Dr. Anna J. Cooper

Eschewing inherently racist notions that education for African American students should be vocational in nature, Dr. Anna J. Cooper pushed her students toward some of the best colleges and universities in the country. (Photo source: A Voice From the South by Anna J. Cooper, 1892.)

Dr. Anna J. Cooper: MVP of D.C. Education

In the early 1900s, Dr. Anna J. Cooper, eschewed inherently racist notions that education for African American students should be solely vocational. Pursuing more classical studies, she pushed her students toward some of the best colleges and universities in the country, but her dedication raised the ire of the D.C. Board of Education.

Last Updated: May 11, 2022