Our Leadership
PRESIDENT
Judge Kameshia D. Gant
Greetings!
My name is Kameshia D. Gant and it is an honor and a privilege to be the President of the Association of Black Judges of Michigan (ABJM) for the 2022-23 year. I am a Circuit Court Judge at the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court, located in the City of Pontiac in Oakland County, Michigan. I have served in this capacity since May 17, 2019. Since taking the bench and becoming a member of ABJM, I have been an active and proud member of this organization.
During the 2021-2022 year, I served as President-Elect of this organization under the leadership of the Immediate Past President, Hon. Qiana D. Lillard. Under her leadership, the organization was able to increase its membership and participation, resume in person events, establish new community programming, begin the process to update our website, and plan for the organization’s inaugural retreat in historic Idlewild, MI. I learned many valuable lessons serving under her as an officer this past year. The current leadership and I hope to continue the momentum and build upon the success of the previous year by keeping with the traditions of the organization and utilizing technology and innovation.
Despite the increase of black jurist in the State of Michigan over time, the number of black judges on the bench are still underrepresented when compared to the demographics of communities across the state. An important goal for this year is to increase the number of black judges overall in the State of Michigan to reflect the communities that we serve. It is imperative for judges to be public servants on and off the bench. Therefore, another goal is for the organization’s membership to continue to be actively engaged in the community and to develop programming to provide education, increase the public’s accessibility to the judicial system, and build a pipeline for future lawyers and judges. In addition, ABJM will be vigilant in our efforts to ensure that the organization has input and our membership has a voice regarding the creation or modification of policy, legislation or rules that impact the judiciary.
In order to achieve these goals, this organization needs a strong membership and active participation from its members. Therefore, I would encourage you to join or renew your membership in ABJM for the current year.
I am very excited and humbled to lead this organization and spread the word about its rich history, growing membership, and community involvement. I look forward to working with all of you in the next year and I am open to any suggestions that you may have achieve success.
Sincerely,
Hon. Kameshia D. Gant
The Association of Black Judges of Michigan Officers
Our leadership is a reflection of the power of blended value empowering the African American community.
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ABJM President
Judge Kameshia Gant
Judge Kameshia D. 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.
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ABJM President Elect
Judge Curtis 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.
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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.
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ABJM Tresurer
Judge Marlena 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.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS
Executive Board Member
Judge Christopher Blount
Judge Christopher M. Blount has served the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County since 2022. He previously served the 36th District Court since 2017. He is a graduate of both Wayne State University and Wayne State University Law School.
Executive Board Member
Judge Lynise Bryant
Judge E. Lynise Bryant has served the 36th District Court since 2007. She is a graduate of both Eastern Michigan University and Wayne State University Law School.
Executive Board Member
Judge Patricia Jefferson
Judge Patricia L. Jefferson has served the 36th District Court since 1996. She is a graduate of both Western Michigan University and Wayne State University Law School
Immediate Past President
Judge Qiana Lillard
Judge Qiana Lillard has served the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County since 2013. She is a graduate of both the University of Notre Dame and the University of Notre Dame Law School.
Executive Board Member
Judge 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.
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
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 Aliyah Sabree
Judge Aliyah Sabree has served the 36th District Court since 2017. She is a graduate of both Youngstown State University and the Michigan State University College of Law.
Executive Board Member
Judge Michael Wagner
Judge Michael E. Wagner has served the 36th District Court since 2011. He is a graduate of both the University of Michigan and Wayne State University Law School.