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. He served in the Texas House of Representatives for many years. From 1991 to 2022, he represented the 147th district. This district is located entirely within the cities of Houston and Harris County.
Early Life and Education
Garnet Coleman was born in Washington, DC. He grew up in Houston, Texas. His father, John B. Coleman, was a doctor in Houston. The Coleman family has a long history in Houston's Third Ward neighborhood. They have lived there for over 100 years.
Coleman attended Jack Yates High School in Houston. He then went to the University of St. Thomas in Houston. He graduated from the University of St. Thomas in 1990. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with honors. He also completed a special program at Harvard University. This program was for leaders in state and local government.
Political Career
Garnet Coleman began his political journey at a young age. He was first elected as a state representative in 1991. At that time, he was 29 years old. His district covered several important areas in Houston. These areas included Downtown Houston, the Hobby Airport area, Midtown Houston, Sagemont, and the Third Ward.
Coleman was recognized for his work in the legislature. The magazine Texas Monthly named him one of the Ten Best Legislators twice. He also received the 2005 Reintegration Award. This national award recognized his efforts to improve services for mental health. It also honored his work to reduce the negative feelings linked to mental illness.
Community Focus
Garnet Coleman cared deeply about his community. He especially focused on the Third Ward neighborhood. He wanted to make sure that the original residents could stay in their homes. He was against gentrification, which is when a neighborhood changes and becomes more expensive.
Coleman worked to protect the Third Ward. He had influence over the Midtown Tax Increment Financing District. This group bought land in the Third Ward. They put rules on the land deeds. These rules helped make sure the land could be used for low-income housing.
In 2009, Coleman explained his goals. He said, "We learned a lot from the problems in the Fourth Ward. So it would be silly not to react to the bad things that come with fast development." He wanted new people to join the community. He did not want them to change its original character. He noted that in the Fourth Ward, many residents were forced to move away. Businesses also disappeared.
