Curtis Cooper (activist) facts for kids

Curtis V. Cooper was an important American leader from Georgia. He worked hard to improve health care for everyone and was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement.

Early Life and Dreams

Curtis V. Cooper was born in Savannah, Georgia, in 1932. He was an African American man. He studied at Savannah State College. Curtis dreamed of becoming a doctor. However, he did not have enough money to continue his medical studies.

A Leader for Civil Rights

Curtis Cooper played a big part in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to gain equal rights for all people. He was a leader in the local Youth Council of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Later, he became the president of the NAACP's Savannah branch. The NAACP is an organization that fights for justice and equality.

Improving Health Care for All

Curtis Cooper is known for changing health care in Savannah, Georgia. He especially helped people who could not afford medical care.

Starting a Health Center

In 1972, Curtis worked to get money for a new health center. This center would provide full medical care for people in need. He became the first leader of this center. Under his guidance, it grew into the Westside-Urban Health Center. This center became a very important medical place for the community.

Serving on Hospital Boards

In 1984, Curtis Cooper made history. He became one of the first Black members on the board of directors for Memorial Medical Center. A board of directors helps guide a hospital. In 1995, he became the chairman of that same board. He also led the Chatham County Hospital Authority twice. Curtis also served on state-level groups. These groups worked on making health care available to more people in Georgia.

Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care Facilities

Today, there are three health centers named after him. They are called Curtis V. Cooper Primary Health Care facilities. These centers continue his work of providing health care to the community.

• 106 East Broad Street (near Broughton Street in Savannah's Historic District)
• 840 Hitch Drive
• 2 Roberts Street (on the corner of West Bay Street near Garden City, Georgia)

His Legacy and Honor

Curtis Cooper passed away in January 2000. Soon after, the Georgia House of Representatives honored him. They passed a special resolution to remember his life and express sympathy to his family.

A special place was also named to honor Curtis Cooper. It is called the Curtis V. Cooper Garden. This garden is a beautiful terrace at the Savannah International Trade & Convention Center. It serves as a lasting tribute to his dedication.