“As a young Black woman running for the highest court in Michigan, it’s important to recognize that there are systemic barriers.”
Ahead of the November 8th election, Emerge asked our alums to answer some questions about the changes they’re seeking to make in elected office, their experiences running for office in a post-Roe America, and the effects women of the New American Majority are facing in light of the Supreme Court ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization.
You can learn more about Rep. Bolden here.
1. Tell us about yourself! Where are you from? What position are you running for?
I am State Representative Kyra Harris Bolden. I am an attorney, currently serving my second term, representing my hometown of Southfield, in the Michigan State House. As a graduate of Southfield Public Schools, I chose to remain in Michigan for my studies and received a bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. I am running to be the next Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court.
2. Why did you decide to step forward and run for this office? What would you say inspires you every day in your campaign?
I decided to run for this office because I could not sit on the sidelines while so much is at stake. The Michigan Supreme Court will be the final word on the most critical issues of our time, including the issues of reproductive and voting rights. The Michigan Supreme Court will literally define the type of Michigan we live in for generations to come. When I entered my second trimester of pregnancy I knew I had to step up to protect justice for generations, for Baby Bolden and all Michiganders.
3. By 2045, the country will no longer be majority white, and women from the New American Majority (NAM) – Black, Brown, and Indigenous women and women of color, LGBTQ+ women, young women, and unmarried women – will be taking their seats at every decision-making table. How can we support more NAM women in their run for public office during this challenging time when reproductive and so many other rights are at stake?
I believe it is important to have a diversity of backgrounds and experiences in spaces where decisions are made. As a young Black woman running for the highest court in Michigan, it’s important to recognize that there are systemic barriers. It is extremely important to uplift, promote, validate and provide resources as women tackle these systemic barriers and create more equitable spaces.
4. Public trust in the Supreme Court has fallen. What do you think should be done to improve trust in our court system?
There should be more of a focus on state supreme courts, especially in states, like Michigan, where Supreme Court Justices are elected. Educating the public regarding the role of the Michigan Supreme Court, bringing greater awareness regarding the importance of the Court, and how the Court’s decisions will impact the daily lives of Michiganders, now and in the future, is important to building trust.
5. Following the ruling on Dobbs, state supreme courts and judicial offices started gaining the national attention they deserve. How critical are these spaces and what should we take away from their importance?
State supreme courts, including Michigan, will be the last word on the most crucial issues of our time. These are some of the most critical positions and are often overlooked. State supreme court races are getting more attention and should continue to be treated as critical in the future. State supreme courts and judicial offices will have a significant impact on defining the kind of state we live in.
6. If elected, you will become the first Black woman to ever sit on the bench of the Michigan Supreme Court. In your opinion, what does our legal system look like in a post-Roe America?
What we know is that the most critical issues of our time will be decided by the Michigan Supreme Court. If elected, I will be the first Black woman and youngest woman on the Michigan Supreme Court. I think women are engaged in the legal process now more than ever, and we will see the outcome of that engagement in future elections.
7. What are you hoping to bring to this bench if elected? What kind of decisions will you make as a member of your state’s highest judicial decision-making body?
I hope to bring my extensive knowledge of the law to the bench if elected. I believe my legislative experience will give insight and perspective to statutory interpretation. I will make fair, well-reasoned decisions while keeping in mind that the decisions I make will have an impact on generations to come. I will be a Justice for generations.
8. What’s coming up next for you? Is there anything our readers should keep in mind?
Hopefully making history by becoming the first Black woman to sit on the Michigan Supreme Court and continuing my exciting motherhood journey with my new baby, Emerson Bolden, born on August 15, 2022.