Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Bench

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 27, 2025

Contact: press@michigan.gov

Gov. Whitmer Announces Appointments to the Bench

LANSING, Mich. —Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced the appointments of Chastity Youngblood, Poncé Clay, and Dr. Herman Griffin IV to the 36th District Court in the City of Detroit.

“Today, I am proud to appoint Chastity, Poncé, and Herman to the bench,” said Governor Whitmer. “These skilled legal professionals bring years of experience to their new roles, where I am confident they will serve the people of Michigan admirably and uphold the rule of law.”

36th District Court – City of Detroit

Hon. Chastity Youngblood

Chastity Youngblood, of Detroit, is an assistant prosecuting attorney at the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, a role she has served in for over fifteen years. Youngblood also serves as a member of the State Bar of Michigan Justice Policy Commission and the State Bar of Michigan Representative Assembly.

Youngblood holds a Bachelor of Arts in international relations and social relations from James Madison College at Michigan State University and a Juris Doctor from Wayne State University Law School.

"I am deeply honored by Governor Whitmer's appointment to serve on the 36th District Court,” said Youngblood. “I am committed to serving with empathy, fairness, and integrity, and will work diligently to ensure that our community feels seen, heard, and respected in our courts."

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Aliyah Sabree.

Hon. Poncé Clay

Poncé Clay, of Detroit, is the founding partner and managing attorney at Clay Law, PLC. He previously served as Division Director of Wayne County Veterans Services and a Director of Operations at the United States Navy Michigan Recruiting Headquarters. Additionally, Clay served as a United States Naval Officer for over twenty years and formerly served as a mentor on the 36th District’s Veteran’s Treatment Court. Clay also recently served as an appointed member of the City of Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Community Advisory Committee and is a member of Oak Grove AME Church of Detroit.

Clay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehouse College, a Master of Public Administration in public personnel management from Troy State University in Japan, a Master of Business Administration from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.

“I am profoundly grateful to Governor Whitmer for the enormous privilege to serve on the 36th District Court, and I do not take this responsibility lightly,” said Clay. “My life’s work has been rooted in service—service to my country, my profession, and most importantly, to the people of Detroit. This appointment is not about me, but about continuing the mission of ensuring access to justice for all who appear before the Court. I pledge to serve with integrity, humility, and compassion.” 

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the resignation of Judge Donald Coleman.   

Hon. Herman Griffin IV

Dr. Herman Griffin IV, of Detroit, is the deputy director at Regional Managed Assigned Counsel Office in Dearborn and the owner of Griffin Law PLLC in Detroit. Dr. Griffin previously worked as a mental health specialty court defense attorney at the 36th District Court and previously taught a monthly class on preventing human trafficking at the Southwest Detroit Community Justice Center. Dr. Griffin is also a member of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity and the Washtenaw Ministerial Alliance.

Dr. Griffin holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Michigan, a Master of Divinity from Howard University, a Doctor of Ministry from Boston University, and a Juris Doctor from Cooley Law School.

“I am humbled to be appointed to the bench and ready to serve Detroit,” said Dr. Griffin.

This appointment will be made to fill a partial term, expiring January 1, 2027, following the passing of Judge Donna Robinson Millhouse.

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