2024 Worship Service

In case you missed the worship service or just want to reexperience it click on the link below to watch the recording of the livestream https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ezsGbqNoNA

The Honorable Cylenthia LaToye  Miller generously created a photo gallery click below to see some of the wonderful photos she has shared with us.

2024 Worship Service Photo Gallery

During the Michigan Supreme Court Judicial Conference in Grand Rapids several ABJM members gathered for dinner at 40 Acres Soul Kitchen which is owned by the family of Judge Angela Ross. To learn more about the restaurant visit www.fortyacresgr.com. If you have pictures from the conference you would like to share on this website please send them to our webmaster Judge Lillard qiana.denise.lillard@3rdcc.org

MSC_letter_final_version_March_27.pdf (mcusercontent.com)

MSC_stats.pdf (mcusercontent.com)

You are Cordially invited to Attend a Special Session of the United States District Court for the Presentation of the Portrait of

The Honorable Gershwin A. Drain

Portrait_Invitation_Gershwin

 Governor  Gretchen Whitmer Announces Appointments to the 36th District Court 

Hon. Chastity Youngblood

Chastity Youngblood, of Detroit is an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, a role she has served in for over fifteen years. Youngblood also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Justice Policy Commission and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly.

Youngblood holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and social relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

“I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer’s appointment to serve on the 36th District Court,” said Youngblood. “I am committed to serving with empathy, fairness, and integrity, and will work diligently to ensure that our community feels seen, heard, and respected in our courts.”

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the elevation of Judge Aliyah Sabree to the Third Circuit Court.

Hon. Poncé Clay

Poncé Clay, of Detroit, is the founding partner and managing attorney at Clay Law, PLC. He previously served as Division Director of Wayne County Veterans Services and a Director of Operations at the United States Navy Michigan Recruiting Headquarters. Additionally, Clay served as a United States Naval Officer for over twenty years and formerly served as a mentor on the 36th District’s Veteran’s Treatment Court. Clay also recently served as an appointed member of the City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee and is a member of Oak Grove AME Church of Detroit.

Clay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehouse College, a Master of Public Administration in public personnel management from Troy State University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Whitmer for the enormous privilege to serve on the 36th District Court, and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Clay. “My life’s work has been rooted in service—service to my country, my profession, and most importantly, to the people of Detroit. This appointment is not about me, but about continuing the mission of ensuring access to justice for all who appear before the Court. I pledge to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion.”

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the appointment of Judge Donald Coleman as Region Administrator of SCAO.

Hon. Herman Griffin IV

Dr. Herman Griffin IV, of Detroit, is the deputy director at Regional Managed Assigned Counsel Office in Dearborn and the owner of Griffin Law PLLC in Detroit. Dr. Griffin previously worked as a mental health specialty court defense attorney at the 36th District Court and previously taught a monthly class on preventing human trafficking at the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center. Dr. Griffin is also a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and the Washtenaw Ministerial Alliance.

Dr. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.

“I am humbled to be appointed to the bench and ready to serve Detroit,” said Dr. Griffin.

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the passing of Judge Donna Robinson Millhouse.

October 7, 2025
November 4, 2025
December 2025- Holiday Party- Date TBD
January 6, 2026
February 2026- Annual Worship Service-Date TBD
March 3, 2026
April 7, 2026
May 5, 2026 (Annual Meeting/ Election)

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS (5:30 p.m.- 7:00 p.m.):