When the Young Black Lawyers’ Organizing Coalition (YBLOC) arrived in Detroit, it brought an energy that stirred memories of the Freedom Riders, evoking a spirit of activism rooted in history. This time, instead of facing hostile crowds and arrest threats, these young legal minds from Howard University Law School focused on a quieter yet equally powerful mission—engaging Black voters on the power of the judiciary. With two Michigan Supreme Court seats and numerous local judicial positions up for election on Nov. 5, YBLOC’s message was clear: vote to influence the courts, because judicial decisions shape our civil rights, freedoms, and futures.
YBLOC’s mobilization wasn’t about party lines or political leanings. Instead, it was a call to protect Black voting power and ensure representation in the courts. Abdul Dosunmu, founder and executive director of YBLOC, underscored this critical need. “The courts play an undeniable role in shaping the civil rights of Black people in Michigan and across the nation,” Dosunmu explained. “Yet, there’s often little attention given to electoral education and engagement efforts around the judiciary.” His words were a reminder that Black communities have historically faced challenges in the legal system—challenges that persist and impact everything from voting rights to fair housing.
For the law students and young attorneys in YBLOC, the work goes beyond passing out flyers or giving quick speeches. They’re having real conversations with community members, emphasizing that each vote carries the weight to impact judicial nominations and, ultimately, the legal landscape for years to come. Judicial decisions touch the lives of every community member, from landmark cases on criminal justice reform to rulings on housing rights and educational equity.
This mission marks YBLOC’s third trip to Michigan this year. They’ve already been to Detroit, Pontiac, and Grand Rapids, reaching communities that are often overlooked in election discussions. Their return now, so close to Election Day, reflects a deeper commitment to building awareness and a broader movement to protect Black voices at the ballot box. The urgency is fueled by the knowledge that federal judicial nominations and state court appointments often have long-term effects on civil rights, social justice, and equity issues that matter deeply to Black voters.
In 2022, YBLOC launched a sweeping national initiative, deploying nearly 100 young Black lawyers and law students across the country to protect and empower Black voters. This year, their work has focused heavily on Michigan—a critical battleground state with a substantial Black population and a deeply engaged voting base. Their efforts this year have ranged from hosting community forums to providing voter protection resources, all centered on empowering voters to make informed decisions.
While the issues at stake in federal elections often dominate the headlines, YBLOC’s focus on local judicial races underscores a key message: the decisions made by local judges often have a direct and immediate impact on everyday life. The two Michigan Supreme Court seats on the ballot are particularly significant, with rulings that could shape policies on criminal justice reform, voting rights, and education in ways that resonate through the Black community.
One of YBLOC’s Howard Law students, Malik Jefferson, explained, “This isn’t just about one election. This is about creating a legacy of justice, where the voices of our community shape the rules that govern us. The courts decide cases that affect our schools, our neighborhoods, and our opportunities.” Jefferson’s words reflect the urgency of their mission. Voting is more than a civic duty; it’s an act of agency, a way for communities to hold power and influence the systems that have historically marginalized them.
The upcoming judicial elections in Michigan are also an opportunity to push for diversity and representation within the courts themselves. For many Black Detroiters, the judiciary often feels distant, dominated by people who don’t fully understand the complexities of Black lives or the challenges that Black communities face. When judges come from diverse backgrounds and have a connection to the communities they serve, they bring an awareness that can lead to more just and empathetic rulings.
YBLOC’s Detroit initiative also includes a focus on voter protection. YBLOC is not only providing nonpartisan voter education but also offering resources for voters to address challenges they may face at the polls. YBLOC volunteers are on the ground, assisting with everything from transportation to polling stations to guidance on voter ID laws. This hands-on approach is designed to ensure that Black voters have the support they need to make their voices heard.
Voting access and legal education are critical aspects of YBLOC’s work, as Dosunmu pointed out. “Young Black law students are uniquely positioned to drive home the importance of the courts and urge our communities to exercise their voting power,” he said. The team’s work represents an investment in the future of Black political engagement, showing that change doesn’t happen in a single election but requires consistent, intentional effort.
As Election Day approaches, YBLOC’s closing message resounds with urgency and hope: exercise voting power to shape the courts. For many in the community, this message is a reminder that voting remains one of the most accessible tools to influence the direction of the judicial system. The Michigan ballot holds the potential to tip the scales toward equity, with Black voters holding the power to shape decisions that affect not only today but the future of the next generation.
YBLOC’s efforts reflect a legacy of activism—a commitment that mirrors the courage and determination of the Civil Rights Movement. It’s a call to Black Detroiters to harness that legacy, to make their mark on the judicial system, and to see the courts as both a battleground and a pathway toward justice.
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