Preserving Family Legacy with John H. Coleman Jr

Black history is more than the names found in textbooks. It lives in our families, our communities, and the everyday people whose stories shape future generations.

In this special episode of It’s Just Business with Lovie™, Lovie welcomes her father, John H. Coleman Jr., author of A View from Church Hill: I Woke Up in My Right Mind, for a candid conversation about service, entrepreneurship, family, and legacy.

John shares his remarkable journey from Hampton University to the United States Navy, followed by a distinguished career in law enforcement where he became known throughout Southeastern Virginia for his commitment to community policing and youth engagement. Along the way, he helped develop the nationally recognized Officer Friendly classroom program, mentored countless young people, launched multiple businesses, and demonstrated how leadership begins with serving others.

Together, father and daughter reflect on lessons learned through business ownership, policing, faith, family, and perseverance. Their conversation reminds us that preserving our personal histories is just as important as celebrating the history found in museums and textbooks.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, community leader, parent, or someone interested in preserving your family’s story, this episode offers timeless wisdom about building a life

About Today’s Guest

John H. Coleman Jr. is a U.S. Navy veteran, retired law enforcement officer, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of A View from Church Hill: I Woke Up in My Right Mind. Throughout his career, he has dedicated his life to public service, youth development, and strengthening communities through education, mentorship, and business ownership. He helped develop the nationally distributed Officer Friendly educational program, founded multiple businesses, and continues inspiring future generations through his memoir and lifelong commitment to service.

In This Episode

• Why every family has a history worth preserving
• Growing up in Church Hill and the lessons that shaped John’s life
• Military service and leadership in the U.S. Navy
• Becoming a police officer after experiencing racial profiling
• Creating the nationally recognized Officer Friendly program
• Entrepreneurship through multiple successful businesses
• Mentoring youth and building stronger communities
• Business lessons every entrepreneur should know
• The importance of faith, service, and leaving a meaningful legacy

Connect with Today’s Guest

Learn more about John H. Coleman Jr. and his memoir at thelegacyofjohncoleman.com.

Stay Connected

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• Preserve your family’s history before it’s lost.
• Character is built through life’s challenges.
• Business success requires planning, flexibility, and perseverance.
• Community involvement creates lasting opportunities.
• Strong relationships often become your greatest business asset.
• Leadership begins with treating people with dignity and respect.
• Your legacy is built one decision at a time.

In this conversation, John H. Coleman Jr. shares the experiences that shaped his life as a U.S. Navy veteran, retired law enforcement officer, entrepreneur, mentor, and author of A View from Church Hill: I Woke Up in My Right Mind. Together, we discuss his journey through military service, law enforcement, business ownership, community leadership, and the inspiration behind his memoir, along with the timeless lessons on faith, resilience, leadership, and leaving a lasting legacy. Learn more about John H. Coleman Jr. and his memoir at www.LegacyofJohnColeman.com.

John H. Coleman, Jr. is a retired law enforcement professional, U.S. Navy veteran, and first-time author from Richmond, Virginia. In his debut memoir, *A View From Church Hill: Woke Up in My Right Mind*, he reflects on a life shaped by faith, family, service, and perseverance. Drawing from more than eight decades of personal experiences, Coleman shares lessons learned through military service, public service, and community leadership, offering readers an inspiring perspective on resilience, purpose, and the importance of preserving one's legacy for future generations.