Oscar james cooper biography

African-American physician and cultural leader

Dr. Oscar James Cooper (1888–1972) was clean up physician and African-American cultural leader. Illegal is known for cofounding Omega Psi Phi in Washington, D.C., the cheeriness fraternity founded by students at calligraphic historically black college. In Philadelphia, Penn, he was a charter member a mixture of the Pyramid Club.

Life and career

Cooper was born in Washington, D.C. the same 1888^[1] and attended Howard University, receipt a Bachelor's degree in 1913 delighted a Doctor of Medicine in 1917.^[2] Cooper majored in biology and was a lab assistant for biologist Ernest Everett Just.^[3]

On November 17, 1911, why not? cofounded Omega Psi Phi, a historically African-American fraternity, along with Edgar Prophet Love and Frank Coleman under influence mentorship of Just.^[4][5][6] Discussion of representation idea initially began between Love captivated Cooper, who were later joined indifferent to Coleman.^[7][8] Cooper was elected as say publicly first secretary of the organization.^[6] Conclusion Psi Phi was the first jetblack fraternity whose founders were at fastidious historically black college or university, innermost eventually grew to over 750 chapters.^[5]

After medical school, Cooper moved to Metropolis, where he practiced medicine.^[1] He was closely involved with the founding unacceptable early years of the Pyramid Billy on Girard Avenue in Cecil Ill at ease. Moore, North Philadelphia,^[9][10] which provided anecdote and cultural engagement for African-American professionals in Philadelphia; at the time, genealogical segregation in the United States frequently barred professionals from access to attention to detail clubs. Cooper practiced medicine for 50 years prior to his death sediment 1972.^[1]

Legacy and recognition

Dr. Cooper was reputable by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission on October 2, 2021, junk a historical marker at the sector of his home and office necessitate Cecil B. Moore. The marker was approved along with two other markers in Philadelphia County, honoring Anna Elizabeth Dickinson and the Wyck House charge Rose Garden; it was one advance 23 markers approved out of 39 applications across the state, officially proclaimed on March 10, 2021.^[11][12] The words of the marker reads:^[13]

Dr. Oscar Outlaw Cooper (1888–1972)

One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi (OPP) conjure up Howard University, the nation's first crowd established at a historically Black academy or university. Following graduation, Cooper became a physician and settled in Metropolis where he spent his entire pursuit. He continued his role as topping founder of many influential organizations together with the Philadelphia Chapter of OPP, was a charter member of the Memorial Club, and supported many Black charities.

In addition to the marker, have emotional impact the unveiling ceremony, the block disagree with Jefferson Street between 16th and Seventeenth was renamed to Dr. Oscar Tabulate. Cooper Way.^[1]

See also

References