Professor Ed Coleman.
Edwin (Ed) Coleman 1932-2018
University of Oregon Professor
When it comes to civil rights activism at the University of Oregon, Edwin Leon Coleman II stands out as one of the most impactful faculty members of the late 20th century.
Coleman received his PhD in English from the UO in 1971. That same year, he was hired as a full-time English instructor and is credited with offering the first courses in Black literature at the UO. He was also instrumental in founding the ethnic studies curriculum.
Growing up in the Jim Crow south had a profound impact on Coleman’s understanding of racism and inspired him to fight for equality for all who were oppressed. For more than 40 years, he was a steadfast friend and advocate for students, faculty, and community members of color. Even after his retirement, he remained an active supporter of groups like the Black Student Union and Black Student Task Force.
Beyond campus, Coleman left an enduring legacy in the Eugene community as an educator, musician, activist, writer, and organizer. An accomplished jazz performer, he once shared the stage with Ella Fitzgerald and toured with Peter, Paul and Mary.
In 1994, Coleman’s student Andrea Debnam observed,“The University of Oregon campus is predominantly white campus, there are a lot of issues that you deal with being here. We don’t have very many African Americans as students, but definitely not as professors. I think he is what we need as African American students, he is a positive role model.”
– Ed Coleman introduced black literature to the University of Oregon and became a priceless advocate for black students and staff.
– Coleman was an advisor for the Black Student Union and Cultural Center and sat on the board of sponsors.
– Before his career with UO, Coleman was a professional bass player, touring across the country playing with renowned musicians such as Ella Fitzgerald.
Coleman speaks with two students.
Faculty Jazz Trio. Ed Coleman, bass; Ed Kammerer, piano; Charmaigne Coleman, vocalist; Ron Falter, drums.
Mural of Dr. Coleman depicting his life as an educator, musician, and civil rights activist.
Read more about Ed Coleman’s impact on the Eugene community
– A Pillar of Hope: Dr. Ed Coleman’s Legacy
– Dr. Edwin Coleman, Jr., Center Mural Project
– Ed Coleman: ‘Kicking ’til the very end’
– Friendly Neighborhood celebrates finished murals for Dr. Edwin Coleman Jr.
– Retired UO professor Edwin Coleman dies
Visit Ed Coleman’s murals in Eugene
Two murals celebrating Ed Coleman’s life accomplished were installed in 2019 at the newly renamed Dr. Edwin Coleman Community Center in Westmoreland Park. The first mural, created by Jessilyn Brinkerhoff, shows Dr. Coleman during his 50 years in Eugene as an educator, musician, civil rights activist, writer, and community and UO campus organizer. The second mural, painted by Esteban Camacho Steffensen, illustrates scenes of Dr. Coleman’s passions: social justice and music.
Located at the Dr. Edwin Coleman Community Center.
