Born: 1909 (Selma, Alabama)
Died: 2010 (Selma, Alabama)
Biography:
Annie Lee Wilkerson Cooper was born on June 2, 1909, in Selma, Alabama, as one of ten children of Lucy Jones and Charles Wilkerson Sr. She grew up amidst a racially segregated society that deeply affected her life and ultimately propelled her into becoming a prominent African-American civil rights activist. Cooper’s journey from a small Alabama town to becoming a symbol of resistance and courage during the tumultuous years of the civil rights movement is a testament to her indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to justice.
Cooper’s early years were marked by hardship and perseverance. She dropped out of school in the seventh grade and moved to Kentucky to live with one of her older sisters. However, determined to complete her education, she later obtained a high school diploma. Despite the limitations imposed on African-Americans, Cooper’s strong sense of self and resilience shone through.
Deeply rooted in her faith, Cooper became an active member of the local Baptist church at an early age. Her religious beliefs provided a foundation for her activism later in life, as she felt compelled to fight for the equality and dignity of all people.
In the 1940s, Cooper owned a restaurant in Selma. It was during this time that she faced a pivotal moment of defiance against racial segregation. A white man who wanted to lease part of Cooper’s building demanded that she segregate her seating. However, she refused to comply. This act of resistance foreshadowed the courage she would later display on a much larger stage.
In 1962, Cooper returned to Selma to care for her sick mother. It was during this period that she encountered the brutal reality of systemic racism when she attempted to register to vote in Selma. She was subjected to a literacy test, a common tactic used to deny African-Americans their voting rights. The test was intentionally designed to be nearly impossible to pass, and Cooper was among the many who failed. This injustice galvanized her, and she became actively involved in the civil rights movement.
Cooper’s determination to fight for her right to vote did not come without sacrifice. In 1963, her attempt to register as a voter led to her dismissal from her job as a nurse at a rest home. Undeterred, she found employment as a clerk at the Torch Motel, continuing to face discrimination and adversity every step of the way.
On January 25, 1965, Cooper made history when she marched with thousands of others in the Selma to Montgomery marches. At the former Dallas County Courthouse in Selma, she stood in line to register to vote. It was here that she faced an encounter that would become a defining moment in her life and a symbolic act of resistance against oppression. Local sheriff Jim Clark prodded Cooper with a baton, provoking her to turn around and punch him in the face. Her act of defiance resonated deeply, not only with the African-American community but also with the nation as a whole. Cooper’s unwavering courage and determination sent shockwaves through a society grappling with issues of racial justice.
Cooper’s assault on Sheriff Clark resulted in her arrest and charges of criminal provocation. She spent 11 hours in jail before the charges were dropped. Throughout her incarceration, she sang spirituals, finding solace and strength in music. Some individuals within the sheriff’s department even considered charging her with attempted murder, but she was eventually released. Her act of resistance propelled her into the public eye and served as a catalyst for change.
Following the incident, Cooper successfully registered to vote in Alabama, a victory that came at great personal cost. She faced widespread condemnation and death threats, but she remained resolute in her commitment to equality and justice.
Annie Lee Cooper’s legacy extends far beyond her act of defiance. Her bravery and determination played a significant role in raising awareness about racial injustice and inspiring others to take a stand. Her contributions to the civil rights movement helped pave the way for the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which aimed to protect the voting rights of African-Americans.
Cooper’s journey exemplifies the power of one individual’s resilience and courage in the face of inequality. She proved that even the most marginalized members of society can effect change through acts of resistance and advocacy.
Annie Lee Cooper celebrated her 100th birthday on June 2, 2010, and reflected on her remarkable journey, saying, My mother lived to be 106, so maybe I can live that long, too. Sadly, she passed away later that year on November 24 at the Vaughan Regional Medical Center in Selma, Alabama.