Marqus Cole has dedicated his life to making a positive impact on society.  With a passion for justice and equity, his journey is marked by a commitment to loving God and neighbor though servant leadership.

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Marqus was born in Anniston, Alabama, into a family with a strong legacy of service. His grandfather served as a GI in the Army, and his mother retired as an Officer from the Army, while his father remains dedicated to teaching in the metro-Atlanta area. The family relocated to Georgia as part of their commitment to military service.

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Education

Marqus graduated from Georgia State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science.  While in college, he became a distinguished member and President of the Pi Alpha Chapter of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.
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As a Schiller DuCanto Fleck Fellow, Marqus earned his Juris Doctor at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago.  During this time, Marqus was honored with the DePaul Achievement Scholarship and named the captain of the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trial Team.

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Marqus furthered his commitment to justice by participating in the Racial Justice Training Institute at the Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law. This intensive program equipped him with a deep understanding of race equity best practices, influencing his subsequent efforts to secure the civil liberties and rights of marginalized community members.

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Career

Marqus most recently served as the National Director of Church Engagement and Outreach at the Evangelical Environmental Network.  In this role, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing local leaders on issues such as the health impacts of pollution and climate change, environmental justice, and civic engagement.

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As the Founding Partner of The Cole Law Office, Marqus provides diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training, consulting, and coaching to non-profits, working towards inclusive and equitable institutions and systemic change. He shares his legal expertise by providing direct services and consulting to indigent individuals in Georgia.

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Marqus formerly served as an Assistant State’s Attorney in the Felony Review Division at the State’s Attorney Office in Lake County, Illinois. His significant criminal trial experience included preparing and arguing felony and misdemeanor trials, conducting motion hearings, bail bond hearings, and engaging in legal negotiations.

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In his capacity as Staff Attorney and Co-Chair of the Racial Justice Taskforce at Prairie State Legal Services, Marqus showcased his dedication to civil rights and housing issues, focusing on vulnerable populations such as veterans, seniors, children, and individuals facing challenging circumstances.

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Recognition

Marqus' thought leadership around the intersection of racial justice, climate justice, and biblical justice has led to publications read by millions, speaking engagement, and a front-page profile in the Washington Post in November of 2022.

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Marqus' writings appear in Christianity Today, Arizona Daily Star, Tribune News Service, WABE, Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Washington Post, and Planetizen.

 

His dedication to advocacy continued with the Public Voices Fellowship at The Op-Ed Project and the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication in 2022.

 

Marqus has shared his insights at premier events, including the "Can I get a [climate] witness?" Faith, Diversity, Science Lecture Series at Seattle Pacific University in February 2023 and the Coastal Earth Day 2023 Hybrid Event in April 2023.  

 

In 2023, Marqus was recognized as a Grist 50 Fixer, an accolade reserved for emerging leaders in climate, equity, and sustainability.

Marqus’ life and career are a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and positive societal change. He currently serves on the Gwinnett Citizens' Police Advisory Board, the Gwinnett Coalition, and the Brookwood Christian Learning Community.