Coleman Young
Coleman Young was Detroit's first black mayor and the city's longest-serving chief executive.
Political Figure
May 24, 1918
Gemini
November 29, 1997
79
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Coleman Young, the first African American mayor of Detroit, held office for five terms from 1974 to 1994. Renowned for his outspokenness and dedication to social justice, Young significantly contributed to enhancing race relations, broadening access to public services, and championing workers’ rights. Prior to his tenure as mayor, he served as a member of the Michigan State Senate. Among Young’s accomplishments are his advocacy for civil rights, his service in the US Army during World War II, and his work as a labor organizer. An intriguing aspect of Young’s career was his opposition to a contentious song during a Detroit concert, which led to an increased police presence around the venue.