Who we are
The Coleman Catalyst Project was born from a powerful realization.
While in a room full of high school students and adult community organizers in Birmingham, I witnessed a defining moment. When the students were asked, “Who here has a mentor?” Only a few hands went up. When asked, “Who is mentoring someone else?” even fewer hands were raised.
The moment revealed a brutal truth: the older generation will need to pass the torch in just a few years. But right now, very few young people are being prepared to carry it. In fact, it seems that some officials are actively creating conditions that make it harder for the next generation to access the guidance and support they need.
That is why The Coleman Catalyst Project exists!
We are a community-based nonprofit committed to ensuring that students are not only prepared for higher education but also for life as career professionals and community leaders. Through multi-year, relationship-based programming, we aim to be the spark that transforms students into confident, capable torchbearers—ready to lead, ready to succeed, and ready to lift others as they climb.
We are a catalyst for what’s next!
Jaylon Coleman,
Founder & CEO
The Coleman Catalyst Project
Jaylon Coleman is an activist, educator, and visionary leader dedicated to creating opportunities for young people in Alabama and beyond. He founded The Coleman Catalyst Project with the belief that every student deserves a pathway to higher education, career success, and community leadership.
Jaylon is currently pursuing a degree in Political Science at Morehouse College, with a concentration in Sociology and Education. His academic and professional work is grounded in his passion for educational equity, civic empowerment, and public service.
Jaylon’s leadership journey began in high school, where he served as Student Government Association President and became an outspoken advocate for students and underserved communities. His activism has since extended into the broader civic space. He recently served as a Deputy Field Organizer for the Woodfin for Mayor Campaign Team in Birmingham, where he worked to engage voters and mobilize grassroots support for one of Alabama’s leading urban leaders.
In addition to his political organizing, Jaylon is an accomplished teaching artist. He served as a Teaching Artist with the Birmingham Black Repertory Theater Collective, where he used theater and storytelling to foster confidence, cultural pride, and critical thinking among youth. This work has deepened his commitment to relationship-based learning and creative youth development.
Currently, Jaylon is also an intern with the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Atlanta, where he contributes to advocacy efforts aimed at combating school closures and preserving equitable access to education for marginalized students in the region.
Jaylon’s long-term vision is to pursue a career in public policy and local government. He is passionate about shaping equitable education policies, expanding opportunity, and amplifying youth voices throughout Alabama. His ultimate goal is to become a local elected official and help drive transformative change in the communities he serves.
Through The Coleman Catalyst Project, Jaylon is building the very pipeline of preparation and leadership he hopes to model. He is committed to ensuring that students are not only prepared to receive the torch of leadership but are ready to carry it forward for generations to come.
The Mentors Who Lit the Torch
Jaylon’s journey has been shaped by the wisdom and guidance of several key mentors. Among them is Attorney X.T. Nelson, under whom Jaylon worked as a legal assistant. X.T. taught him the importance of precision, integrity, and working diligently to improve the lives of others through law and service.
Another vital influence is Attorney Byron Perkins, who encouraged Jaylon to attend Morehouse College. Byron’s belief that iron sharpens iron continues to resonate deeply. The brotherhood Jaylon has found at Morehouse has been instrumental in his personal and professional growth.
Jaylon also holds deep gratitude for Carlton V. Bell, known to many as CJ. Carlton taught Jaylon the importance of a care filled approach to leadership that is rooted in empathy and thoughtfulness. Over time, CJ has become like an older sibling to Jaylon, offering steady guidance and support.
Perhaps Jaylon’s most constant example of leadership and sacrifice comes from his father. A dedicated member of the Army Military Police, a firefighter, and a small business owner who runs his own lawn care service, Jaylon’s father has always modeled the value of hard work and service to others. Working three jobs to support his family, his father taught Jaylon what it means to be strong for others and to lead with humility and resilience. Not only is he a first responder, he is a true servant leader who has made countless sacrifices to keep Jaylon’s torch burning bright.
While there are many others who have contributed to Jaylon’s growth, including the dedicated staff of Shades Valley High School and mentors he continues to learn from at Morehouse, these three individuals in particular have helped light his torch. They have modeled the very spirit of mentorship and leadership that The Coleman Catalyst Project seeks to pass on to the next generation.