Mr. Coleman is the founder and leader of the Washtenaw Knights, a crime and drug prevention musical group. The group was formed in 1991 and performs at countywide “National Night Out” events. The band’s concept continues to evolve, and the release of a CD entitled “Let’s Give Them HOPE” has been played throughout the nation. The songs have received positive reviews and recommendations from the “Drug Abuse Update Magazine”. A song titled “Youth to Youth I’m Drug Free” received a certificate of achievement in the International Bill Board Song Contest, and recently another song titled “We are Community” addressing the dangers of hate groups, was released in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. These positive prevention songs have received national recognition and resolutions from MCADY, Michigan PTA, CPAM and the American Federation of Musicians. In October 2001, Mr. Rich Coleman and the Washtenaw Knight re-released “We are Community” as a tribute to Police Officers, Fire Fighters, Dispatchers, and Emergency Personnel who lost their lives in the September 11 ^th attack on America.

The media and prevention community have consistently sought out Mr. Coleman from across the county as a music consultant and speaker. Mr. Coleman continues to work with the music industry and participates with others in studying the impact of negative music on students and communities. The International Musicians Association have endorsed “Giving Kids Hope: One Musicians Positive Rap”, which challenges musicians from around the country, to support the resolution of addressing violence and drugs in music, and encourages them to get involved in their communities by providing a positive musical message to our youth.

2001 Activities, Programs and Accomplishments

· Outstanding Crime Prevention Practitioner of the year 2000, Crime Prevention Association of Michigan (CPAM).

· Recognized as the 4 ^th runner-up for the Syndistar’s National Crime and Drug Prevention Educator of the Year 2000.

· Recognized by Senator Carl Levin at a luncheon meeting of the Detroit Economic Club as a community youth advocate.

· Served as Chair of the Washtenaw County Community Partnership, Substance Abuse and Youth at Risk initiative.

· Organized, performs and leads the “Washtenaw Knights”, a musical group dedicated to providing music to youth with a positive, drug free message.

· Presented at the 1999 CPAM Conference – “The Challenge to the Musician: The Impact of Negative Music on our Communities”.

· Rich Coleman and the Washtenaw Knights were the featured entertainment for the Peter Claver Training Center, Detroit, Michigan. The performance, held at the African American Museum, was for the youth training program.

· In January 2000 one-hour assemblies were held at elementary schools to promote the memories of Dr. Martin Luther King and encourage parents to participate in African American Parent Involvement Day.

· Participation in the Michigan Parks and Recreation State Conference on the “Community Advocacy Panel”. The discussion focused on the changing role of law enforcement prevention programs and the role of “prevention entertainment” as a tool to teach youth.

· Participation at the Michigan PTA Legislative Conference panel discussion “Michigan School Violence Bills”.

· Coordination and participation of “Keep off the Grass: Alternative to the Hash Bash”, a high school student alcohol/drug free teen dance attended by 800 Washtenaw County students.

· Numerous programs presented to community groups on crime/fire prevention for the elderly including sweepstakes scams and other fraudulent schemes.

· Participation and coordination of National Night Out efforts in Washtenaw County.