Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden Shares Experiences with MSU Law Students

Justice Kyra Bolden (middle) pictured with Niko Spilson, ’23 and Taylor Hall, ’23

By Jake Jenkins

Feb. 23, 2023

Students at Michigan State University College of Law had the opportunity to discuss diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) with Michigan Supreme Court Justice Kyra Bolden this past Tuesday.

She answered a series of questions that were submitted by students prior to the event about her career and why she went down certain paths in her career.

Justice Bolden is the first Black woman and, currently, the only Black Supreme Court Justice in the state of Michigan, and she was glad to visit students to offer insight on what she has accomplished.

“It’s so important to talk to students so they know what can be achieved," she said. “So many people think you have to work a certain number of years and be where you reach the pinnacle of your career, and I want to be an example of that not being true.”

Justice Bolden hopes her journey can encourage others.

“I hope that through my representation, other people will see themselves on the highest court and as a career path,” she said.

This event was a collaboration between Niko Spilson, ’23, and the Black Law Students Association (BLSA) to establish DEI initiatives and give students an opportunity to hear from someone that is at the top of the legal field.

“I’m joining Faegre Drinker law firm in the fall and they offer incoming associates a DEI initiative,” Spilson said. “We can implement different programs on campuses to increase diversity and the firm supports it with any event needs. It’s something I am passionate about and wanted to get involved.”>

“This shows how we embrace diversity and how we value different perspectives here at the law college,” said Taylor Hall, president of BLSA. “I think it’s wonderful that Justice Bolden was able to come here because there were a lot of people here today that needed to see someone like her.”