Garnet Coleman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Garnet Fredrick Coleman
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| Member of the Texas House of Representatives from the 147th district |
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| In office October 18, 1991 – February 28, 2022 |
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| Preceded by | Larry Q. Evans |
| Succeeded by | Jolanda Jones |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Garnet Fredrick Coleman
September 8, 1961 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Angelique F. Coleman |
| Children | 2 |
| Residences | Houston, Texas, U.S. |
| Education | University of St. Thomas (BA) |
| Website | Campaign website |
Garnet Fredrick Coleman, born on September 8, 1961, is an American politician. For many years, he served in the Texas House of Representatives. He represented District 147, which covers parts of Houston and Harris County. He was a member of the Texas House from 1991 to 2022.
Early Life and Education
Garnet Fredrick Coleman was born in Washington, D.C., in 1961. He grew up in Houston, Texas. His father, John B. Coleman, was a doctor in Houston. His family has a long history in Houston's Third Ward neighborhood.
He went to Jack Yates High School in Houston. Later, he graduated from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there in 1990. He also studied at Howard University in Washington, D.C. Mr. Coleman also completed a special program at Harvard University for government leaders.
Political Career Highlights
Coleman was first elected as a state representative in 1991. He was 29 years old at the time. His district included areas like Downtown Houston, the Hobby Airport area, Midtown Houston, Sagemont, and the Third Ward.
He was recognized by Texas Monthly magazine as one of the "Ten Best Legislators" twice. In 2005, he received the Reintegration Award from Eli Lilly and Company. This national award honored his efforts to improve services and reduce negative ideas about mental illness.
Community Focus and Development
Coleman has strong views on community development. He has worked to prevent gentrification in the Third Ward. Gentrification is when a neighborhood changes, and original residents might be forced to move out. He wanted to help original residents stay in their homes.
He helped manage the Midtown Tax Increment Financing District. This group bought land in the Third Ward. They put rules on the land to make sure it could be used for affordable housing. In 2009, Coleman said they learned from past mistakes in the Fourth Ward. He wanted to make sure new development helped the community. He aimed to find people who would become part of the community, not change its character.
Coleman noted that the Fourth Ward lost its sense of community. He said that residents were pushed to the suburbs. Many businesses also disappeared from the area.
