Frank Coleman (counselor) facts for kids

Frank "Tick" Coleman (born February 29, 1912 – died December 25, 2008) was an amazing teacher and community helper. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Frank grew up in the Point Breeze area of the city.

He was one of the very first Black people to become an Eagle Scout. Frank Coleman is remembered for helping the groups that supported him. He also guided many young people in Philadelphia.

Frank Coleman's Early Life

While at Logan Elementary School, Frank got his nickname "Tick." His friends said he could do things super fast, in just a "few ticks of the clock."

In the 1920s, when Frank was young, many places were segregated. This meant Black people were not allowed in most city swimming pools. The YMCA was also segregated. So, Frank and his friends swam at the Christian Street YMCA. This YMCA was started in the 1880s by African Americans in South Philadelphia. Frank Coleman ended up helping the YMCA for more than 80 years!

Joining the Boy Scouts

Frank first joined the Boy Scouts in Troop 181. This troop met at a church in his neighborhood. His mother wanted him to have something good to do after school.

Frank kept working hard in Scouting even though there were unfair rules at the time. In October 1926, at age 15, he earned his Eagle Scout rank. This made him one of the first three known Black Eagle Scouts. At that time, he was a freshman at Central High School.

High School Sports Star

Frank Coleman was the first African American to be the quarterback for Central High School's football team. He led his team to win the Public League championships in 1929 and 1930. In 1928, he was also the first African American on the All Scholastic High School Football Team. His football helmet and shoes are shown every year at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.

After graduating from Central High in 1931, he went to Lincoln University. While there, he was class president three times. He was also the varsity football quarterback. Frank was on the wrestling team and managed the varsity basketball team. He graduated from Lincoln University in 1935.

Frank Coleman's Career

Soon after graduating from Lincoln, Frank started helping and guiding young people. He worked for the School District of Philadelphia as a youth counselor for 32 years. He retired in 1981.

He earned a Master's degree in 1959 from the Penn School of Social Work. Later, in 1984, Lincoln University gave him an honorary doctoral degree. This is a special degree given to honor someone's achievements.

Community Work and Mentorship

As a guidance counselor and through Lincoln University, Frank helped hundreds of young people. He even helped pay for their education using scholarships he created.

He was a very active former student of Lincoln University. He especially supported its football team. At Lincoln, he was the Director of Alumni Relations from 1981 to 1988. He also represented former students on the Board of Trustees for 10 years.

Frank was involved in many community groups. These included the Philadelphia Christian Street YMCA and the Wissahickon Boys Club. He also worked with the Peace Corps and the Salvation Army.

Bringing Scouting to More Kids

Frank Coleman spent many years helping to bring Scouting to kids who didn't have many opportunities. To honor his service, the Boy Scouts of America created an award. It is called the Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman National Service Award. This award honors adult Scout leaders who help young people in underserved communities. In 2007, it was thought that he was the oldest living Black Eagle Scout.

Awards and Recognition

Frank Coleman received many honors for his hard work and dedication:

• Dr. Frank "Tick" Coleman Service Award: An award named after him by the Boy Scouts of America.
• Omega Psi Phi Man of the Year: A special honor from his fraternity.
• Central High School William Butler Award: For outstanding student athletes.
• 2004 John Wanamaker Masonic Humanitarian Medal: For 80 years of service to the Christian Street YMCA in South Philadelphia.
• PhD (Honorary): A special doctoral degree from Lincoln University.

See also

• Historically black colleges and universities
• Scoutreach