Meet Justise
Justise Black was born and raised in Dothan, Alabama and is a proud product of Dothan City Schools! Justise's familial legacy contributed largely to his love for his local school system. Justise is the Grandson of former Dothan Technology Center Culinary Instructor, SFC Grady Lamar Black. Additionally, Justise is the son of two naval veterans, Jessica Black-Mitchell and Alphonso Cotton.
Justise's K-12 matriculation concluded in his graduation with academic honors from Dothan High School where he was incredibly active as SGA President, Varsity Football Captain, Varsity Competition Cheerleader, and a leader in several other student organizations including First Priority, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Future Business Leaders of America, and more. The dedicated educators, administrators, and guidance counselors of DCS prepared Justise to continue his educational endeavors. He went on to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia immediately following his graduation before later also attending vocational college and becoming a Certified Culinarian and Chef with the American Culinary Federation. Justise, a dedicated lifelong learning, is still continuing a perpetual pursuit of knowledge in the form of several professional development certifications in the Housing Industry as well as his current enrollment in graduate studies that will soon culminate in a master's in business administration (MBA).
Justise has several years of experience working as a F&B Director and General Manager responsible for operations, growth, budgeting, and P&L analysis for three different muti-million-dollar companies in the hospitality industry across the southeast, northeast, and portions of the Midwest before returning to Dothan amid the COVID pandemic and transitioning career fields beginning with the Housing Authority of the City of Dothan in 2022. Justise currently has the pleasure of serving as the Director of Grants & Homeless Initiatives at Dothan Housing where he leads the Southeast Alabama Coalition for the Homeless (SEACH)
Justise is enthusiastic about several civic causes including retaining the talent of the wiregrass's young adults right here in Dothan. Thusly, he serves on the Executive Advisory Board of the Wiregrass Foundation's Dothan Alumni Cohort. Additionally, in hope to assist with broader exposures and sustainability, Justise serves as a board member for The Dubois Institute's Aunt Katie's Community Garden. He's also committed to act as a loaned executive for the Wiregrass United Way during their upcoming campaign for 2026.
His most exciting ambition is preparing for matrimony with his beloved fiancé Mikhele and their eventual family. Ultimately, Justise has a heart dedicated to servant leadership and makes every effort to be a faithful steward in whatever capacity the opportunity to serve presents itself. Justise is incredibly excited about the opportunity to serve on his city's school board and represent District 2! He hopes to earn your vote of confidence to carry out the duties of the office.