Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman
Community Leader and Role Model
Eagle Scout, 1927, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 1927, and so was one of the first African Americans to earn Scouting’s highest achievement. He is admired by prominent celebrities today, including comedian Bill Cosby, and he was a mentor to the late Ed Bradley, an award-winning television journalist. The Dr. Frank “Tick” Coleman National Service Award, a special recognition for full-time paraprofessionals, was the Boy Scouts of America’s way of honoring the legacy of Dr. Coleman. In the Scoutreach DVD An Inspirational Message From One of the First African American Eagle Scouts, Dr. Coleman shared these words:
“I was proud to wear the Boy Scout uniform, because just being a part of that organization meant a lot to me.”
Dr. Frank "Tic" Coleman was an absolute legend. He was a great football player at Central High School. He was the first African-American quarterback to play for the Lancers. He guided Central to two straight Public League championships in 1929 and 1930. He was named to the city’s All-Scholastic football team.
Coleman played quarterback for Lincoln University from 1931 to 1935. He was a major reason why Lincoln University brought football back after a 48-year absence.
He was a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. He grew up in South Philadelphia in the 1920s. In junior high school, he became a member of the Boy Scouts. Through hard work and dedication, he earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest honor in scouting.
He graduated from Lincoln University in 1935 and received a master’s degree from the Penn School of Social Work in 1959. Coleman spent 32 years as a counselor in the School District of Philadelphia. In 1981, he retired from the school district. Coleman was the director of alumni relations from 1981 to 1988. He also spent 10 years as a member of Lincoln University’s board of trustees.
He passed away on December 25, 2008, at the age of 97. Coleman’s legacy lives on with his alumni awards and scholarships.
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