Shirley Coleman

Shirley Coleman is a former alderman of the 16th ward in Chicago; she was first elected in 1991. She lost a run-off election to Joann Thompson after coming in second in the 2007 general election.

Early life

Coleman grew up in Chicago, as one of 13 children. She attended Chicago State University and worked for the Chicago Osteopathic Hospital. She later worked for the Department of Human Services.

Political career

Coleman was first elected in 1991 after former Alderman Anna Langdon decided not to run again. Before her 1995 election, it became public that Coleman’s former husband, Hernando Williams, was on Death Row awaiting execution for rape and murder, but she was re-elected despite that new information.

As alderman, Coleman focused on issues of crime and poverty which are major problems in her ward. She served on six committees: Budget and Government Operations; Committees, Rules and Ethics; Education; Finance; Health; and License and Consumer Protection.

Personal life

Alderman Coleman has two daughters, Shirlynda and Stephanie. Coleman made history as the only Chicago alderman who is an ordained minister and pastor. Also, Coleman was the only alderman elected in the 16th Ward for 4 consecutive terms. For the last 17 years, Coleman has been a Baptist minister at the Spiritual Wholistic Ministries where she delivers sermons and teaches Bible classes.

References

• Terry, Don. 2 Executions In Illinois, Rarity There. The New York Times (1995-03-23). Retrieved on 2007-11-13.