Coleman Alexander Young II (born Joel Loving II; October 18, 1982) is an American Democratic politician who is a current member of the Detroit City Council and a former member of the Michigan Senate.
From 2007 to 2010, Young served as the representative in the 4th District of the Michigan House of Representatives.[3] The 4th District was composed of the Lower East Side of Detroit, including a portion of Downtown and Midtown.[4] During his time in the House, Young served as the vice chair of the Insurance Committee[5] and sat on the Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs Committee, Labor Committee and Transportation Committee.[6]
Coleman Young II was born Joel Loving II[8][9][10][11] in Royal Oak, Michigan. He is the only son of former Detroit Mayor Coleman Young and former Assistant Public Works Director Annivory Calvert.[12] Young was raised in California, his father denying his existence until a paternity suit in 1989.[13] In 2002, Young said he changed his name to Coleman Young II at the age of 13 to honor his father's legacy,[8] but in 2017, Young claimed his name was changed to Joel Loving at the age of six.[14][15] Young says he received a phone call from his father at the age of twelve wherein his father "basically asked [him] to carry on the name and the legacy".[16]
In 2005, Young returned to Detroit. He is a member of St. Paul Church of God in Christ.[17]
As of 2013, Young hosted a live call in show called The Young Effect.[18]
Education
Young graduated from P.A.L. Charter Academy High School in San Bernardino, California.[17] After graduating High School, he enrolled at Azusa Pacific University, a private Christian college in Azusa, California.[19] In 2005, Young transferred to Wayne State University, to complete his Bachelor of Arts in communications,[20] and as of 2018, Young attends Wayne State as a part-time student.[17]
Political career
Coleman Young II announces his run for the 13th Congressional District
In 2005, Young worked as an intern for Detroit City Councilwoman JoAnn Watson.[21] He has also worked for the Detroit City Council Research & Analysis Division.[22]
In 2017, Young ran for Mayor of Detroit. He opened a debate by stating, "I'm Coleman Young the Second, and I’m asking you for your vote. It's time to take back the Motherland for the people." The Detroit Free Press considered the line "offensive" and an indication that Young was unfit to be mayor. "As he stood there, 35 and cocky, but seeming younger, he looked exactly like what he was: a former Subway sandwich employee who came to Detroit, did two political internships and already traded once on the name of his father, the inestimable and beloved Coleman Alexander Young, to run for office," wrote Rochelle Riley.[24] Young was defeated by Mike Duggan, who received 72% of the vote against Young's 28%.[25]
Legislative achievements
Coleman Young II interviews with Channel 4Senator Coleman Young II (D-Detroit) meets with marijuana dispensary owners in Detroit
In 2009, Young helped pass HB 4327, the Tisha Prater Act, which guarantees anti-discrimination protections for women affected by pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions. The legislation, named for Detroit Police Officer Tisha Prater, followed a 2008 Federal lawsuit filed when Prater was denied paid leave from work after she told the department that she was pregnant.[18]
Electoral history
2006 Michigan 4th House District Democratic Primary Election[26]
↑Elrick, M. L. (May 22, 2002). "Young's son steps into a new role". The Detroit Free Press. p.6B. Retrieved May 30, 2025. Born Joel Loving, the college sophomore said he legally changed his name when he was 13 to help perpetuate his father's legacy.
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