Newly-elected judge of the Michigan 32A District (Harper Woods) Attorney Rebekah Coleman who won in the general election on November 3, 2020, had the honor of being sworn in by her father, a fellow judge.
She makes history as the first female magistrate to hold the position, and the first Black American judge to be elected in the Michigan city’s 69-year history. Her tenure which began Jan.1, ends on January 1, 2027.
Coleman was sworn in on Dec. 28, according to a statement from court administrator Rachelle Matouk.
“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.
According to Ballotpedia, Coleman defeated incumbent Daniel Palmer, winning the seat by 448 votes or 53% majority vote.
As part of her responsibilities, the newly-elected magistrate will focus 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.
“We need more community engagement to bridge the gap between the community and the judiciary,” Coleman said in an interview with Harper Woods’ publication C&G News.
“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,” she explained. “Court is going to be a full-time operation, Monday through Friday.”
Born on December 1, 1985, in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in 2007. She went on to obtain her master’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2014. She also received her J.D. from Wayne State University Law School in 2010. Coleman’s professional experience includes working as an attorney and owning an online retail business, the site reports.
“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.” She had taken to Facebook to thank her supporters as well as celebrate.
According to the post, Coleman’s mother died 15 years before, and she was also an attorney.
“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.
