Groundbreaking leader Kyra Harris Bolden is the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court. Courtesy photo
By TNCPNEWS
Groundbreaking leader Kyra Harris Bolden, the first Black woman to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court, recently wrapped up her first year as a justice. Working on behalf of all Michigan residents, Justice Bolden embodies the power of justice as she serves inside the Michigan Hall of Justice.
“My family has come so far in a few generations,” Justice Bolden says. “We went from lynching to law school, from injustice to Justice with a capital ‘J.’”
Justice Bolden was inspired to enter public service after learning the tragic story of her great-grandfather, Jesse Lee Bond, who was 20 years old when he was lynched in 1939 in Tennessee after asking a store owner for a receipt. His body was thrown into a local river, and his murderers were acquitted after the coroner deemed his death an “accidental drowning.”
“I always had a strong sense of justice,” Justice Bolden says. “Hearing that story from my great-grandmother fueled my desire to get involved in public life and make a difference for my community. It is important for people to know that we are not so far removed from history, and that it can repeat itself if we’re not vigilant.”
Justice Bolden was attending Grand Valley State University when she first heard the story of her great-grandfather. She was majoring in psychology and was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Pi Tau Omega Chapter. After graduating, she earned a law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and spent some time working as a criminal defense attorney and civil litigation attorney.
Prior to serving on the Supreme Court, Justice Kyra Harris Bolden served two terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, where she was known as a strong advocate for criminal justice reform and for protecting survivors of sexual violence.
Courtesy photos
When she was asked to run for a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives in 2018, Justice Bolden saw an opportunity to make a difference. She won her race and served two terms in the Legislature, where she was known as a strong advocate for criminal justice reform and for protecting survivors of sexual violence.
“I have always worked very hard to use my voice and stand up for equal justice for all residents of Michigan,” Justice Bolden said. “I will continue to fight for equal justice to create a better state for all Michiganders.”
Justice Bolden ran for a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court in 2022. She was pregnant at the time, and endured the rigors of campaigning across the Lower Peninsula and into the Upper Peninsula. She appeared at the Nominating Convention to accept her nomination for the Michigan Supreme Court, six days after giving birth to her daughter. She earned more than 1.3 million votes, but ultimately lost the election by a mere 2 percentage points to two incumbents.
Justice Bridget Mary McCormack announced her retirement that same year, and Justice Bolden was appointed to fill the seat by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“Kyra is passionate about the law and will be the first Black woman ever to serve on the Michigan Supreme Court,” Gov. Whitmer said when she appointed Justice Bolden. “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. 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.”
Justice Bolden’s trailblazing role has garnered national attention, including a lengthy interview on CNN.
The Michigan Supreme Court has issued sweeping decisions on abortion access, privacy matters, the rights of LGBTQIA individuals, access to civil and criminal justice, and many other issues that impact Michiganders. As both the Supreme Court’s youngest member and also the only member of color, she says she is proud of the fact that she can serve as a role model for young people interested in following her path.
“I was recently at an event at Powers Catholic High School in Flint when a young woman came up to me and said, ‘I didn’t think I would see anyone who looked like me,’” Justice Bolden said. “I was so honored to meet her and can’t wait to see the impact she will have on society. If we want more young people to get involved in public service, they need to see themselves in positions of power. It’s been the honor of a lifetime for me to take on that responsibility.”
