Walter Cooper (scientist)

Dr. Walter Cooper [1928- ], scientist, humanitarian, activist, and educator, was born on July 18, 1928 in Clairton, Pennsylvania to Alonzo and Luda Cooper. Dr. Cooper often says "I became a scientist because I did not see any black scientists. I looked around and I saw black doctors, black lawyers, but no black scientists. I chose that as a challenge." ^[1]

Cooper's parents were strong proponents of education and Cooper frequently admonishes to "Not to educate a child is the worst form of child abuse."^[2] Dr. Cooper graduated from Clairton High School in 1946 where he was a star football player. He received his Bachelor of Science from Washington and Jefferson College in 1951. Although Dr. Cooper originally attempted to enter industry, he soon realized that the corporate world was demanding more of black professionals and he decided to pursue a higher degree. He briefly attended Howard University and then became the first black Chemistry Ph.D student at the University of Rochester.

Cooper was hired by Eastman Kodak as a research scientist in 1956. He retired in 1982 and then became a Regents Examinations of the State of New York.

A man of the times, Cooper was heavily involved in community development and civil rights issues, especially educational opportunities and motivation. There was a great deal of social turmoil present in Rochester, as shown by the 1964 Rochester Race Riots. Dr. Cooper served the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) as the Rochester branch president and co-founded the Rochester Branch of the Urban League in 1965, continuing to serve on the Board of Directors into the 1970s. He was also a board member of the Baden Street Settlement, a non-profit organization working with northeast Rochester residents to improve the quality of life.

• Dr. Cooper Papers
• University of Rochester Honors Two Equal Rights Champions with The Frederick Douglass Medal