Arlington Public Library: Joan Cooper: Taking A Stand

Arlington VA

17 June, 2021

11:57 AM

Description

Press release from Arlington Public Library: June 17, 2021 Join us for a series of stories from the Center for Local History highlighting members of our community who made a difference in ways that helped shape our history and created positive change.  Their voices were not always loud, but what they said or did had a significant impact on our community. Joan Cooper Shifting her focus to her immediate community, Cooper tackled issues of drug abuse, crime, and poverty/unemployment, worked to help drive out drug dealers, sought to increase and provide treatment and counseling for addicts, and endeavored to find positive alternatives and activities for young people. She challenged her community to make changes as well, stating, "People have to realize, that we as community members have to do our job, too." In response to what Cooper and others in Green Valley felt was often an inadequate police presence in the area, the Community-Based, Problem-Oriented Police (CB-POP) unit was established at 2430 S. Kenmore St. in March 1992 because of her advocacy. In that same year, she was named a Notable Woman of Arlington by the County's Commission on the Status of Women. The Arlington Community Foundation continues to maintain a fund in Cooper's name which supports a variety of endeavors, including student scholarships, sports programs at local schools, and repair efforts for Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church. In 1993, Cooper was the first recipient of the William Newman Jr. Spirit of Community Award, given by the Arlington Community Foundation. She also received a William Brittain Jr. Community Appreciation Award from the Arlington branch of the NAACP. In addition, she was a member of the United Way of the National Capital Area and remained an active presence in her community until her passing in 2014. Do you have a question about this story, or a personal experience to share?  Use this form to send a message to the Center for Local History. Central Library, First Floor 1015 North Quincy Street Arlington VA 22201 703-228-5990 This press release was produced by Arlington Public Library. The views expressed here are the author's own.