Melvin Hargrove, a lifelong resident of Racine, Wisconsin, is a dedicated community leader and seasoned minister with a profound commitment to service. Married for 37 years and the proud father of three children, Melvin also serves as a guardian to his great niece, showcasing his deep family values.

 

A graduate of St. Catherine’s High School and the University of Parkside, Melvin furthered his education with seminary studies at Trinity Evangelical Seminary in Deerfield, Illinois. His journey of service began when he enlisted in the Army, where he served from 1984 to 1988 before continuing with the Army Reserve until 2003. During his military career, he was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2003 to December 2003, ultimately being honorably discharged as an E5 Sergeant.

 

In 1998, Melvin began his ministry as senior pastor of Zoe Ministries, where he continues to lead and inspire his congregation today. His community involvement includes a role as a Police Chaplain for the Racine Police Department from 2010 to 2015, and he served on the Police and Fire Commission during that time as well. Melvin was elected as the RUSD School Board President from 2015 to 2016, demonstrating his commitment to education and youth development.

 

In April 2018, he joined Racine County as the Uplift 900 Manager, an initiative focused on addressing unemployment in the area. His passion for community impact led him to become the Community Impact & Diversity Coordinator in 2020, and in 2021, he was honored to be appointed as the Diversity Officer in the cabinet of the former Racine County Executive, Jonathan Delagrave, a role he continues to fulfill today.

 

Through his ongoing ministry, community engagement, and leadership roles, Melvin Hargrove remains a pivotal figure in Racine, dedicated to fostering growth, diversity, and a spirit of service in all he undertakes.