Samuel DuBois Cook facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Samuel DuBois Cook
Born	November 21, 1928 Griffin, Georgia
Died	May 29, 2017 (age 88)
Alma mater	Morehouse College Ohio State University
Employer	Duke University

Dr. Samuel DuBois Cook (born November 21, 1928, died May 29, 2017) was an amazing person who did many important things. He was a professor, a writer, and a leader who worked for human rights. Dr. Cook is famous for being the first African-American professor at Duke University in 1966. He also led Dillard University as its president from 1975 to 1997.

Besides these big roles, Dr. Cook was chosen by two U.S. presidents for important councils. President Jimmy Carter asked him to join the National Council on the Humanities. Later, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. He was also the first Black president of the Southern Political Science Association.

Samuel Cook's Early Life and Education

Samuel Cook went to Morehouse College and earned his first degree there. While at Morehouse, he started and led the student chapter of the NAACP. The NAACP is a group that works for equal rights for all people. He was also a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.

After Morehouse, Dr. Cook continued his studies at The Ohio State University. There, he earned both his master's degree and his Ph.D. He was also part of the Phi Beta Kappa honor society, which recognizes excellent students. Many universities gave him special honorary degrees, including Morehouse, Ohio State, Dillard University, Duke University, and the University of New Orleans.

Samuel Cook's Career and Impact

Dr. Cook was a veteran of the Korean War. He also became an ordained Deacon in his church. He started his teaching career at Southern University and Atlanta University. At Atlanta University, he was in charge of the Political Science Department.

During the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. Cook played an important role. He helped lead meetings between activists and students, working for fairness and equality. In 1966, he made history by becoming the first Black professor to hold a regular teaching job at a white university in the South, at Duke University.

Later, in 1975, Dr. Cook became the president of Dillard University in New Orleans. He led the university for 22 years. While he was president, he created the Center for Black-Jewish Relations. This center helped improve understanding and friendship between African Americans and Jewish Americans.

Samuel Cook's Lasting Legacy

Samuel DuBois Cook is remembered for his efforts to make society better. He studied how race affected politics in the South after World War II. He always worked to advance equality for all Americans, both as a scholar and as an activist.

His work with the Center for Black-Jewish Relations was very important. It helped build stronger connections between these two communities. Dr. Cook was also a friend and classmate of the famous civil rights leader, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.. He led the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. He also chaired the Presidents of the United Negro College Fund, which helps students go to college.