ENROLLED ORIGINAL,
A CEREMONIAL RESOLUTION
25-89
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA,
July 11, 2023
To recognize and honor Jerry Sterling Cooper for his contributions and dedication to the District
of Columbia on the occasionofhis passing on May 31, 2023.
WHEREAS, it is with deep sadness that we acknowledge the passingofJerry Sterling
Cooper, a beloved and respected member of the Washington, DC community;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper wasapolitical advisor and sports enthusiast who dedicated his
life to public service and made significant contributions to our city;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper's service in the Navy during World War II, including his time at
the Great Lakes Training Center and his interactions with notable athletes such as Claude
“Buddy” Young and Larry Doby, showcased his bravery and resilience;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper played semi-professional basketball for the Washington Bears,
an all-Black team that played for several years before integration of the National Basketball
Association;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper's 31-year career at the U.S. Census Bureau made a lasting
impact and exemplified his dedication and expertise as he worked in the areas of foreign trade,
business, economic development, and public information;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper’s involvement in DC politics, including his contributions as a
memberofthe DC Gambling Study Commission, three-term chair of the Ward One Democrats,
and delegate to Democratic National Conventions, showcased his commitment to advancing our
city’s interests;
ENROLLED ORIGINAL
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper's passion for sports was unparalleled, and his encyclopedic
knowledge made him a cherished companion for engaging conversations on various sporting
events and demonstrated his unwavering commitment and enthusiasm for the world ofathletics;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper’s participation in historical moments, such as casting a District
of Columbia Electoral College Vote for presidential candidate Barack Hussein Obama,
demonstrated the importanceof his long-standing commitment to democratic values and civic
engagement;
WHEREAS, Mr. Cooper's involvement with organizations such as the NAACP, the
Capitol Press Club, the National Urban League, University Legal Services, and Woodley House
exemplified his dedication tosocial justice, journalism, and community welfare; and
WHEREAS, Jerry Cooper will be remembered as a person whose 101 years brightened
the lives ofthose around him and left an indelible mark on our city.
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this
resolution may be cited as the “Jerry Sterling Cooper Memorial Recognition Resolution of
2023”.
Sec. 2 The Council of the District of Columbia recognizes the contributions made by
Jerry Sterling Cooper to the residents of the District of Columbia,
Sec. 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately.
COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
WASHINGTON, DG, 20004
Resolution No. ACR25.0088
[XJ ITEM ON CONSENT CALENDAR
(XT ACTION Final Reading, CC
[DC]VOTE DATE July14, 2023,
[VOICE VOTE,
RECORDED VOTE ON REQUEST
ABSENT
[X] ROLL CALL VOTE - Resuit ‘Approved
Counc Member [Aye|Nay |NV [AB|Rec[Council Member [Aye |Nay|Nv [AB |Rec| Counci Member [Aye |Nay|Nv [AB |Rec
Chairman Mendelson) X Henderson x Pinto
Allen x Lewis George __| X R. White
Bonds x McDuffie x T.White
Frumin x Nadeau x
Gray x Parker x
X-Indicate Vote AB ~Absent NV--Present, Not Voting Rec =Recused
CERTIFICATION RECORD
‘Secretary to the Counail