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