Our Leadership

PRESIDENT

Judge Lisa Martin

I extend my sincere gratitude to the members for their faith and support as I embark on my term as President of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan for the 2024 – 2025 bar year.

As our organization marks its 45th Anniversary in 2024, members are encouraged to review the Mission Statement that appeared in our first Articles of Incorporation and continues to guide our work today. While we praise the work of immediate past President Curtis Bell and his board members that brought about the Association of Black Judges of Michigan gaining accreditation as a provider for continuing judicial education credits and working with the Michigan Supreme Court to prompt an independent audit of the Judicial Tenure Commission’s handling of complaints, we recognize that there is still more to accomplish. To continue meeting the objectives enumerated by our founders in our Mission Statement, I am calling on each of you to walk with me during my term and pledge to complete at least one of the following actions: (1) become more engaged during our regular membership meetings; (2) attend more of our annual events; or (3) consider joining the Board of Directors for the 2025 – 2026 bar year.

I am humbled by the opportunity to serve as President of this organization, and I promise that I will use my term to continue the legacy of African American judges that have served in Michigan for more than 130 years.

Sincerely,

 

Hon. Lisa Martin

The Association of Black Judges of Michigan Officers

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Our leadership is a reflection of the power of blended value empowering the African American community.

  • ABJM President

    Hon. Lisa Martin

    Judge Lisa Martin has served the 34th District Court since 2021. She is a graduate of both Harvard University and the University of Michigan Law School.

  • ABJM President Elect

    Judge Tenisha R. Yancey

    Judge Tenisha R. Yancey has served the 36th District Court since 2023. She is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

  • ABJM Secretary

    Judge Cynthia Ward

    Judge Cynthia M. Ward has served the 54-A District Court since 2019. She is a graduate of both Rutgers University and Villanova University School of Law.

  • ABJM Tresurer

    Judge Jeremy Bowie

    Judge Bowie has served in the 50th District Court in Pontiac since 2022. He is a graduate of Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and Michigan State University.

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EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS

Executive Board Member

Judge Curtis J. Bell

Judge Curtis J. Bell has served the Probate and 4th Circuit Courts in Kalamazoo County since 2005. He is a graduate of both Michigan State University and the University of Iowa College of Law.

Executive Board Member

Judge Rebekah Coleman

Executive Board Member

Judge Kameshia D. Gant

Judge Kameshia Gant has served the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County since 2019. She is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School.

Executive Board Member

Judge Qiana D. Lillard

Judge Qiana Denise Lillard has served in the Third Circuit Court since 2013. She earned both her bachelors and juris doctorate degrees at the University of Notre Dame

Executive Board Member

Judge Jacquelyn McClinton

Judge Jacquelyn A. McClinton has served the 36th District Court since 2020. She is a graduate of both Wayne State University and Wayne State University Law School.

Executive Board Member

Hon. Alisa Parker-Lagrone

Executive Board Member

Judge Miriam Perry

Judge Miriam A. Perry has served the 15th District Court since 2020. She is a graduate of both Spelman College and the University of Michigan Law School.

Executive Board Member

Judge Gregory Pittman

Executive Board Member

Judge Marlena E. Taylor

Judge Marlena E. Taylor has served the 36th District Court since 2021. She is a graduate of both Central Michigan University and the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.