A family legacy continues: Judge Keith to swear in nephew

On April 1 at 4 p.m., 6th Circuit United States Court of Appeals Judge Damon J. Keith will swear in his nephew Terrance A. Keith as the newly appointed Wayne County probate judge. Keith is the youngest brother of Terrance's father, Luther C. Keith, and the surviving sibling of his five brothers and sisters The swearing in ceremony will be held in the Erma L. Henderson Auditorium located on the 13th floor of the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center in Detroit. Terrance Keith, formerly the Wayne County chief deputy treasurer, was appointed to the Wayne County Probate Court by Gov. Jennifer Granholm in December. Judge Terrance Keith, 56, grew-up on the west side of Detroit. His close knit family was led by the teaching, guidance and love of parents Luther C. Keith and Savella A. Keith. His parents instilled in their children that public service was expected. Judge Terrance Keith is the youngest of his siblings retired Army Captain Gwendolyn Keith Edwards, Luther A. Keith, Jr., and Dr. Joyce Keith Hargrove, Jr. Luther Keith retired from the Detroit News as the senior editor and went on to establish Arise Detroit! He is also a member of the Michigan Journalism Hall of Fame. At an early age, Judge Terrance Keith's parents stressed education, religion and service as core family values. "Their character and integrity inspired so many," he said. "Although they are no longer with me, I strive each day to make them proud." Judge Terrance Keith is married to Dr. Lynn Carter Keith and has one son, Terrance Christopher Keith. He attended St. Agnes Grade School and St. Martin DePorres High School in Detroit. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan and the University Of Detroit School Of Law. His career includes law clerk for retired United States Bankruptcy Judge Ray Reynolds Graves and shareholder at Kemp, Klein, Umphrey, Endelman, LLC (KKUE). He is the founder of the D. Augustus Straker Bar Association formed to assist African American attorneys in Oakland County. Since its inception, DASBA has awarded more than $50,000 in scholarships to African American law students. Most recently, he was principal tax attorney for the Wayne County Corporation Counsel and the Wayne County Treasurer. In 2003, Judge Keith created the Community Outreach Program that reduced tax delinquencies and foreclosures by 60 percent, generating a record $44 million in county tax revenue. In November 2004, he was appointed Wayne County Chief Deputy Treasurer by Wayne County Treasurer Raymond Wojtowicz and created the Community and Taxpayer Assistance Departments. Judge Damon Keith's influence on his nephew is vast. "I continue to be in awe of the man I have always seen as simply, my uncle. He has a profound impact on the nation and the world. I am fortunate to have him as my counsel," said Judge Terrance Keith. "I am delighted to administer the oath of office to my nephew, Judge Terrance A. Keith. He was a great lawyer and will be an outstanding judge. I congratulate him on behalf of the Keith family," said Judge Damon Keith. Published: Tue, Mar 29, 2011

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