Judge Tom Colbert becomes Oklahoma Supreme Court's first black member

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says the appointment of the first black person to the Oklahoma Supreme Court is long overdue.<br/><br/>Tom Colbert -- now the chief judge of the Oklahoma Court

Thursday, October 7th 2004, 2:45 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- Governor Brad Henry says the appointment of the first black person to the Oklahoma Supreme Court is long overdue.

Tom Colbert -- now the chief judge of the Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals -- will succeed Justice Daniel Boudreau, who retired recently.

Henry says Colbert has compiled an exemplary record of public service in Oklahoma and demonstrated integrity, objectivity and deliberative skills needed for an important judicial position.

The 54-year-old Tulsa resident has been on the Court of Appeals for almost four years. He is a former assistant district attorney in Oklahoma County and was legal counsel at the Department of Human Services.

The Sapulpa High School graduate has a bachelor's degree from Kentucky State University, a masters from Eastern Kentucky University and a law degree from the University of Oklahoma.