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On Wednesday January 13th Faribault Rotary had the pleasure of hearing a classification speech from one of our newest members Brian Coleman. Brian is Faribault Public Schools Service-Learning Coordinator.
Brian started us off with a reading on Unity by Morgan Harper Nichols and set the stage for a very moving presentation. Brian was born in Port Huron MI and stated that his town was not the safest place. He described his childhood for us (leaving many of us in tears). Brian had a very difficult childhood. He is bi-racial and his mom took him and his little brother to live safely away from his dad when he was just 3 years old.
They were homeless, and lived in a car at different times. Elementary school was rough, minus his extremely awesome hair. Children can be very mean, and Brian was not spared from their name calling and harassment. By middle school Brian had learned to get along with others and discovered the sports of football and basketball at which he excelled. By high school Brian was participating in student senate and Varsity club.
His talent on the court afforded him the opportunity for a full Scholarship to St. Claire County Community College. Brian was a shining star in his freshmen year. Any way he could be winning he was! As a sophomore he was let go from the basketball team, but allowed to keep his scholarship to SC4. He ended up transferring to Northern State University in Herron, South Dakota where he played basketball and met his wife Linda.
After college graduation, Linda relocated to Minnesota for a teaching job. After Brian’s Step Father passed in 2000 the family made a move back to Minnesota and Brian started a job with Workforce Center as a career counselor, and eventually landed where he is today as the Faribault Public Schools Service-Learning Coordinator.
Brian is married to Linda, they have three children Mason – 14, Jersey – 12, and Harper – 9. They are an active family and wishing Covid-19 would wrap up so they can get back to sports and the things they love to do.
Brian had started his presentation with a quote “all people can be successful with support.” It is clear that Brian had a lot of support from a lot of people who love him. Even fellow Rotarians weighed in at the end of the presentation to say what an exceptional person he is.
WOW! Are we ever lucky Brian has joined our ranks! Brian, we are so excited to have you and look forward to making great thing happen with you in our club!