SR0628 104TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR0628 LRB104 20908 LAW 34633 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Lee Arthur Coleman II of East St. Louis, who passed away on September 10, 2025; and

WHEREAS, Lee Coleman was born to Sarah (Boochee) and Lee Coleman Sr. in East St. Louis on April 10, 1952; he belonged to the group of students known as the "East St. Louis 12", who were the first, by federal decree, to integrate Lansdowne Junior High School; he later graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School in 1970, and he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education and Social Work from the University of Illinois; and

WHEREAS, Lee Coleman returned to his hometown of East St. Louis, where he began his career as an outreach worker at Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House; he founded Buster Drugless, Inc., a program designed to combat drug addiction, and he became a mentor and frequent speaker for The James F. Clayborne Mentoring and Enrichment Program; he was also a business owner and educator, working as a substitute teacher in East St. Louis School District 189; and

WHEREAS, Lee Coleman served as equal employment officer with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) for 15 years until his retirement in 2019; during his tenure, he was widely regarded as an authority on navigating the agency; his work ensured fairness and equity in opportunities for Black-owned businesses, leading to the passage of two key bills in the Illinois General Assembly that guaranteed minority contractors access to road construction contracts through IDOT; and

WHEREAS, Lee Coleman held numerous roles that reflected his dedication to community and justice throughout his life, including serving as precinct committeeman, purchasing director, and city manager for East St. Louis; he helped manage Barack Obama's campaign during his run for U.S. Senate in 2003; he also served as both a board member and the southern regional vice president of the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce, strengthening the voice and visibility of Black businesses throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, Lee Coleman's deepest passion was empowering the people in his community to reach their full potential; in his personal time, he was a steady presence for children, teens, and young adults, offering financial support, connecting them with job opportunities, or simply stepping in as a surrogate father with a compassionate ear; his mentorship and care left an enduring mark on countless lives; and

WHEREAS, At the time of his passing, Lee Coleman was survived by his wife of 52 years, Annette Fields Coleman; their children, Lee Arthur (Josephine) Coleman III, Tamasha (Melvin) Coleman-Davis, and Sarah (Craig) Stennis; three grandchildren; his siblings, Peggy (Bobby) Wedgeworth, Carol Malone, Pearlie (Larry) Barton, Doris Marie (John) Grinston, Renate Coleman, Larry (Etta) Coleman, Bobby (Kimberly) Coleman, and Ray (Cynthia) Coleman; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Lee Arthur Coleman II and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Lee Coleman as an expression of our deepest sympathy.