Third Annual (2020) Harriet Tubman Living Legends Awards Story by Dr. Yvonne D. Nelson, Pictures by Iman Zenoria D. Nelson State Representative Barbara Ward Cooper is known by many Memphians for being a politician who gets things done in Memphis. Cooper, a Democratic member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 86th District, has served as a member of the TN House of Representatives since being elected in 1996 and beginning with the 100th General Assembly (1997-1998). She has sponsored 86 bills, currently serves on 3 House Committees, and has cosponsored 215 bills. Cooper currently serves as the Vice Chair of the House Government Operations Committee. The Manassas High School graduate attended the historically Black land-grant (Nashville, TN) Tennessee State University where she obtained a Bachelor of Science (1950) and a Master’s of Science (1963) degree in Education. Cooper, a community Relations Specialist for Southwest Community College in 1970, married John D. Cooper (2005) in 1972, and taught in the Memphis City Schools system until she retired. She worked as instructor for Southwest Tennessee Community College from 1980 to 1986 and served as a Parent Coordinator for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis City Schools in 1986 and from 1988 to 1994. The author of more than two dozen books and 45-Hours Post Graduate University of Tennessee Curriculum and Instruction learner also graduated from the Jacksonville Theological Seminary in Jacksonville, FL, where she obtained a Doctrine of Religious Philosophy in Christian Psychology in 1999. Yes, Rep. Barbara Ward Cooper is a living legend in her own right, receiving many awards including a plaque for Outstanding Civic Work Supported by Contenders awarded by Magnolia Transportation Grant Group in 1996, the Teacher Recognition Day and the Silver Tray for Outstanding Service Awards from the Principal and parents of St. Augustine School, for serving on the District 86 Advisory Council, Tennessee Tourism Roundtable, Kennedy Democratic 18
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