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Biography · Civil Rights & Community

Vernell Coleman

1918–1980

United States

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Biography

Vernell Myers Coleman (August 28, 1918 – March 27, 1990) was a community organizer in Phoenix, Arizona. She was known as "Mother Coleman" and the "mayor" of the Matthew Henson Projects. She is remembered for reviving the celebration of Juneteenth.

Sources & collection details

Wikipedia contributors — original record ↗

Black heritage reference ↗

Biography text · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Source checked 2026-10-13

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