Rev. Richard Coleman to speak at May 7 Rotary meeting

The May 7 meeting of Rotary Club of Edina will feature program speaker the Rev. Richard Coleman. He will speak about "North Minneapolis: Breaking the Cycle of Poverty." 

 

Coleman is the executive director of Hope United Community Development Corporation. Hope United is a faith-based nonprofit located in north Minneapolis. The organization is led by a board directors—a multicultural team of men and women who share a dedication to community transformation. Hope United serves primarily as a catalyst for positive change and as a servant leadership organization that helps people of faith, others of good will, and their organizations collaborate in increasing positive community engagement, learning readiness, and economic opportunity. Among their programs and initiatives are African American Male Alliance, Bridge of Reconciliation, Urban Suburban Business Council, Urban Suburban Congregation Leaders' Council, and many more. Two pilot programs—Workforce Investment Network and On Point—were developed by the urban/suburban counsels and are helping nonprofits, congregations, government, and businesses connect around a comprehensive workforce development model. By 2020, the workforce development initiatives will directly help 1,200 northsiders become employed in career-path positions that pay livable wages.

 

Coleman has been with Hope United since 2011. He is also involved with Servant Leaders' Support, Inc. as a volunteer. Previously, he was CEO of Kingdom Oil in Minneapolis and senior pastor at African Methodist Episcopal Church locations in Illinois, Michigan and Minnesota.

 

Rotarian Jim Ryman will serve as program chair for the meeting, as well as give his classification talk. 

 

The Rotary Club of Edina meets at 12:15 p.m. Thursdays at the Edina Country Club. All are welcome. Cost for lunch and the program is $18.