PUBLIC SERVICE
“I RAN FOR THE COLORADO STATE HOUSE IN 2016 AND WAS BLESSED TO WIN MY PRIMARY ELECTION BY 84 VOTES. I WAS NOT EXPECTED TO WIN; HOWEVER, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, WITH HARD WORK AND SUPPORT FROM FAMILY AND COMMUNITY, WE WON. ”
empowering team mem- bers, and working toward compromise,” Coleman explains. “I am committed to finding the best solution to address the challenges facing our residents.” This philosophy is not just a political stance but a call for a higher standard of leadership across sectors. “It is my hope to see this become a standard for how leaders lead across sectors and industries,” he shares. In his first year as Senate President, Coleman’s top legislative priorities include balancing a $38 billion budget, making Colorado more affordable, fully funding K-12 education, and expanding access to quality healthcare. “My top legislative priorities include balancing a $38 billion budget, making Colorado more affordable, fully funding our K-12 education system, and providing access to high-quality healthcare for everyone who calls Colo- rado home,” he states.
not at the table, you are on the menu. Representation matters,’” he emphasizes. Standing on the shoulders of trailblazers like Peter Groff, George Brown, Wel- lington Webb, and Penfield Tate, Coleman sees his role as both a privilege and a responsibility. “These brothers led by example and gave me a model of good leadership to follow, along with the responsibility to lead unapologetically as a Black man,” Coleman reflects. His leadership is not just about holding office but about opening doors for those who will follow. “I wasn’t the first, and I won’t be the last African American to serve as Senate President in the State of Colorado,” he declares. Coleman’s vision for his legacy is clear, “I hope to leave a legacy of hon- oring the integrity of the legislative process and democracy,” he states. For him, this means effective policy that changes lives for
Colorado State Senate President Coleman (center), held an open forum to inspire men in the community to seek position of elected office. The event was supported by the Rocky Mountain NAACP. Seated to President Coleman's right is the 42nd Mayor of Denver, CO The Honorable Wellington E. Webb (Denver (CO) AL 1981).
These priorities reflect a vision for a Colorado where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. For Coleman, this means ensur- ing that economic policies not only promote growth but also uplift the most vul- nerable communities. “My focus as Senate President is on improving quality of life and opportunities for the Black community, knowing that in doing so,
all communities will be uplifted and strengthened,” he asserts. REPRESENTATION THAT MATTERS Coleman’s historic role as the second Black Senate President in Colorado’s history carries profound significance. “As quoted by the honorable Janet Buckner, former Colorado Senate President, ‘If you are
WINTER 2024-2025 ♦ THE JOURNAL 21
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