Greg Mathis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Greg Mathis
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Mathis in 2010
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| Born |
Gregory Ellis Mathis
April 5, 1960 |
| Alma mater | Eastern Michigan University (BS) University of Detroit (JD) |
| Occupation | Judge, writer |
| Office | Judge of the District Court of the State of Michigan (1995–1998) |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) |
Linda Reese
(m. 1985) |
| Children | 4 |
Gregory Ellis Mathis (born April 5, 1960), known as Judge Mathis, is an American former judge. He served in Michigan's 36th District Court. Today, he is famous as a TV court show host. He is also an author, producer, and motivational speaker.
For 24 seasons, from 1999 to 2023, Mathis starred in his popular TV show, Judge Mathis. This show won an NAACP Image Award and a Daytime Emmy. It is what he is best known for. His program reached its 20th season in 2018. Judge Mathis is also the second longest-serving TV judge ever. Only Judith Sheindlin (Judge Judy) has served longer.
Mathis helps people in Michigan through charity work. For example, he supported efforts during the Flint water crisis. In 2022, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A play about his life, Been there, Done that, toured the U.S. in 2002. He also wrote a book called Inner City Miracle. In 2022, a new E! reality show, Mathis Family Matters, started. It shows Greg Mathis and his family dealing with everyday life.
Contents
Early Life and Challenges
Mathis was born in Detroit, Michigan, on April 5, 1960. He was the youngest of four boys. His mother, Alice Lee Mathis, raised him alone. She was a nurse's aide and a devoted Seventh-day Adventist. They lived in Herman Gardens in Detroit during the 1960s and 1970s.
During his teenage years, Mathis faced many challenges. When he was 17, his mother visited him while he was in a youth facility. She told him she had colon cancer. Because of his mother's illness, Mathis was given a chance for early release. This was a turning point in his life.
Education and Activism
After his release, Mathis started working at McDonald's. This job was important for him to keep his new chance at freedom. A family friend helped him get into Eastern Michigan University. There, he became very interested in politics and public administration.
Mathis became a student activist. He worked for the Democratic Party. He helped organize protests against Apartheid in South Africa. Apartheid was a system of unfair racial separation. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration. After college, he looked for work in Detroit's City Hall. He also joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
Career in Law and Television
Becoming a Judge
Mathis began his political journey as an unpaid helper for a city council member. During this time, he decided to go to law school. He was accepted into the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. He studied law at night while working.
After graduating from law school in 1987, Mathis faced difficulties getting his license to practice law. However, he kept working towards his goal. In 1995, he was elected a district court judge in Michigan. He was the youngest person in the state to hold this position. For five years, he was one of the top judges in his district.
Television Career
Mathis is most famous for his TV court show, Judge Mathis. It ran for 24 seasons, from 1999 to 2023. It is one of the longest-running court shows ever. It is known for having the same judge for its entire run.
After the success of his court show, Mathis also started another program. It is called Mathis Family Matters. This show follows him, his family, and their friends as they experience daily life.
Community Work and Politics
Even after becoming a TV star, Mathis stayed involved in politics. He focused on urban issues and African-American movements. The Obama administration invited him to join "My Brothers Keeper." This program helps young men of color.
In 2011, Mathis gave away free gasoline in Detroit. He said it was a gift to the people who elected him judge. He felt they took a chance on him despite his difficult past. The giveaway happened near the Mathis Community Center. He funds this center, which offers classes, food, clothing, and training for people who have been in trouble.
Mathis has also written books. In 2008, he wrote a novel called Street Judge. He also wrote Of Being a Judge to Criminals and Such.
Helping the Community
Mathis has always cared about the Herman Gardens area where he grew up. In 2003, he spoke to city leaders. He asked them to let former Herman Gardens residents be the first to move into new apartments built there. He wanted to make sure they had a chance to return to their old neighborhood.
Personal Life
Mathis met his wife, Linda, at Eastern Michigan University. They married in June 1985. They have four children: Jade, Camara, Greg Jr., and Amir. Mathis is a member of the City Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church. He received the Black History Achievement Award from Oakwood University. He says this award means the most to him.
See also
In Spanish: Greg Mathis para niños
