A Look into the Life of a Michigan Supreme Court Justice: Justice Kyra Harris Bolden

At the end of August, a few members of VIM including Executive-in-Chiefs Brandon Roberts and Liv Ceithaml, as well as Blog Director Gia Economopoulos, had the opportunity to interview Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. Brandon Roberts conducted the interview, through which we were able to glance into the Supreme Court Justice’s lifestyle.

Brandon Roberts: Hello, Justice Bolden.

Justice Bolden: Hello. How are you today? Doing well. How are you?

Brandon Roberts: I'm well. Thank you so much for joining us today. I'm so excited. I've been looking forward to this for so long. My name's Brandon. I'm one of the coeditors for Vim, which is a fashion magazine on campus here at Michigan State University. Do you want to give, like, a little background on who you are, what you do for the magazine?

Justice Bolden: So, thank you for having me. I'm Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Harris Bolden. I've served on the Michigan Supreme Court now for the last year and a half after being appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. So my term started, January 1, 2023. I actually assumed the vacancy left by chief Justice Bridget McCormack. And just a fun fact, her campaign was the first campaign I ever worked on in law school, so it was a wonderful full circle moment. Prior to becoming a justice, I was a state legislator for my hometown of Southfield and a few other communities as well. And then I was, before that, a civil litigator and a judicial law clerk. So I've lived in Michigan my entire life, and am honored to be in this position.

Brandon Roberts: You have got an incredible resume. It's something to be jealous of just a little bit. And I actually, two years ago, I saw you speak here on Michigan State's campus. I went to the rally and that was just an incredible experience. And so this is just like a nice little full circle moment to be able to see you in this, election cycle, which brings me to my first question. With the upcoming election in November, what do you have to say to college students on the importance of voting?

Justice Bolden: I can say as a former legislator and current Michigan Supreme Court Justice - if you want your voice heard, if you truly believe in representation, you have to get in the game. Change will not happen with you being on the sideline. You have to exercise your right to vote. That's the only reason that people like me are able to be in positions of power. And so if you want to see younger people, if you want to see new parents, if you want to see people in the LGBTQIA+, community, if you want to see people that are representative of the state of Michigan, you have to exercise your vote. I will tell you that the resources that you have from your community matter. It determines what type of jobs you're able to have. It determines your quality of life, really and truly. The state of Michigan appropriates millions of dollars, to schools, to communities for different projects and helps supplement the funding for college for state colleges. All of that is very, very important. So when people say their vote doesn't matter, it's a small dagger to the heart because I've been at the table where who was at the table really, really mattered.

Brandon Roberts: So your last election cycle was crazy. You were very, very pregnant. You had a lot going on. It was really incredible to just read back on your story. How does this election cycle compare to your last one?

Justice Bolden: Oh my goodness. It's a lot more difficult in some ways. When I was in the election in 2022, yes, I was pregnant, and I had a full time job in the legislature running a statewide race. So all of that is not easy, but at least I had two terms under my belt in the state legislature. I could almost do my job with my eyes closed. It's a lot easier having an inside baby than an outside baby, so I could carry my child with me everywhere I went. I could make sure that she was fed and nourished by feeding myself and self-care. Now that she is, two years old, I have to manage a whole other human, making sure that she's okay, that she's fed, that she goes to her doctor's appointments, that she's sleeping, that she has enough water. So, in a lot of ways, it's a little bit more difficult, to try to manage, on top of the fact that I'm in a very in a new position. I'm in a very important position and wanting to make sure I'm giving the due attention to making sure I'm making good decisions on behalf of Michiganders. So, it’s very different in a lot of ways. The great thing is I have run a statewide campaign previously. And so, you know, creating the plan for that was probably the easy part.

Brandon Roberts: How do you manage to remain nonpartisan in an increasingly polarizing political landscape?

Justice Bolden: That is a very good question. A lot of people don't realize that we are prohibited not just because we're nonpartisan, but we have judicial canons that we can be sanctioned if we break. As a Michigan Supreme Court Justice, we're actually a part of that process. We actually determine the sanctions for those that break our judicial canons. And so even though some things may not violate our judicial canons, I have to be extra cautious because being on the Michigan Supreme Court, we are the standard bearer for what our other judges should be doing. As they're coming from the legislature, I know sometimes people can see me or they have seen me a little bit more vocal. So I just explained to people, it's not unique to me. You don't see judges speaking their mind on any issue, because you want your judges to be neutral. You want them to be unbiased and accept the information coming to them. You don't want to go to court and know that the judge has a preconceived notion about how your case should go. I think that's a part of the having a fair opportunity to be heard. I was a judicial law clerk before I was a litigator, before I was a legislator. I was actually trained as a neutral, and it actually was a little bit more of mental gymnastics to try to get into the partisan, as opposed to, just looking for looking at cases and evaluating them on the law. So, that hasn't been difficult for me, but it does take time to explain, to folks that I'm literally prohibited from speaking on certain issues.

