Justice Kyra Harris Bolden, the first Black woman on the Michigan Supreme Court and an alumna of Grand Valley State University, was reelected to serve another term, following the Nov. 5 election.
Bolden is a trailblazer for women, diversity and young people in governmental spaces. GVSU students, faculty and community have expressed they’re inspired by Bolden’s success, and many feel honored to be connected to such a figure through a shared educational environment.
Before becoming a justice, Bolden earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at GVSU in 2010, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. After becoming a member of the State Bar of Michigan, Justice Bolden practiced as a criminal defense attorney, served as a judicial law clerk in Wayne County’s Third Circuit Court and practiced as a civil litigation attorney. Bolden joined the Michigan Legislature in 2019 as a state representative to the 35th district, where she focused her work on criminal justice reform and creating bipartisan legislation to protect survivors of sexual violence.
Following the retirement of Chief Justice Bridget Mary McCormack, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appointed Bolden to the State’s Supreme Court in 2023. Her success on the ballot has been a beacon for young people to enact change.
Justice Bolden was unavailable for a personal interview, however Bolden and her team provided a statement and press release to The Lanthorn.
“Her (Justice Bolden’s) election victory marks a significant milestone for the state’s judiciary, as she is currently the youngest member and the first Black woman to serve on the Court,” stated the press release. “This remarkable milestone is highlighted by fundraising successes, as Bolden secured the highest amount of individual contributions by a Michigan Supreme Court candidate without self-funding in over 25 years, totaling $1,909,334 by 4,936 individual donors.”
GVSU student Chloe Schram said Bolden’s reelection “provides a sense of hope for so many communities,” following national election results which she found both disappointing and upsetting.
“Black women, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, anyone with a uterus and so many more will be affected negatively from the result of this presidential election,” Schram said. “Seeing that Michigan (re)elected Bolden is a great step toward giving representation to those the country has so often pushed aside, despite their impressive contributions. I hope that Bolden’s (re)election provides the hope for us all that I know women, especially Black women, can (be successful).”
Bolden said she hopes her work will provide lasting impacts in Michigan. She is “deeply honored” that Michigan residents have put her in a position to continue serving, and looks forward to upholding accountability and ensuring accessible justice.
“This election affirms my commitment to delivering justice that resonates across generations,” Bolden said in the statement. “The decisions we make today will shape the future of our communities for years to come. I am dedicated to ensuring that justice is accessible and equitable for all. I look forward to the work ahead, where together, we will uphold the values of fairness and equality for everyone.”
Even as a justice, Bolden still participates in the GVSU community. In 2023, she gave the keynote address for the 20th anniversary of EqualiTEA, an event organized by the Gayle R. Davis Center for Women and Gender Equity. She was recently recognized for her accomplishments by her alma mater, receiving the 2024 “Distinguished Alumni Award” from GVSU. The University’s Alumni Relations’ website states that Bolden also volunteers as a GVSU Southeast Michigan Ambassador.
Other accomplishments in her career include receiving awards such as the 2021 Michigan Credit Union League’s “Legislator of the Year Award,” Detroit NAACP’s 2023 “Ida B. Wells Freedom and Justice Award,” Michigan Chronicle’s “2023 Woman of the Year Award” and the 2023 Crain’s Detroit “40 under 40 Award.”
Bolden’s term on the Michigan Supreme Court will run through 2028.
“Bolden will serve for four more years before she will be required to seek reelection for a full eight-year term,” stated the press release. “During that time, she will continue to participate in pivotal cases that affect the lives of Michigan residents, ranging from criminal justice reform to civil liberties and beyond.”
