Coleman Young
Coleman Alexander Young (May 24, 1918 – November 29, 1997) was an American politician who served as mayor of Detroit, Michigan from 1974 to 1994. Young was the first African-American mayor of Detroit.
Coleman Young | |
|---|---|
Young in 1975 | |
| 66th Mayor of Detroit | |
| In office January 1, 1974 – January 3, 1994 | |
| Preceded by | Roman Gribbs |
| Succeeded by | Dennis Archer |
| 40th President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
| In office 1982–1983 | |
| Preceded by | Helen Boosalis |
| Succeeded by | Richard Fulton |
| Member of the Michigan Senate from the 4th district | |
| In office January 1, 1965 – 1973 | |
| Preceded by | Charles S. Blondy |
| Succeeded by | David S. Holmes, Jr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Coleman Alexander Young May 24, 1918 Tuscaloosa, Alabama, U.S. |
| Died | November 29, 1997 (aged 79) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Resting place | Elmwood Cemetery, Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouses | Marion McClellan
(m. 1947; div. 1954)Nadine Baxter
(m. 1955; div. 1960) |
| Children | Coleman Young II |
| Profession | Politician |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service |
|
| Rank | Second Lieutenant |
| Unit | 477th Bombardment Group |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
Young had emerged from the far-left element in Detroit, and moderated somewhat after his election as mayor. He called an ideological truce and gained widespread support from the city's business leaders. The new mayor was energetic in the construction of the Joe Louis Arena, and upgrading the city's mass transit system. He assisted General Motors in building its new "Poletown" plant at the site of the former Dodge Main plant in Hamtramck. Some opponents said that he pulled money out of the neighborhoods to rehabilitate the downtown business district, but he said "there were no other options."
In 1981, Young received the Spingarn Medal for achievement from the NAACP.