Annie Lee Cooper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Annie Lee Wilkerson Cooper
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| Born | June 2, 1910 |
| Died | November 24, 2010 (aged 100) Selma, Alabama
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| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Civil rights activist |
| Known for | Selma Voting Rights Movement |
Annie Lee Wilkerson Cooper (June 2, 1910 – November 24, 2010) was an important civil rights activist from Selma, Alabama. She is remembered for her brave actions during the 1965 Selma Voting Rights Movement. She stood up for the right of African Americans to vote.
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Annie Lee Cooper's Early Life
Annie Lee Wilkerson was born on June 2, 1910, in Selma, Alabama. She was one of ten children in her family. After finishing seventh grade, she left school. She then moved to Kentucky to live with one of her older sisters.
Returning to Selma and Becoming an Activist
In 1962, Annie Lee Cooper came back to Selma to take care of her mother. She had been a registered voter in other states like Pennsylvania and Ohio. However, she found it very difficult to register to vote in Alabama. This unfair situation made her want to join the Civil Rights Movement.
Because she tried to register to vote in 1963, she lost her job as a nurse. She then worked as a clerk at a motel.
Standing Up for Voting Rights
In January 1965, Annie Lee Cooper waited for many hours outside the Dallas County Courthouse. She wanted to register to vote. The local sheriff, Jim Clark, told her to leave. He even poked her in the neck with a stick.
A Moment of Courage
Annie Lee Cooper bravely turned around and hit the sheriff. This action knocked him down. Other officers then forced her to the ground. The sheriff continued to hit her. Cooper was taken to jail and held for 11 hours. While she was in jail, she sang spiritual songs. After this event, Annie Lee Cooper was finally able to register to vote in her home state. Her courage helped show the world the unfairness people faced.
Later Life and Legacy
On June 2, 2010, Annie Lee Cooper turned 100 years old. She said, "My mother lived to be 106, so maybe I can live that long, too." She passed away on November 24, 2010, in Selma, Alabama. Her actions continue to inspire people fighting for fairness and equality.
Annie Lee Cooper in Popular Culture
In the 2014 movie Selma, Annie Lee Cooper was played by famous actress Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey said she took the role because of Annie Lee Cooper's amazing courage. She felt Cooper's bravery was very important to the entire Civil Rights Movement.
