– Each month News Channel 6 honors an African-American who is making strides in their field with the Mary L. Jones Black Affirmation Award.

Don Coleman, a former high school and college basketball player, holds the record as the all-time leading scorer for Butler High School basketball. As the June winner, he shares how his passion for the sport is helping him to teach and motivate the younger generation in the CSRA.

Coleman emphasizes that the skills learned off the court are crucial for ensuring that important lessons leave a lasting impact on the students he coaches.

“As I tell the parents and the kids, I don’t expect anything in return from them. I played college basketball,” Coleman explains. “I’ve accomplished what I set out to do and tasted success. Now, my focus is on giving back to the kids so they can achieve their own dreams. My satisfaction comes from seeing their growth, earning scholarships, and seizing new opportunities, both on the court and in life. Ultimately, life transcends basketball.”