Zachariah L. Cooper

MADISON - Zachary L. Cooper. died peacefully Wednesday, November 1, 2006, at the Ellen and Peter Johnson Hospice Care Residence at the age of 71. Dr. Cooper was a widely respected educator, historian, and local philosopher known for his intellect, wit, tenacity, and his deep and abiding commitment to young people and his community. Founder and Director of Project JAMAD (Jamaica-Madison Cultural Exchange), President of the Board of Directors of the Early Childhood Learning Center, visiting professor, lecturer, educational consultant, and activist as well as a generous and steadfast friend, Dr. Cooper will be long remembered and deeply missed by his family, friends, and the many lives he touched. Born on October 25, 1935 in Brunswick, Georgia, to Zachary and Mary (Rogers) Cooper, Dr. Cooper was the first of eight children, with five brothers and two sisters: David Cooper, Alvin Cooper Whitaker, James Whitaker, Jerry Whitaker, Jay Whitaker (deceased), Patricia Whitaker, and Linda Whitaker. Dr. Cooper served in the U.S. Army for two years and was a member of the Medical Corps, stationed in West Germany. After leaving the military, Dr. Cooper settled in Madison, attending the University of Wisconsin, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in European History, a Master of Arts in American History, and in 1979 earned his PhD in Curriculum and Instruction. Dr. Cooper was an accomplished and published scholar, devoting significant energy to researching and documenting the contributions of African-American families to the settlement and growth of Wisconsin, creating teaching guides and tools and lecturing at schools and meetings throughout the state. His video, "Coming Together, Coming Apart" used oral histories, photos, and diaries, to preserve precious evidence of Wisconsin’s historical heritage. Dr. Cooper authored "Black Settlers in Rural Wisconsin" as well as "The Decade of Discontent", documenting the Milwaukee racial turmoil of the 1960s. A wide variety of educational institutions called upon Dr. Cooper to share his expertise and his love of young learners, including the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Edgewood College, Madison Area Technical College, the Madison Public Schools, and the Wisconsin Historical Society. At Oakwood Village, he taught courses on African-American history and, most recently, met weekly to discuss current events and other matters of interest with a group of Oakwood residents who held a special place in his life. Dr. Cooper served on the Lancaster Area Chamber of Commerce and also hosted a weekly program on community television station WYOU and served on its Board of Directors. Dr. Cooper’s greatest joy came in mentoring and teaching young people. Through his dedication to Project JAMAD, a program that fosters self-esteem, independence, cultural awareness, and learning, Dr. Cooper was able to help provide an enriching and memorable travel experience for more than one-hundred Madison area youth. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dr. Cooper and his legacy will be held on Saturday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m., at James C. Wright Middle School, 1717 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, Wisconsin. The family is deeply grateful and thankful for the wonderful care given to Dr. Cooper by the Hospice staff and other caregivers. In lieu of flowers or other memorials, contributions may be made to the Madison Community Foundation 2 Science Court, P.O. Box 5010, Madison, WI 53705-0010. Please indicate that the contribution should be directed to the Zachary L. Cooper Memorial Scholarship Fund. Contributions may also be made on-line at www.madisoncommunityfoundation.org