Judge Greg Mathis: Oakwood University's 2017 Black History Achievement Award Recipient
Submitted by Phyllis Jones, Speakin' Out News, Senior Staff Writer

For his outstanding community work, Judge Greg Mathis is Oakwood's 2017 Black History Achievement Award Recipient.

Each year, Oakwood University Church recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to enhance the lives of other African Americans. This years' recipient of the Black History Achievement Award is Judge Greg Mathis. Judge Mathis is known for his no nonsense and quick courtroom humor, as he passes his judgement for numerous small claims cases presented, during his self-titled reality courtroom show, Judge Mathis.

The former school dropout, drug dealer, gang member and jail inmate has become one of the most respected and inspirational figures of our time. With a past like his, who would have thought that this Detroit native would have, let's say…become a judge? While incarcerated, Judge Mathis' mother was dying with cancer and he was granted an early probation to help care for her. During this time, he also promised her that he would turn his life around. Keeping his promise after she passed, Judge Mathis began his journey to become the man he is today. After receiving his GED and with the help of a cousin (Addison Hines) who is dear to him, Judge Mathis enrolled into Eastern Michigan University. "My cousin and mentor, who attended Eastern Michigan University, made sure I got enrolled," Judge Mathis shared. After graduating from law school, he became the youngest judge in Michigan's history and served as a Superior Court Judge for Michigan's 36th District. As Judge Mathis continued to share his story, he encouraged the congregation, particularly the students by stating, "Don't think that you can't be successful with a GED."

Out of the 365 days per year, Judge Mathis spends 100 days taping his reality television show and the other 265 days are spent with his family and crisscrossing the country, trying to uplift the African American community. Proud of his Adventist roots, Judge Mathis gave credence to his home church, City Temple SDA Church. He fondly acknowledged the great work that Dr. Carlton Byrd is doing at Oakwood. He goes on to share that the Black History Achievement Award is the most meaningful award that he has received in his 18 years of television and service.

The press conference consisted of Oakwood students, church members, staff and others from the community. Members of Delta Theta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. were also present. The chapter's president, Robert Drake, made a presentation to Judge Mathis, who is also a member of the fraternity.

During the press conference, Judge Mathis was asked if he could go back in time, what would he have done differently and would that change alter where he is now. "If I could go back in time, the only thing I would do differently is cause less pain to others. My destructive behavior caused a lot of pain to other people. My journey, in my opinion, was preparation was for leadership in an area that is most essential during this time, that is uplifting troubled street youth and black men in particularly, sending the message of hope and inspiration," Judge Mathis responded. "Had I not had that journey and those challenges and the consequences thereof, I would not be in a position to speak authentically about it."

Recording artist Maurette Brown Clark was the guest soloist during the service.