Origins & Early Life

Anna Julia Cooper (née Haywood; August 10, 1858 – February 27, 1964) was an African American author, educator, and activist. Although born enslaved, Cooper pursued higher education at Oberlin College in Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in 1884 and a master's degree in mathematics in 1887. At the age of sixty-six, she completed her doctoral studies at the University of Paris, making her the fourth African American woman to earn a PhD. She was a well-known member of Washington, D.C.'s African-American community, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Cooper's scholarly contributions to sociology started with her first book, A Voice from the South: By a Black Woman of the South, which is widely acknowledged as one of the first articulations of Black feminism and gave her the often-used title of "the Mother of Black Feminism". Anna "Annie" Julia Haywood was born enslaved in Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1858. She and her mother, Hannah Stanley Haywood, were enslaved by George Washington Haywood, one of the sons of North Carolina's longest-serving state Treasurer John Haywood, who helped found the University of North Carolina. Either George, who...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aimé Bonpland — Contemporary (Died in 1858) (1858): French explorer and botanist, renowned for his scientific travels with Alexander von Humboldt.
• Alexis Soyer — Contemporary (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering French chef, writer, and inventor celebrated for his work in Victorian England.
• Carl Gustaf Mosander — Contemporary (Died in 1858) (1858): Pioneering Swedish chemist known for discovering rare earth elements like lanthanum.
• Abedi Pele — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Legendary Ghanaian footballer, celebrated for his attacking prowess and leadership.
• Adam Yauch — Contemporary (Born in 1964) (1964): Founding member of Beastie Boys; influential rapper, filmmaker, and Tibetan activist.
• Alexander Archipenko — Contemporary (Died in 1964) (1964): Ukrainian-American avant-garde sculptor, pioneer of Cubist human figures.
• Adah Isaacs Menken — Shared historical date (08-10 · Died) (1868): American actress, painter, and poet known for sensational stage performances.
• Aletta Jacobs — Shared historical date (08-10 · Died) (1929): Pioneering Dutch physician and feminist, advocating for women's rights and reproductive health.
• Alan Guth — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (1947): Pioneering cosmologist known for developing the theory of cosmic inflation.
• Alice Hamilton — Shared historical date (02-27 · Born) (1869): Pioneering toxicologist and advocate for occupational health and safety.
• 1858 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1858
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• 1964 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1964
• February 27 (02-27) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on February 27