Rina N. Risper
President and Publisher
The New Citizens Press
Judge Mathis’ decisions are legal and binding and also uses his courtroom to provide counseling and advice so some of his wayward litigants. His no nonsense style of hand down judgments provide insight to how the legal system works for those who have not been previously exposed to it.
A Mother’s Pleas
Judge Mathis had a troubled youth. He was a gang member and was involved in criminal activity. He said that it was because of the external environment that was exposed to.
“There was poverty, hopelessness and despair in my neighborhood. Folks were living a destructive lifestyle of drugs and violence. I lived in an environment that you either joined or you became a victim,” said Judge Mathis.
His environment also included a strict Seventh Day Adventist upbringing by his mother, Alice Mathis. She was a deeply religious woman and Judge Mathis spent many evenings after dinner, with his three brothers, listening to his mother read scripture from the Bible.
While serving time in prison as a teenager, Judge Mathis was told by his mother that she had cancer. This overwhelming disclosure was the beginning of the journey down the path of redemption and rediscovery for the young Judge Mathis.
When asked what made him change his life he enthusiastically said, “It was environmental and not wanting to be subjected to the prison system which I have had a taste of. It was my mother’s pleas…”
From Gangster to Graduate
The taste of prison and the reality that his mother was terminally ill made Judge Mathis think clearly about his future and the path towards rectifying past wrongs. It wasn’t easy but he received his G.E.D. and went to Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti, MI.
After experiencing productivity and good citizenship in higher education, it made Judge Mathis the successful man he is today. With obstacles like originally being denied a license to practice because of his previous criminal past, he was still able to win the hearts and minds of the people, while working in positions for Jesse Jackson and Detroit City Council.
In 1995, he became the youngest person in Michigan ever elected by the people to hold a superior court judge position.
Judge Mathis said, “I ran for judge in 1994, it was a closely watched race by the media and my background hadn’t been previously disclosed. There was some sentiment that a former offender shouldn’t be elected judge. The media was very interested.”
He added, “When I won, it became a success story and a couple of national news outlets like CNN and USA Today did write ups on it. Hollywood producers shopped it as a movie and it ended up being a television show. I was encouraged because I saw that every day people could be inspired. Millions of people are being affected nationwide instead of statewide.”
Social Justice
It’s the outstanding accomplishments and the real life story “From Gang Banger to Gavel Slinger” that has made him popular on the speaking circuit. At the end of April he will be the keynote speaker at the University of Michigan’s Black Celebratory event.
Judge Mathis is always transforming the lives of those around him with inspirational words. He offers candid and practical advice to graduating students and the youths that he has the opportunity to speak in front of. He has made it a priority to give back to the Detroit community and communities around the country. He is committed to giving back to the neglected and underserved communities. Judge Mathis has been providing support to communities since he graduated from Eastern Michigan University. Over the years, he has started 4 non-profit agencies. One of his foundations has also opened 4 pre-schools in Detroit. Using his own experiences as an inspirational vehicle, he raises money for many social causes that involve the betterment of disenfranchised individuals and families.
He said, “I had the opportunity to inspire a lot of parents and youths who where living troubled lives. I wanted to inspire them and give them hope. I know that there are millions upon millions of other Americans living in the same situation.”
Education Equals Success
As he provides real litigants with practical advice he also gives advice on investing in education and that some times you have to take a street wise approach in order to make sense to those who believe that being successful and rich only come from sports or entertainment.
Judge Mathis said, “I would be advising (students) of college choices in the 11th grade. At that point you know your skill level and you can match the (student’s) skill level to the school. If you are a C+ student, you should accept a school that matches your G.P.A. in your geographical area.”
For students who make difficult career choices like going into music, rapping or poetry. Judge Mathis says to just listen and hear the student out without being critical.
Judge Mathis said, “ I would ask ‘Have you demonstrated any talent?’ I would suggest to them what talents they really have. I know about two rappers who were successful beyond 30 and you need to prepare for your second career. I would have some common sense discussions. I would find out where their base lies and try to get to the root of their skills. Ask them how they have demonstrated their talents in the past. Get them a career guide book.”
His name is synonymous with overcoming adversity. His story teaches that you can be successful no matter what obstacles are placed before you.
