INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The Indianapolis community is celebrating Black history with three trailblazing federal judges.

The United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana featured a conversation with all three.

Inside the Birch Bayh Federal Building and courthouse, history, progress, and perseverance took center stage as the community gathered for a conversation with the Honorable Ann Claire Williams, Honorable Candace Jackson-Akiwumi, and Honorable Doris Pryor, all Black women who have made history in the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

“Dream big, work hard, never give up, stand up and give back,” Williams said. “If somehow you can marshal all those things, you can make it through.”

Williams was the first woman of color to serve on a district court in the three-state Seventh Circuit after a nomination from President Bill Clinton. She was also the first judge of color to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit and third Black woman to serve on any federal circuit court.

She says it’s an honor to be a part of living history with two other Black women.

“I always was dedicated to the proposition that even though I was first, I would not be last,” Williams said.

Williams, who’s now retired from the bench and works at law firm Jones Day, says it’s important in any career to think about the people who will come behind you.

The judges discussed their journeys to the bench and the importance of representation, mentorship, and the impact of diversity on the justice system.

“Being able to share with others so they can benefit from my experiences, that gives me a lot of gratification, and a lot of joy,” Williams said.