Brenda Coley was recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors in June 2023.

By the initiative of Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson and Supervisor Peter Burgelis, some forty individuals and organizations were recognized by the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors and presented citations in a special meeting on June 22, 2023. "Today, we recommit Milwaukee County to supporting and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating those who make a substantial positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee County," Supervisor Burgelis stated. "Today we are making up for lost time. We have dozens of people to recognize, not because so much has been done in the past year, but because decades and even years ago, there was little to no recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. I am thankful to work with a Chairperson who enables our County Board to honor these well-deserving individuals."

Recognitions were made in the categories of "Community Leaders and Activists," "Government Leaders," "Business and Cultural Leaders," and "Health and Wellness Leaders". Coley's citation (in which they are largely self-described) read as follows:

• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley, a trailblazing leader, has been a pillar of strength and resilience within Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ community for over 5 decades, demonstrating unwavering dedication; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley's commitment to social justice and activism is interwoven into every role she undertakes in both the non-profit and academic sectors, championing equality and equity; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley's leadership journey began at an early age, organizing a protest in the 6th grade to advocate for a Black History program, showcasing her remarkable skills as a community organizer from a young age; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley spearheaded notable programs during her time as the Director of Community Programs at Diverse and Resilient, including Grow Great Women, the Build Program, Sisters Helping Each Other Battle Adversity (SHEBA), and the Acceptance Journey program, nurturing future generations of LGBTQ+ leaders and creating safe spaces for empowerment; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley's invaluable experience working with organizations including ARCW, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee LGBTQ+ Community Center, and Diverse and Resilient has played a pivotal role in advancing and shaping Milwaukee's LGBTQ+ community, leaving an enduring legacy; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley's tireless efforts in the `90s targeted health disparities within Wisconsin's LGBTQ+ community, developing meaningful relationships with Black and brown gay and bisexual men and employing outreach strategies to discuss AIDS research and prevention efforts in local LGBTQ+ bars, clubs, and events; and
• WHEREAS, Brenda Coley's unwavering commitment, inspirational leadership, and dedication to advancing social justice and equality continue to inspire and empower the LGBTQ+ community in Milwaukee and beyond; now, therefore
• BE IT RESOLVED, the members of the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors, on the motion of Supervisor Priscilla Coggs-Jones, along with Supervisors Deanna Alexander, Peter Burgelis, Ryan Clancy, Willie Johnson, Jr., Felesia A. Martin, Juan Miguel Martinez, Shawn Rolland, Steven Shea, Liz Sumner, Sequanna Taylor, Kathleen Vincent, Sheldon A. Wasserman, and Chairwoman Marcelia Nicholson do hereby commend Brenda Coley for her dedicated efforts and contributions to the community, and wish her prosperity, happiness, and continued success in all her endeavors.