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The real-life story of Judge Mathis is heartwarming and inspirational. Greg Mathis was a gang member who dropped out of school, was in and out of jail and then overcame these adversities to become the youngest judge in the history of the state of Michigan.
The inspiration for his own TV court show, the Judge`s personal story is also the subject of a book, "Inner City Miracle," released by Ballantine/One World Books in October 2002. Mathis, along with writer Blair Walker, co-wrote the autobiography to document his triumph over odds. The memoir takes a candid look at the Judge`s rise to success from the projects of Detroit. Once a juvenile delinquent himself, the Judge provides readers with a more revealing look into his inspirational transformation and to his ongoing efforts to help others. "Inner City Miracle" was well received by book reviewers across the country. The success of the book earned Mathis the prestigious Blackboard Non-Fiction Book of the Year Award in May 2003.
Mathis has been called upon as a regular contributor to national television programs, including “Larry King Live,” “Politically Incorrect,” CNN`s "Talk Back Live,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Extra” to discuss his opinions on complex issues of the day, such as national security, unique sentencing, affirmative action and celebrity scandals. He also offers his take on high-profile legal cases.
Greg Mathis has become a household name with a broad and loyal following. He has enjoyed major media exposure, appearing on “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “Today,” ESPN’s “Quite Frankly”,” TNT`s “Listen Up! Charles Barkley with Ernie Johnson” and “BET Tonight with Ed Gordon,” while being featured in People, Essence, Ebony, Jet magazines, and national and local press across the country. Judge Mathis even has his own bi-monthly column in Essence titled “Celebrity Courthouse,” which features his own common sense advice to troubled celebrities.
When he is not on the bench, Mathis makes it a point to give back to the community and to those in need of guidance. In May 2002, Mathis hosted his first Self-Empowerment Expo in Detroit, designed to encourage individuals to develop and achieve worthy goals, and prepare themselves for a more prosperous future. The Expo has since become an annual event in Detroit and has branched out to other cities such as Chicago, Philadelphia and Atlanta. Each Youth And Education Expo offers speakers, workshops and other resources that offer today’s youth a chance to better themselves.
Mathis continues to hit the streets in an effort to help others, joining the fight for various causes and drawing national attention and throngs of supporters. In March 2007, Mathis was honored with an “Eleanor Roosevelt Human Rights Award” for his support of laborer’s rights. In September 2004, Mathis served as Honorary Chair of the National Council for Adoption’s “Kids At Heart Festival” and joined the celebration for National Adoption Month. An advocate for adult literacy as well, Mathis was named a spokesman for Literacy Volunteers of America in Detroit in May 2003. He continues to help raise awareness of the literacy problem and encourages those who need help.
Mathis’ life is an example for at-risk youth everywhere. He has dedicated himself to instilling young people with the motivation for success. In December 2004, Chicago’s Prevention Partnership honored Judge Mathis as the 2004 Prevention Person of
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The real-life story of Judge Mathis is heartwarming and inspirational. Greg Mathis was a gang member who dropped out of school, was in and out of jail and then overcame these adversities to become the youngest judge in the history of the state of Michigan.
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