Brandon Roberts: As a justice, what has been the most rewarding aspect of your position so far?

Justice Bolden: Many different things. Well, I will say now I think you're my first interview since my last opinion came out. I have authored eight majority opinions in a year and a half, which is an absolute feat. And I'm thankful to the other justices, that trusted me with being the lead voice on some very, very important decisions. I'm very proud of that. I'm also very proud of my liaison duties. We have task forces with the Michigan Supreme Court. I sit on the treatment court task force as the Supreme Court liaison, as well as child welfare. We know that our courts are a great alternative to incarceration for those that apply. Seeing people graduate, speaking at those graduations, and making sure that those programs have the resources and funding that they require is definitely fulfilling, as well as child welfare, which makes sure that we have adequate representation for our children that are in our foster care system. I am incredibly proud of that work that we're doing. Other than that, I'm very, very proud of being able to stay visible and transparent. Just being active on social media, which is not really typical for someone in my role, but really giving people an inside look to what it's like to be a justice or at least to be me- a justice. I can't speak for all of the justices or all of the judges, but I think we're doing something a little unique in that space as well.

Brandon Roberts: Oh, you do have a good Instagram. I follow it. I enjoy it! As a Black woman, as a Black mother, as a young person in a very high court, how do you handle or fight back against the stigmas that you face in your profession?

Justice Bolden: I mean, I think so the number one question I get, is if I experience imposter syndrome, which I feel is kind of along the same lines. And the the answer to that is no. I have a track record of my work ethic in getting things done, in whatever job that I was in. While I may be new and introduced to some people, the people that have actually worked with me know how hard I work to make sure that I'm doing a good job in whatever position I'm in. And that goes for being a justice, being a mom, being a good friend and a good wife. So, I think it's just about bringing my entire being to the table because I think that's why I think that's why people want me there. And to make sure that there's representation for so many different people, in so many different communities at the table. I don't feel pressure to change myself at all. I think I'm exactly what is needed on the court. I think that our courts and the Michigan Supreme Court should be reflective of the diversity and experiences of Michiganders.

Brandon Roberts: Absolutely. What advice, or is there any advice, that you wish you were given as a college student navigating your future?

Justice Bolden: Yes. It's okay. You'll be fine. You know, we all go through a quarter life crisis. It's okay to not have everything figured out. For example, I received my degree in psychology. I thought I was gonna be a psychologist up until my senior year, And I decided it wasn't for me. I went to law school, and that was the best decision I've ever made. Don’t be afraid to take different opportunities, and don't be afraid of change. The the worst thing that can happen is that you're so rigid that you're not open to different opportunities and change, and then you're stuck in a place that you really, really hate. This is your time to experience many different things to figure out what you like and what you don't like, and it will work out. Trust trust the process.

Brandon Roberts: Thank you. To dive into some a few more fun questions - what role does fashion play in your life personally or professionally?

Justice Bolden: You know, that's a really good question. As a state representative, there is this one random fashion blog that found me and did a whole profile on my outfit - and it was it was really cool! But now at work, we wear robes. As for my personal style, I usually wear dresses, and they're usually one color because I just don't like a lot of fuss. I'm usually wearing pearls. You will see pearls in probably everything, and I'm usually wearing heels. So even when I was, like, nine months pregnant, going to events on the campaign trail - always had heels. So that's kind of my personal style. I like a very clean, chic look. I'm starting to get into a few others, like I have stripes on today. Now I'm kind of getting into more of a relaxed type of dress. It's evolved, definitely. It's evolved.

Brandon Roberts: This leads into my next question. Besides your judicial robes, do you have a favorite outfit?

Justice Bolden: Anything, pink or green. Okay. So I am an AKA (Alpha Kappa Alpha) and our colors are pink and green. Obviously, you see a lot of AKAs with pearls, so that's kind of where that comes from. I love a jumpsuit, though. Okay, I mostly wear dresses. It's really just that I like one outfit. I don't like a shirt and a pants, and having to figure that out. I just want one outfit. I love a jumpsuit.

Brandon Roberts: Very nice. Very nice. I only have one jumpsuit, and I think I've only worn it once. But maybe maybe I'll pull it back in my wardrobe.

Justice Bolden: Yeah! You just have to watch the length of the pants. That's the only thing.

Brandon Roberts: Do you have a favorite fashion trend?

Justice Bolden: Favorite fashion trends? Oh my goodness. I love the pearls and chucks. For my wedding, actually, in 2016, I wore chucks under my wedding dress. And I obviously, I wore pearls - pearl earrings. So, I didn’t start the trend, but I’ve been doing that for a long time. It's great to see that, being, widely available and accessible to everyone.

Brandon Roberts: I liked it, I liked it. Comfortable and fashionable. It's a good one, absolutely. So, do you take any fashion inspiration from anybody?

Justice Bolden: Yes. I have nobody in particular, but I really love a nice, clean monochromatic look. I really love the look of sunglasses too, but I always lose them. But, I just love the look of a monochromatic outfit and sunglasses. I do try to do a nice, simple, clean, monochromatic with some pearls.

