RACINE — Judge Toni Young was honored during an investiture ceremony Friday.
Young was appointed to the bench by Gov. Tony Evers in December 2023 to fill the vacancy created by Judge Maureen M. Martinez’s resignation.
Young is the first person of color to serve as a judge in Racine County.
During her investiture ceremony, Young took an oath to serve and was presented with her robe and gavel, with her mother, Stella Young, by her side.
Young said she watched her mother serve the community while she was growing up, and it inspired her to do the same.
“My mother has worn an ‘S’ on her chest. She has served this community in ways like no other,” Young said. “I can only hope I will live up to the legacy that she has left on this community. “
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During her speech, Judge Young said Stella, who was living in Indianapolis, suffered from a stroke just a week after Young was appointed to the bench.
Judge Young said she drove back and forth between Racine and Indianapolis three times, and was eventually able to bring her mom back to Racine with her.
“[Toni] has always spoken highly of the people here in Racine... I love it, and I’m glad you love it too,” Stella said.
Judge Young said she held off on her investiture ceremony until her mom could be there with her.
“I just want to thank the people of Racine County for being patient with me,” Judge Young said. “While I’m honored to have this position and this role, this judgeship does not belong to me, it belongs to all of us.”
Young’s term ends July 31, 2024. She is running to retain her judgeship in the April 2 election. Assistant District Attorney Jessica Lynott is also running for Branch 3 Circuit Court judge.
