This week on American Black Journal: 

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden the first Black woman, youngest justice in court’s history

Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden secured a victory in the Nov. 5 election to retain her seat on the state’s highest court. Bolden, who was appointed to the court in 2023 by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to fill the vacancy left by Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, defeated Branch County Circuit Judge Patrick William O’Grady with 61% of the vote.

The win enables Bolden to serve out the remaining four years of McCormack’s term. The 39-year-old is the first Black woman to serve on the state’s highest court and the youngest justice in its history. Throughout her campaign, Bolden focused on improving equity within Michigan’s justice system. Since assuming office on January 1, 2023, Bolden has been part of several key rulings, including landmark decisions on minimum wage laws and election candidate eligibility.  

Born and raised in Southfield, Bolden earned her high school diploma from Southfield High School, then went on to graduate from Grand Valley State University in 2010. She earned her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law in 2013. Bolden’s professional journey includes serving as a civil litigation attorney, criminal defense attorney, and judge. She also represented her community as a member of the Michigan State House from 2019 to 2023.

Host Stephen Henderson speaks with Bolden about her historic election victory. Plus, Bolden talks about the goals she has set for herself, and the importance of addressing the systemic barriers that have made it difficult for African Americans and women to serve on the State Supreme Court.

Pope Francis Center, Detroit Phoenix Center expand efforts to end homelessness in Detroit

As the nation observes Homelessness Awareness Month, local leaders are spotlighting the ongoing challenges of housing insecurity. 

Fr. Tim McCabe, President and CEO of Pope Francis Center, and Courtney Smith, Founder and CEO of Detroit Phoenix Center, join host Stephen Henderson to discuss the state of homelessness in metro Detroit and their organizations’ efforts to address it. Both leaders stressed the complex factors driving homelessness, including a lack of affordable housing, mental health challenges, and substance abuse. 

Fr. McCabe highlights the recent opening of Pope Francis Center’s Bridge Housing Campus, a $30 million facility designed to end chronic homelessness. The campus offers 40 studio apartments and provides trauma-informed care, including medical, psychological, addiction, and social services. Guests can stay for 90 to 120 days while receiving intensive wraparound support to help them transition to permanent housing. 

Smith, whose Detroit Phoenix Center focuses on youth homelessness, shares that the center has designated November as Youth H.O.P.E. (Homelessness Outreach, Prevention, and Education) Month. Through a series of events, the center is raising awareness about the specific needs of young people facing homelessness and the services provided by the center.