Irma Clark-Coleman, former Michigan Senator and longtime local politician, has died
Irma Clark-Coleman, a Democrat whose political career included the Michigan state senate and house, died Tuesday. She was 88.
"She will be greatly missed by her loving family, close friends, professional colleagues and those in the communities she diligently served," her family said in an Instagram post. "Let us be intentional in fervent prayer for the family as we solicit the gift of God's peace and comfort during this delicate time."
Arrangements for a celebration of life and services are pending.
Irma Clark-Coleman file photo
Wayne County
"I've never met anyone as driven to be of service than Irma and she leaves with us a legacy that demonstrates her commitment. My thoughts are with Irma's family and her countless other friends at this difficult time," Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan said about his friend.
Clark-Coleman was born in rural Georgia, then moved to Detroit, according to her biography on the Wayne County site. Clark-Coleman attended Pershing High School and was the first in her family to graduate from college, earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Wayne State University.
Her decades of government service started in 1967 with an entry-level job with the Wayne County Road Commission, working her way up to assistant public information director. She later was media relations director for Wayne County Executive Bill Lucas and press secretary to Wayne County executive Ed McNamara.
During her last seven years with the county, she was also a member of the Detroit School Board.
She retired in 1998 as a human relations director for Wayne County.
Upon retirement, Clark-Coleman served as a Michigan House representative for District 11 and a Michigan senator for District 3.
While in the House, her work included legislation aimed at improving educational standards and student opportunities. In the Senate, she sponsored legislation to strengthen high school graduation standards. She also worked on easing requirements for family members who wished to become legal foster parents or adopt children in their care.
Her appointments include National Education Commission of the States, as well as the Cherry Commission on Higher Education. She is also a former member of the National School Board Association Board of Directors, Michigan Association of School Boards of Directors and National Alliance of Black School Educators.
She held memberships with NAACP, Living Waters Church Board, Trade Union Leadership Council, and the Alpha Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
She was given numerous awards and honors during her life including the Michigan Girl Scouts "Tomorrow Power" award; Latino Community Mana de Michigan Adelita (sister) award; the American Business Women Association award; the Women of Wayne State University Alumni Association's 1997 Headliner award; and the Michigan Chronicle's 2016 Women of Excellence Award.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
34 minutes ago
- CBS News
Boston protesters condemn U.S. attack in Iran as Rep. Lynch criticizes president's decision
A crowd of approximately 500 demonstrators took to the streets of downtown Boston Sunday to protest recent U.S. military strikes against Iran, while Gov. Maura Healey was briefed by Homeland Security. The march began at Park Street Station and culminated with a rally on the Boston Common, where activists, community leaders and concerned citizens gathered to make their voices heard. Protesters' demands The demonstration was organized by several advocacy groups, including the National Iranian American Council, Massachusetts Peace Action, Northshore for Palestine, and Jewish Voice for Peace Boston. Protesters said they were calling for a clear rejection by Congress of any steps toward war with Iran, a negotiated nuclear deal, and a formal congressional investigation into the strikes recently ordered by President Donald Trump against Iranian nuclear facilities. Lynch: Congress not told of strikes In an interview with WBZ-TV, Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch said that Congress was not made aware of these military strikes. "We had no prior contact or notification from the president," said Rep. Lynch. "He informed some of the Republican members and then did not inform the Democratic members. That's a complete breach of protocol. I think every American president in our history has always made sure that when we go into battle, we go in together as one country." Lynch also said that this is something he would consider an act of war, one that would require congressional approval. "It involved the deployment of U.S. forces, and we could have just as easily had casualties there," Rep. Lynch said. Rep. Lynch said that confidential security briefings will be held for members of congress over the coming days. He also added that conversation amongst Republican members of the house are split at the moment, with several members feeling betrayed after President Trump campaigned on not bringing the United States into foreign conflict. "The narrative was that President Trump was going to keep us out of these types of situations," he said. "There will be consequences to these attacks." Healey briefed by Homeland Security In a statement, Massachusetts Gov. Healey said she received a briefing from Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem Sunday afternoon. "While there are no specific threats to Massachusetts at this time, we are continuing to coordinate with state, local and federal partners to closely monitor the situation," said Healey in the statement.
Washington Post
34 minutes ago
- Washington Post
Storm's Nneka Ogwumike, WNBA players union president, speaks out on CBA negotiations
SEATTLE — As president of the WNBA's players union, Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike has been asked time and again about the league's collective bargaining agreement discussions. The WNBA is bringing in more money than ever from sponsors and ticket sales, and will bring in much more from its 11-year media rights deal , worth around $200 million per year starting in 2026 — yet player salaries haven't increased drastically in recent years. In light of other players around the WNBA speaking out, Ogwumike addressed the matter of player salaries following the Storm's 89-79 win over the New York Liberty on Sunday .
Yahoo
40 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Senate Republicans cannot force US Postal Service to scrap EVs, parliamentarian says
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Senate Republicans cannot force the U.S. Postal Service to scrap thousands of electric vehicles and charging equipment in a massive tax and budget bill, the Senate parliamentarian said late on Sunday. The U.S. Postal Service currently has 7,200 electric vehicles, made up of Ford e-Transit vehicles and specially built Next Generation Delivery Vehicles built by Oshkosh Defense. USPS warned on June 13 that scrapping the electric vehicles would cost it $1.5 billion, including $1 billion to replace its current fleet of EVs and $500 million in EV infrastructure rendered useless. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
