Rebekah Coleman is making history as the first woman and Black American judge to be elected in Michigan city’s history.
Her appointment was made even more special because her father, who is also a judge, swore her in.
The 35-year-old lawmaker is the first female magistrate to hold the position and said her focus will be on community-based programs, including offering literacy programs, alternative sentencing, legal aid for the civil and landlord-tenant division, as well as drug and sobriety treatment programs for residents.
Coleman, who attended law school at Wayne State University and also has a degree in theatre from Michigan State University, is now the Judge of Michigan’s 32A District Court.
Before she was appointed judge she set up her own law firm.
She posted about the historic moment with her father on her LinkedIn page where she shared a picture of both of them together.
“I was able to share this very special moment with my father as he swore me in as Judge of the 32A District Court,” she told The Female Influencer.
Coleman was appointed judge after winning the seat by 53 percent of the majority vote, according to Ballotpedia.
After winning the vote in November 2020 she took to Facebook to thank her supporters.
“Harper Woods, you spoke! You spoke in volumes! You spoke with your votes! You answered clearly and boldly the call for change,” she wrote. “Thank you for having the courage to go against the status quo and for building the foundation on which the legal system in the City will stand.”
Coleman also thanked her mom, an attorney, who sadly passed away 15 years ago.
“Mom, I got it done and will continue to live the life that you helped prepare me for before you had to leave us. It has been 15 years, but there is not a moment that you are not missed,” Coleman expressed.
Coleman will serve a six-year term as the district’s judge.
“We need more community engagement to bridge the gap between the community and the judiciary,” she said.
“I am very excited to be the next judge of Harper Woods. I plan to bring a lot of positive changes, and I think the city is ready for it,” Coleman said in an interview with C&G News.
Such an inspirational moment for Rebekah Coleman. Help us congratulate her by sharing this story.
