Merika Coleman

Merika Coleman is an American politician who has been serving in the Alabama House of Representatives since 2002, representing the 57th district. She is a member of the Democratic Party and has been involved in various initiatives, including those related to Birmingham, Alabama, Jefferson County, Alabama, and the Alabama Legislature. Coleman has worked with notable figures such as Artur Davis, Terri Sewell, and Sheila Smoot. Her work has also been influenced by organizations like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

● Early Life and Education

Merika Coleman was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where she attended Jackson-Olin High School. She later enrolled at Miles College, a historically black college in Fairfield, Alabama, and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. During her time at Miles College, Coleman was involved in various extracurricular activities, including the National Association of Black Journalists and the Student Government Association. She also interned at the Birmingham City Council and worked with Alabama State Representative John Rogers. Coleman's educational background has been shaped by institutions like Tuskegee University, Alabama State University, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

● Career

Before entering politics, Merika Coleman worked in the private sector, holding positions at companies like Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Regions Financial Corporation. She was also involved in community development initiatives, including those sponsored by the United Way of Central Alabama and the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. Coleman's career has been influenced by notable business leaders such as Richard Scrushy and James Stephens. Her work has also been recognized by organizations like the Birmingham Business Journal and the National Association of Women Business Owners.

● Political Career

Merika Coleman was first elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 2002, representing the 57th district. She has since been re-elected multiple times, serving alongside colleagues like Democrat Marcel Black and Republican Jim McClendon. Coleman has been a member of various committees, including the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Education Policy. Her work in the legislature has been influenced by events like the Alabama Accountability Act and the Alabama Education Budget. Coleman has also worked with notable politicians such as Governor Bob Riley, Governor Robert Bentley, and Senator Jeff Sessions.

● Personal Life

Merika Coleman is a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority and has been involved in various community organizations, including the NAACP and the Alabama Democratic Conference. She has also been recognized for her work by organizations like the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the Birmingham Museum of Art. Coleman's personal life has been influenced by figures like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Fred Shuttlesworth. Her work has also been shaped by events like the Selma to Montgomery Marches and the Birmingham Campaign. Coleman has been honored with awards from institutions like Miles College and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and has been featured in publications like the Birmingham News and the Montgomery Advertiser. Category:American politicians