Honoring Judge Damon A. Keith's legal legacy

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HONORING JUDGE DAMON A. KEITH'S LEGAL LEGACY: The longest-serving Black judge on the federal bench, U.S. Appeals Court Judge Damon A. Keith (above, r) is congratulated by his daughter and son-in-law, Cecile Keith-Brown and Daryle Brown, and granddaughter Camara Keith Brown (l-r) during the recent black-tie dinner honoring his 40 years in the federal judiciary at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit. Singer Anita Baker was the featured performer at the event, which was a highlight of the three-day celebration organized by his former law clerks acknowledging his historic tenure in the judiciary and the fact he has hired more minority law clerks than any federal judge. Other activities included a gala reception and Sunday service at the Hartford Memorial Baptist Church. Keith has hired 87 law clerks over four decades; among them is current Michigan Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm. Eighty-five former clerks were among the 120 guests who participated in the festivities. They included Harvard Professor Lani Guinier (above, r) who embraces the 85-year-old jurist as former clerks U.S. Appeals Court Judge Eric L. Clay and Connie Rice, director of the Advancement Project, look on. At right, Keith is greeted by (I-r) Dr. Arthur L. Johnson, retired vice president of Wayne State University; Chacona Johnson, chief of staff for the president of the University of Michigan; and entrepreneur Charles Boyce. Keith told JET he was "thrilled that this large number of former clerks would take time out from their busy and successful careers to honor me and say thank you for what you've taught me and given me."

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