Painting by George Mandus (1924 - 2012); located in the Law School Rotunda
1946 - born September 25 in Cartersville.
1963 - graduates from Summer Hill High School
1967 - graduates from Tuskegee University with a B.S. in Political Science
1970 - earns a J.D. from the University of Georgia School of Law, the second African-American graduate. While at UGA, he was a member of the Demosthenian Literary Society.
1984 - appointed by Governor Joe Frank Harris to the Court of Appeals. Won a statewide election to remain on the court, becoming the first African American to win statewide election in Georgia since Reconstruction.
1989 - appointed by Governor Harris to the Supreme Court of Georgia. Benham wins the statewide election to a full term in 1990. Earns an L.L.M from the University of Virginia
1995- becomes the first African American Chief Justice, holds that position until 2001
1996 - delivers the Law School commencement address
2005 - receives the first "Fulfilling the American Dream" award from the UGA Student Government Association
2006 - honored by the University of Georgia Alumni Association with its Alumni Merit Award, which recognizes UGA graduates for lifetime loyalty and support of the university and the Alumni Association, as well as professional leadership.