By Carson Freeman and Micarie Kemp
(WEAA)— Jack L. Cooper is considered to be the first African-American radio announcer in America.
Cooper was born on September 18, 1888 in Memphis Tennessee.
In 1925, he worked as a comedian and entertainer at WCAP in Washington D.C., where he wrote and performed skits that perpetuated harmful stereotypes.
Determined to change the narrative, he left in 1929 to further his career elsewhere.
That same year, Cooper found his stride at WSBC in Chicago, where he launched "The All-Negro Hour," a groundbreaking program that showcased live music, comedy, and news relevant to the Black community.
Committed to positive representation, Cooper ensured his shows never publicized negative racial stereotypes, paving the way for inclusive storytelling on airwaves.
Through the decades, Jack L. Cooper’s popularity grew immensely which allowed him to produce popular programs across several radio stations in Chicago, such as "Search For Missing Persons," a 1940s program to reunite families and friends.
After three impactful decades on Chicago radio, Jack L. Cooper retired in 1959, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and community service.
He passed away January 12th, 1970.
In 2012, he was posthumously inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame.