His interest in social reform has served as a catalyst for his career on the bench.

In addition to public service, Mathis’ civil rights activism also began during his college years at Eastern Michigan University, leading groups like Free South Africa. After graduating from college in 1983, Mathis continued his activism working on Jackson’s Operation P.U.S.H. and the Rainbow Coalition, where he led numerous protests and marches and continues to be a member today. In October 2000, Judge Mathis' efforts were recognized by the Rainbow/ PUSH Coalition when they honored him with an Advocacy Award for his tireless civil rights work.

Judge Mathis is committed to helping troubled youth in and out of the courtroom. In 1986, Mathis and his wife co-founded Young Adults Asserting Themselves (Y.A.A.T), a non-profit youth agency that serves thousands of young people. The foundation counsels youth from the ages of 17-25 about career and job opportunities, provides job training, and offers school and job placement services. The foundation has also opened four pre-schools in Detroit. In his various fundraising efforts, Mathis has raised and donated over $2 million for a variety of civil rights, political, church and youth causes.

In 1997, Mathis’ life was the subject of a musical called “Inner City Miracle,” written and directed by playwright Ron Milner.

Judge Mathis is married and a father of four children.