Robert Coleman-Senghor Memorial Dedication Set for Today

(Editor's Note: The following e-mail was received by Patch from Cotati Mayor Mark Landman, and describes the memorial service for former Mayor
Robert Coleman-Senghor that is scheduled for Thursday, November 7.)

I wanted invite you to the long awaited dedication and unveiling of a memorial for former Mayor Robert Coleman-Senghor,  on November 7th, 4:00 P.M at Veterans Park (also known as Rose Park), near the Athena Mask statue at the intersection of Old Redwood Highway and East Cotati.

After the untimely loss of Robert Coleman-Senghor in 2011, many if us recognized what a profound difference Bob had made in our lives, and for our city. Beginning at Bob's service, it became clear to me that there was a desire to see some sort of permanent memorial for him in Cotati, in light of his many contributions to this community.

With this in mind, I organized an effort to accomplish a fitting memorial for our colleague and friend. The road to this has been a long one, filled with numerous delays, and the necessity to change directions and follow a different path several times. The final outcome, however, is one that I believe accomplishes our goals and is a fitting tribute to Bob Coleman-Senghor.

Thanks to the kind donations of the many community members who so greatly appreciated Bob, we've been able to have a 16" x 20" bronze plaque made that features Bob's image, a description of his service to his country, Sonoma State University and the City of Cotati, along with a favored inscription of his. This will be set in a large (approximately 4 feet tall) Sonoma field stone boulder, which will sit between the benches in the circle and permanently gaze out on the city Bob cared about so deeply.

It's important to point out that all of the above was accomplished with private donations from Bob's neighbors, friends, and colleagues, including a generous donation of stone fabrication by Louie Zamaroni of Wheeler-Zamaroni.

The city is just finishing it's previously scheduled clean up of the landscaping at the site, so we look forward to the dedication on November 7th. At the ceremony I will be inviting Bob's family, as well as all the individuals who donated to this project, to join me "onstage" as  we unveil Bob's memorial. I invite all of Bob's friends and colleagues to attend, whether they be from the political world, the academic community, and anywhere else he left his mark, as I know they will be pleased with this tribute to a truly outstanding person.

Sincerely,

Mark Landman,
Mayor, City of Cotati