Edward Elder Cooper

Biography

Edward Elder Cooper was a pioneering African American journalist and publisher whose work amplified the voices of his people during a pivotal era, notably through newspapers such as the Washington Bee. He championed civil rights, economic advancement, and moral uplift, offering a platform for leaders and citizens striving for equality.

Cooper also saw publishing as a means of education, promoting stories of accomplishment while confronting injustice, and he earned respect for coupling business acumen with moral courage. His leadership inspired younger generations of Black journalists who followed his example in using the press for progress.