In December 2022, a concurrent resolution introduced by Former Michigan Senator Adam Hollier, proposed to replace a statue of Lewis Cass, currently set in the United State Capitol's Statuary Hall, with a statue of Mayor Young. The resolution, after a year of internal campaigning among his constituents, passed unanimously in the Michigan State Legislature.
Sen. Hollier asked CAYF to serve as the fiduciary for the Coleman Young Statue Initiative. The role calls for the CAYF lead the fundraising effort required to support the statue's creation and placement. Per the concurrent resolution's guidelines, surplus funds raised to support the statue initiative will be donated to support CAYF's mission to develop leadership among Detroit youth.
A Trailblazer. A Freedom Fighter.
A Visionary. A Son of Detroit.
Before he transformed a city, he challenged a nation. Before he made history, he fought against the very systems that tried to deny him a future. Coleman Alexander Young didn't wait for change. He became the change.
Born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1918, Young moved to Detroit with his family in 1923, settling in the historic Black Bottom neighborhood. Despite his academic excellence, racial discrimination denied him educational opportunities. Rather than surrender to injustice, he dedicated his life to dismantling it.
A fearless labor organizer, Tuskegee Airman, and civil rights champion, Young challenged segregation, fought for workers' rights, and stood boldly against political persecution. His unwavering commitment to justice propelled him into the Michigan State Senate, where he became a powerful voice for equality and economic opportunity.
In 1973, Coleman A. Young made history as Detroit's first African American mayor. Serving five consecutive terms, he transformed the city's political and economic landscape, integrating the police department, expanding opportunities for Black entrepreneurs and women, and championing investments that helped reshape Detroit's future.
His legacy extends far beyond City Hall. Through the Coleman A. Young Foundation, his commitment to education and opportunity continues to empower generations of young people.
Born in Alabama. Forged in Detroit. Remembered in American history.
Coleman Alexander Young was more than a mayor. He was a symbol of courage, a champion of possibility, and living proof that greatness can rise from adversity.
Coleman A. Young
Statue Commission
The five-person commission leads the Coleman A. Young Statue Initiative consists of the following individuals:
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Adam Hollier, former Michigan State Senator
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Chris Ilitch, CEO, Ilitch Holdings
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Wendy L. Jackson, director, Detroit Programs, Kresge Foundation
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John James, chairman, James Group International
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Suzanne Shank, CEO, Siebert Williams Shank & Co.
Established 1982 by Mayor Coleman Young, Walter Beckham and Lawrence Doss.
CAYF, Coleman Young's lasting legacy, may be the lone apolitical achievement of Mayor Young's life and career. The foundation was dear to "The Mayor." He served as one of the early mentors to the first college students CAYF supported. He was known to call CAYF Scholars to his office when their grades fell below the threshold. Bob Berg, Mayor Young's late press secretary, is on record saying The Mayor leaned over to him during one of CAYF's early scholarship banquets and said, "Of all the things I've accomplished, this may be one of the best things I've done."
Our mission is to develop leadership among Detroit youth through scholarships, mentoring and other supports.
CONTRIBUTORS
Suzanne
Shank
