Meet Kyra Harris Bolden!
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has chosen State Representative Kyra Harris Bolden to fill a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court, causing her to make history as the first Black woman to serve on the state’s high court! Before being elected to the position of state representative, she practiced as a civil litigation and criminal defense attorney. She served as a Judicial Law Clerk in Wayne County’s Third Circuit Court under the Honorable Judge John A. Murphy, the longest-serving judge and elected Black judge in Michigan.
Whitmer described Bolden as “passionate about the law.” A graduate of Southfield Public Schools, Rep. Bolden chose to remain in Michigan for her studies, receiving her bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Her mission has always been to advocate for the people in her hometown, focusing her work on criminal justice reform and protecting sexual assault survivors.
Bolden has received many awards: the 2019 Detroit Association of Women’s Clubs, Inc. Young Women Lifting As We Climb Image Award, 2019 African-American Leadership Emerging Leader Award, 2020 Michigan Chronicle 40 Under 40 honoree, 2021 Legislative Economic Development Champion Award and the 2021 Michigan Credit Union League Legislator of the Year Award.
Now, she’s the first Black woman to serve on Michigan’s high court.
“She will bring a unique perspective to our high court as a Black woman — and as a new, working mom — that has too long been left out,” Whitmer added. “Kyra is committed to fighting for justice for generations, and I know she will serve Michigan admirably, building a brighter future for her newborn daughter and all our kids,” said Whitmer.
View this post on Instagramadvertisement
According to Detroit News, Bolden was a Democratic nominee for two seats on the Michigan Supreme Court in the Nov. 8 election, but finished narrowly behind Republican-nominated Justice Brian Zahra for the second position. Bolden got 22% of the vote while Zahra won 24%.
“I am incredibly honored to be chosen by Gov. Whitmer for this appointment to the Michigan Supreme Court,” Bolden said. “I will ensure equal access to justice, apply the law without fear or favor, and treat all who come before our state’s highest court with dignity and respect.”
Whitmer is announcing the selection on Tuesday.
Congratulations, Rep. Bolden!
Photo credit: Pride Source / HuffPost / Instagram