Kim Elizabeth Coleman was born June 17, 1963 in Newark, New Jersey.  She was educated in the Newark School System and graduated from Shabazz High School in 1981.  After graduating from Shabazz, she attended Essex County College for two years and majored in Early Childhood Development.  In addition, Kim enrolled in a Home Health Aide Training Course and became a Certified Home Health Aide for the Visiting Nurse Association of Essex Valley, where she served for several years.

      Early in her life, Kim learned the value of a good education and discovered her talent and passion in the arts, learning how to paint and draw.  Kim enjoyed sharing her gift with others, and was always willing to teach people whatever she knew.   Her natural ability and talent was passed on to her son and others that Kim taught to draw and explore their own talent.  Kim had an exceptionally kind and generous soul, that was always wanting and willing to help others.  She carried so much wisdom in her as a person and was constantly willing to share it to anyone who would listen.  Her love for people was what really made her shine, and her glowing personality made people always want to be around her.  Kim was such a happy person who loved to laugh and have fun, which touched the lives of numerous people.  Without question, she was a wonderful example of true camaraderie and cared very deeply for the well-being of others, often before her own.

      Kim was a wonderful mother to two children, Kashawn and Bryant, who also attended school in Essex County.  She loved to talk to them about their future and encouraged them to work hard towards achieving their dreams.  She especially instilled in them the importance of getting a good education, setting goals for themselves and succeeding in accomplishing the goals they set forth.  As a mother, she was always excited about her children doing well and excelling in school; she was their biggest cheerleader.  Kim taught her children and others around her to never settle or be content with their current position in life, but to always strive to achieve more.  Her heart was warm, her smile was bright and more than anything she loved her family.

      Kim passed away June 23, 2000, and in memory of her love for life and education, the Kim E. Coleman Scholarship Foundation was created to continue encouraging youth to press on, pursue, and achieve their dreams.  Although, she is no longer here with us, her love for life and encouraging words continue to live on in those who she interacted with in her life.  Kim’s legacy will continue through her children, grandchildren and generations to come.  The Foundation will carry on her spirit of selfless giving so that others may succeed.  The recipients of the Kim E. Coleman Scholarship award should therefore exemplify a genuine sense of giving back and embody a strong sense of integrity, confidence and passion for life and love, just like Kim Elizabeth Coleman.

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