Once out of jail, Mathis began working at McDonald's, a job he needed to keep to maintain his release on probation.

A close family friend helped Mathis get admitted to Eastern Michigan University, and he discovered a new interest in politics and public administration.

He became a campus activist and worked for the Democratic Party, organizing several demonstrations against South African Apartheid policies.

in Public Administration from the Ypsilanti campus and began to seek employment in Detroit's City Hall.

[8] Mathis began his political career as an unpaid intern, and then became an assistant to Clyde Cleveland, a city council member.

[citation needed] Mathis was appointed head of Jesse Jackson's Presidential campaign in the state of Michigan in 1988.

Mathis has continued to be involved in politics after rising to national entertainment prominence through his television show.

Most recently, Mathis was invited by the Obama administration to be a part of "My Brothers Keeper", a White House Initiative to empower boys, and men of color.

He told the Detroit Free Press it was a gift to the people who elected him to District Court despite his youthful criminal record.

"No matter what international fame he's achieved, he's still a hometown guy," said WMXD-FM's Frankie Darcell, who announced the location on the air.

Following his time spent in the Herman Gardens mixed-income housing, Mathis remained devoted to aiding families in the area.

[9] Mathis met his wife, Linda, a fellow Eastern Michigan University alumnus, shortly after his mother's death.

[13] In court papers, Linda listed their date of separation as July 17, 2024 and also stated that she filed for divorce due to "irreconcilable differences.