Brandon Roberts: Gotcha! I lose my sunglasses all the time. But I just buy the cheap ones from Target because it's just easier, you know. Outside of fashion, what is your ideal day off for work?

Justice Bolden: I actually don't know what that's like. So, I literally cannot remember a time where I did not do something for work, in the last, at least, five years, which is pretty sad to say. But when you have a statewide campaign, there's always something going on. If I'm not at an event, I'm talking about the events I'm going to. Then being a justice, so much reading, so much responding, so much editing, talking to the other justices aside from being on the bench. I am constantly, at least every day, doing something for work. I'll just start there. My best way to kind of unplug and relax, I love a spa day. I love a massage. I love water. It can be a lake. It can be a beach. I'm probably also looking at emails. But, yes, I love a water view and love a massage.

Brandon Roberts: What is your favorite thing about being a working mom?

Justice Bolden: Oh, my favorite thing about working mom is really just showing my daughter what's possible. I truly believe it's really hard to be what you cannot see. My mother worked a lot, and I don't know if I want to work as much as she did because she worked a lot. Yeah. But it did teach me, what's possible, but, also, it taught me work ethic in order to achieve my goals. Nothing that comes easy is probably worth it. The things that are most difficult require work, so I'm glad I got to see my mother achieve goals. And so, I knew that I could achieve goals. I hope that my daughter one day will know that she can achieve whatever she wants to achieve.

Brandon Roberts: I like that a lot, being a child of a working mother. She's a middle school teacher. Being able to see your parents working towards things that they're passionate about and what they love really sets that example and instills that kind of purpose to find your own purpose. So it's working. I promise. So my next question is - I'm assuming you already know the answer because you talked about it a little bit - but what is your favorite color?

Justice Bolden: My favorite color is actually purple.

Brandon Roberts: Okay! Not pink or green?

Justice Bolden: It's a color I don't wear at all. But I just love it. There's a photo of me from when I went to the NAACP Detroit Dinner where I'm wearing this purple dress, and I got so many compliments. I'm I never wear purple, but that is my absolute favorite color.

Brandon Roberts: Right. Well, maybe it's a sign to incorporate it into your wardrobe a little bit! Do you have a favorite meal?

Justice Bolden: Favorite meal? Pasta.

Brandon Roberts: Okay, that's a good answer.

Justice Bolden: I love pasta. I love a spaghetti. I love a chicken Parmesan. I love a cacio e pepe. I mean, just give me the pasta.

Brandon Roberts: Who is your favorite musical artist?

Justice Bolden: So I love Earth, Wind, and Fire. Okay. I'm an old school girly, and I still whenever Earth, Wind, and Fire goes on tour, I try to catch their concert. The other, artist, I guess, is maybe a little stereotypical, but I don't usually miss a Beyoncé concert.

Brandon Roberts: Did you get to go when she was here in Detroit?

Justice Bolden: I did. I did.

Brandon Roberts: My roommate drove down to see her in Georgia, and I'm incredibly jealous. Like, a once in a lifetime experience.

Justice Bolden: It's visually masterful.

Brandon Roberts: Yeah. Yeah. Okay. So Renaissance or Cowboy Carter?

Justice Bolden: Oh my goodness. So I will have to say as a Midwesterner, there's no shade to to our southern counterparts, but definitely Renaissance. It is upbeat and fun, and I really appreciate that album.

Brandon Roberts: Yeah. I also love that album so much - I have it on vinyl downstairs. Do you believe in the three part act? That she's gonna have a little rock-and-roll album next or an R&B one?

Justice Bolden: Oh, I haven't heard that.

Brandon Roberts: Yeah. I’m on Beyhive Twitter - you get in there and they talk about it.

Justice Bolden: Well, I mean, that seems to fit. She's done some rock essence songs, so that makes sense. She treaded into the country territory a little bit, and then she came back with a vengeance.

Brandon Roberts: I have five questions left, and they're like, this or that. So, you just pick one. They do get they get a little bit dicey. I know there's some there's some hard hitters here. My first one is flats or heels?

Justice Bolden: Heels.

Brandon Roberts: Rings or necklaces?

Justice Bolden: Rings.

Brandon Roberts: And then, I know you so you've spent time in both, west or east Michigan?

Justice Bolden: I'll have to say east.

Brandon Roberts: Football or basketball?

Justice Bolden: Oh, neither. I don't like sports.

Brandon Roberts: That's okay. That's okay. And then my last one, and there's a correct answer to this. MSU or U of M?

Justice Bolden: So, I am nonpartisan! I am unbiased.

Brandon Roberts: Okay, I got you. That was a good one.

Justice Bolden: I am neutral, I am neutral. I don't need anyone upset with me.

(laughing)

Brandon Roberts: Well, that was the last of my questions. Thank you so much for taking up the time on your day to talk to us. This is a project that I was so excited to work on, so thank you so much.

Justice Bolden: Well, thank you so much, Brandon.