In a career that spans nearly fifty years, the Honorable Damon J. Keith, who is a Senior Judge for the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, is continuing to build on his legacy with the release of his first ever biography, Crusader for Justice: Federal Judge Damon J. Keith. Published by Wayne State University Press, Crusader chronicles the life and legacy of a legendary judge and community advocate who “stood his ground” in making sure that the Constitution was upheld and the rights of diverse constituencies protected. The authors – Peter J. Hammer and Trevor W. Coleman – included painstaking research and interviews showcasing the turbulent times that Judge Keith’s career has covered and the landmark cases that he decided. “

Born on Independence Day (July 4th) in 1922 in Detroit, Michigan, Judge Keith has left a significant mark on the United States justice system and the rights of Michigan’s residents. In 1939, he graduated from Northwestern High School, he received his Bachelor of Arts from West Virginia State College in 1943, received his JD from Howard University School of Law in 1949, and his LLM from Wayne State University Law School in 1956. Diversity and inclusion are not often terms used in the legal profession, but Judge Keith has been a consistent voice for the voiceless and his decisions have proactively influenced the public and private sectors. Judge Keith, who has served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit since 1977, has served as the guiding spirit for many in the legal profession and the moral compass for diversity of thought regarding human and civil rights. In addition to serving in the United States Army and prior to joining the Court of Appeals, he served as the Chief Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, and on the Michigan Civil Rights Commission. “Judge Keith has provided spirited decisions that speak truth to power regarding constitutional rights and the application of law,” stated Hammer. “It was only fitting to document