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[Pages H4393-H4394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING AVANT P. COLEMAN
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
North Carolina (Mr. Butterfield) for 5 minutes.
Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the
achievements of a great public servant, a father, a dedicated man of
faith, a friend to many, and the longest-serving elected official in
Wilson, North Carolina, city government, the Honorable Avant Patrick
Coleman.
[[Page H4394]]
Avant Coleman, Mr. Speaker, better known as A.P., is a native of
Edgecombe County, but he has resided in Wilson County for many decades.
He received his formal education, earning his bachelor of science
degree in agriculture and biology from historic North Carolina A&T
State University. He went on to earn a master of science degree in
adult education with a minor in sociology from North Carolina State
University and a graduate of the Extension Executive Development
Institute.
Professionally, A.P. used the full potential of his education and
passion in his career, which began with teaching vocational agriculture
in Lenoir and Greene Counties. His desire to pour into our youth a
conviction for community engagement led him to join the North Carolina
Cooperative Extension Service, where he worked for 31 long years,
retiring in March 1994. In this role, Mr. Speaker, he was responsible
for countywide 4-H programs, a national initiative that embraces young
people of all beliefs and all backgrounds and empowers them with
leadership skills training for the betterment of their lives and their
communities.
A.P. Coleman has earned numerous distinctions, honors, and
achievements. Elected in 1975, A.P. Coleman has served for 38 long
years as a member of the Wilson City Council. He served as mayor pro
tempore from 1989 to 1995.
His campaign slogan embodied his mantra of service to the community
to improve the lives of its people. He would say, ``A new way for a new
day.'' His early platform for service included economic and business
development, balanced growth, housing, crime and violence, and most
importantly, contact with citizens.
His retirement from elected office was effective a few days ago on 31
May 2019.
A.P. Coleman has served on several council-appointed boards and
committees throughout the State and the city, such as president of the
North Carolina League of Municipalities, 1991 to 1992; chairman of
Region L Council of Governments, 1990 to 1992, 2006 to 2007; a member
of the Small Cities Council and National League of Cities, 1988 to
1995.
He has served on the board of directors for Carolina Family Health
Centers, Incorporated. That is our FQHC in the city. He served as
director since 1999 and even served as chairman.
Mr. Coleman previously served as a board member for the local and
regional Nations Bank and was the recipient of many leadership awards,
including the Extension Service Superior Leadership Award. He received
a certificate of appreciation after completing a 4-H caravan 6-week
study tour of the United Kingdom, honoring his leadership roles in the
States of Maryland and North Carolina.
He has served, Mr. Speaker, as finance committee chair for Carolina
Smart Choices for Youth and as a chairman of the Wilson Preparatory
Academy charter school.
Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coleman has been a very engaged individual for
decades. Throughout his years of public service, A.P. Coleman has been
active with his local church, civic affairs, and other charitable
organizations. He is a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.,
where he serves as an elder. He is a past member of the board of
directors for United Way, president of the Wilson County chapter of the
North Carolina A&T State University Alumni Association, vice president
of Crime Stoppers, past member of the Eastern North Carolina School for
the Deaf's human rights committee, member of the Presbytery of the New
Hope disaster committee, and recipient of prestigious accomplishments
and awards.
Coleman is also a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity and a
life member of the NAACP.
The most important thing to Avant Coleman has always been his family.
He was married to the late Willa Monroe Coleman and is the proud father
of three, Elliotte, Wanda, and Jacqueline, and a proud grandfather of
one grandson, Juan.
Avant is a family man, dear friend, and colleague to so many others.
Mr. Speaker, he is also my neighbor, my next-door neighbor for the past
25 years. A man of principle and conviction to the importance of
brotherly kindness, A.P.'s motto in life is the golden rule: ``Do unto
others as you would have them do unto you.''
Finally, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Coleman has lived an incredible life that,
by the grace of God, has impacted the lives of so many. His selfless
and lifelong dedication to public service and community are beyond
remarkable, and he is truly a role model. His love for his family,
friends, church, and community know no bounds.
I am honored today to pay tribute to such a dedicated and honorable
public servant. I am proud to have A.P. Coleman as a constituent and
friend. I thank him for his dedication, service, and continued role as
an inspiration to all of us. God continue to bless A.P. Coleman and his
family.
____________________