Cooper, William Arthur, b. 1895

William Arthur Cooper, black preacher, lawyer, and artist, painted the portraits of Negro field hands, domestic servants, children, religious and civic leaders and business executives. As a member of the North Carolina Interracial Commission, Cooper made a "good will" tour to colleges and universities in North Carolina where he exhibited his portraits and lectures on art and black culture.

Born June 6, 1895 in Cedar Grove, near Hillsborough, N.C. Between 1912 and 1923, studied theology and law receiving degrees in both fields, taught school in Alamance County, N.C. (1919-1923). Began painting in 1920 as a means of illustrating his sermons. Served several AME Zion Churches in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Saint Louis, Missouri, from 1932-1940, served Clinton Metropolitan AME Zion Church in Charlotte, N.C. Appointed to the NC Interracial Commission in 1935. Died March 15, 1974.