[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 97 (Tuesday, June 11, 2019)]
[House]
[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.

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