William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. was born on July 7, 1920 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was raised in a middle-class African American family and from a young age, showed promise in academics. Coleman attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his undergraduate degree before going on to pursue his law degree at Harvard Law School.
After graduating from Harvard, Coleman landed a coveted legal clerk position with U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Herbert F. Goodrich. His talent and dedication quickly caught the attention of the legal community, leading him to a clerkship with United States Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter. It was during this time that Coleman made significant contributions to the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education, which ended racial segregation in public schools.
Throughout his legal career, Coleman was known for his dedication to civil rights and justice. He worked tirelessly to promote equality and fairness in the legal system, earning the respect and admiration of his peers.
In 1975, Coleman was appointed as the United States Secretary of Transportation, serving in that role until 1977. As a member of the Republican Party, Coleman worked to improve the nation's transportation infrastructure and promote safety on the roadways. His tenure was marked by a commitment to excellence and a focus on serving the public good.
After leaving government service, Coleman joined the prestigious law firm O'Melveny & Myers as a partner. He continued to use his legal expertise to advocate for justice and equality, representing clients in a variety of high-profile cases.
Coleman was married to Lovida Mae Hardin and together they had three children, including their son William T. Coleman III, who followed in his father's footsteps and became an attorney. The Coleman family was known for their close bond and support for each other.
In recognition of his lifelong dedication to public service and the advancement of civil rights, Coleman was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by then-President Bill Clinton in 1995. Throughout his career, Coleman served as a role model for future generations of lawyers and advocates, inspiring others to stand up for justice and equality.
William Thaddeus Coleman Jr. will always be remembered as a trailblazer in the legal and political worlds, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, dedication, and service to his country.