WHEREAS,
Dr. Frank Coleman was born February 28, 1911 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to the late Solomon and Victoria M. Coleman-Pendleton; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Coleman was affectionately known as “Tick”, named by elementary school classmates who stated “He could do things within a few ticks on a clock”; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Coleman was a superior athlete, he was the first black quarterback on the Central High School Public League Champion Teams and the first black member from Philadelphia on the area Scholastic High School Football Team; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Coleman earned a both a bachelor’s degree and a doctorial degree from Lincoln University and a master’s degree from Pennsylvania School of Social Work; and
WHEREAS,
While a student at Lincoln University he was elected class president three times, served as varsity football quarterback, member of the wrestling team, basketball team, served on the Intramural Council and pledged Omega Psi Phi; and
WHEREAS
, As a tribute to his prowess on the football field, his football helmet and shoes are on display annually at the African American Museum in Philadelphia; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Coleman was one of the first Black Eagle Boy Scouts in the nation, he spent many years bring scouts to underprivileged youth. To honor his years of service, The Boy Scouts of America created the “Frank ‘Tick’ Coleman National Service Award” to honor paraprofessional scouts; and
WHEREAS,
Dr. Coleman was baptized in 1927 at Union Baptist Church, had been a faithful member for eighty-one years, was on the Deacon Board for over 40 years, as a member of the Scholarship Committee and as assistant Sunday School Superintendent; and
WHEREAS,
Throughout his life, Dr. Coleman was committed to Philadelphia’s Youth, from working at the Christian Street YMCA as a young man to serving as a youth counselor for the School District of Philadelphia until his retirement in 1981 after 32 years of service; and
WHEREAS,
In 1981 Dr. Coleman began his professional tenure at his alma mater, Lincoln University, serving as Director of Alumni Relations, a member of the Board of Trustees and special assistant to the President for alumni giving; and
WHEREAS,
The valuable contributions of Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman to many, many organizations, such as Union Baptist Church, the School District of Philadelphia, the Boy Scouts of America, and to his alma mater, Lincoln University, will never be forgotten; therefore be it
RESOLVED,
That the City Council of the City of Philadelphia pay tribute and honor this great citizen of Philadelphia, Dr. Frank Coleman on the occasion of his passing, on December 25, 2008 and offer its condolences to his family and loved ones; and
FURTHER RESOLVED,
That an Engrossed copy of this Resolution be presented to the family members of this accomplished man as evidence of the sincere sentiment of this legislative body.
End