[2] Howard C. Ryan, the chief justice of the Illinois Supreme Court, appointed Pincham to a vacancy created by the death of Kenneth Wilson.

Pincham ultimately failed to mobilize African American support in the campaign and lost by a roughly three to one margin.

[8] In 1996, Pincham ran for Cook County State's Attorney under the Justice Party ballot line.

[3][10] The funeral was held in private at Trinity United Church of Christ, and culminated in remarks by Rev.

Known for his dramatic oratory which drew on his own personal struggles and those of African Americans, and his tireless advocacy on behalf of those less able to speak for themselves, he was regarded by many in Illinois and particularly the African-American community, as a political and legal icon, and held as a role model by both blacks and whites who came behind him.