Judge Robert Wesley Williams, Jr., Honored

On May 11, 2026, the Commonwealth Court Historical Society held a CLE/CJE program-The Declaration's Journey: 250 Years of Liberty, Equality, and Self-Government-In the Madame Justice Sandra Schultz Newman Supreme Court Courtroom in Philadelphia. Celebrating America250, judges and lawyers from across the Commonwealth heard from Dr. R. Scott Stephenson, CEO of the Museum of the American Revolution, about the Declaration of Independence, America's struggle for freedom, and the continued effort of lawyers to recognize those rights.  This program focused on the role of leaders of the American revolution, lawyers, and the importance of history to our society.

The program included a special recognition of Judge Robert W. Williams, Jr, the first African American judge on the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania.  An excerpt of a video interview of Judge Williams was shown, followed by the presentation of a proclamation recognizing Judge Williams' service to the Commonwealth and the nation.  The full video will be available on the CCHS's website later this year.