By: Lynzee Mychael, Digital Content Writer
All hero stories follow a common structure — incredible loss, disruption, adventure, overcoming of ordeals and transformation. Heroes are tested through adversity to build character as they race to reshape the future while impacting others along the way. And just as you think a hero should fit a particular mold, you learn a narrative that doesn’t include a cape or superpowers, and you are inspired by life changing people who are now shifting pieces of the world every single day.
Tenisha Yancey is a political powerhouse and change agent in the city of Detroit, spearheading efforts targeting criminal reform and education. Respectfully, a veteran in policy and law, Yancey rang in the new year with a brand-new title, that of 36th District Court Judge, bringing a new standpoint to the legal system. Transitioning from almost 6 years of being a Democratic member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Yancey said that her plans to elevate in law glistened at the end of a dark tunnel even when her future didn’t seem so bright.
After unexpectedly losing her father at the hands of a drunk driver just 5 days before her 14th birthday, and unable to properly cope with the pain of such a significant loss, Yancey began a path of poor decisions. At the age of 18 she found herself in county jail facing multiple charges with her future hanging in the rafters. This wakeup call changed the course of her life forever.
“I met women that were older than me while in jail and I knew that was not the path I wanted to go down. I didn’t want to spend my life in and out of jail and ruin my chances at working in law. When I was released the first thing I did was enroll in school,” said Yancey. “Education was always instilled in my siblings and I, but I had lost track.”
Although often met with discouraging words and plagued by the whispers of nay-sayers trying to stop her pursuit of a career in law, stating she would not pass the character and fitness portion of the Bar exam, her supporters made sure she kept hope alive. She said Judge Greg Mathis is one of the few people that believed she could change, pouring positivity into her to continue pushing forward no matter what other people said. Judge Mathis, who has always been transparent about his own personal reform — spoke from experience and Yancey listened.
Yancey passed the Michigan Bar in 2014, which led her to join the Wayne County Prosecutors office. This experience further added to her expertise, and in 2017 her comeback story turned to a new chapter when she was endorsed to work as legislator for the 1st House District supporting a portion of Detroit, Harper Woods, Grosse Pointe Woods and Grosse Pointe Shores. Yancey said her longtime friend, former Representative Brian Banks, encouraged her to fill his vacancy because he wanted someone he knew would care about the people.
Crediting everything she has ever gone through as preparation for her new career as judge, Yancey is proud of her challenges and will bring real life experiences, education and a solid resume to her courtroom and rulings. Yancey ran unopposed in the 2022 election for 36th District Judge and said she owes it all to God.
“I want people to know I’m a human being just like they are. I understand, and I’m here to try and help them as much as possible. It is not all punitive. It’s about getting people back on the right track,” Yancey continued. ”When I ran for State Rep my slogan was, I’m just like you. I am a city girl. I care about Detroit. I care about the people in the city of Detroit. I am not self-serving. You’ve called me into service and I feel that I am here for a bigger cause. It is not really about me at all.”
Stating she is not defense oriented or prosecution oriented, but she is fair, Yancey believes in second chances, but making sure citizens are reprimanded in a way that will influence change. Yancey is dedicated to bringing a different perspective to the bench and will run her courtroom with respect and dignity. She declared she will continue to work with some of the stakeholders she met as legislator to inspire the change we need to see in our criminal justice system.
Yancey evokes supporting the legislation that passed allowing for offenders with only one DUI (that did not cause death or injury) to be expunged from their record. This was a first for Michigan and a full circle moment for Yancey. A drunk driver killing her father is the significate loss and major disruption that changed her life, yet she found the strength to use her power to support second chances and healthy reform.
Overcoming adversity and commitment to change is the Yancey way and she vows to bring these qualities and standards to the courtroom every day.
“There’s no testimony without the actual test, and I went through ultimate tests to get to where I am now.”
About Post Author
