Kyra Harris Bolden facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kyra Harris Bolden
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| Associate Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court | |
| Assumed office January 1, 2023 |
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| Appointed by | Gretchen Whitmer |
| Preceded by | Bridget Mary McCormack |
| Member of the Michigan House of Representatives from the 35th district |
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| In office January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Jeremy Moss |
| Succeeded by | Andrew Fink |
| Personal details | |
| Born | July 31, 1988 Southfield, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Greg Bolden |
| Children | 1 |
| Education | Grand Valley State University (BA) University of Detroit (JD) |
Kyra Harris Bolden (born July 31, 1988) is an American judge and former politician. She is currently an associate justice on the Michigan Supreme Court. This means she helps make important legal decisions for the state of Michigan. Before becoming a judge, she was a member of the Michigan House of Representatives. She represented the 35th district from 2019 to 2023.
In 2020, Kyra Harris Bolden was re-elected to the Michigan House of Representatives. Later, in 2022, she ran for a seat on the Michigan Supreme Court. Although she didn't win the election, she was appointed to the court by Governor Gretchen Whitmer on November 22, 2022. She took the place of Justice Bridget Mary McCormack.
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Early Life and Education
Kyra Harris Bolden grew up in Southfield, Michigan. She attended schools in the Southfield Public Schools system. For her college studies, she decided to stay in Michigan.
She earned her bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University. After that, she went to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. There, she earned her Juris Doctor degree, which is needed to become a lawyer.
Her Career Journey
Kyra Harris Bolden has had an important career in law and politics. She has worked as a civil litigation attorney, which means she helps people solve legal problems outside of criminal cases.
Serving in the Legislature
As a member of the Michigan State House, Kyra Harris Bolden worked to create new laws. She helped pass important laws that aimed to improve the justice system. For example, she worked on laws related to prison reform and helping survivors of domestic violence. These laws aimed to make things fairer and safer for people in Michigan.
Joining the Michigan Supreme Court
On November 22, 2022, Governor Gretchen Whitmer chose Kyra Harris Bolden to join the Michigan Supreme Court. This was a very special moment because she became the first Black woman to serve on Michigan's highest court.
Her experience includes serving four years in the state legislature. She also handled some court cases in the 46th District Court between 2014 and 2018. These experiences helped prepare her for her role as a Supreme Court Justice.
Awards and Groups
Kyra Harris Bolden has received several awards for her hard work and leadership. These awards recognize her contributions to the community and her legal profession. Some of her awards include the "Emerging Leader Award" and being named a "40 Under 40 honoree." She also received awards for her work in economic development and for credit unions.
She is a member of several legal and community groups. These include the Oakland County Bar Association and the Women Lawyers Association of Michigan. She is also part of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and works with the Total Living Commission for the City of Southfield. Being part of these groups helps her stay connected to her community and other legal professionals.
Personal Life
Kyra Harris Bolden lives in her hometown of Southfield. She lives there with her husband, Dr. Greg Bolden, and their daughter, Emerson Portia Bolden.
See also
