On November 17, 1911, he cofounded Omega Psi Phi, a historically African-American fraternity, along with Edgar Amos Love and Frank Coleman under the mentorship of Just.[4][5][6] Discussion of the idea initially began between Love and Cooper, who were later joined by Coleman.[7][8] Cooper was elected as the first secretary of the organization.[6] Omega Psi Phi was the first black fraternity whose founders were at a historically black college or university, and eventually grew to over 750 chapters.[5]
After medical school, Cooper moved to Philadelphia, where he practiced medicine.[1] He was closely involved with the founding and early years of the Pyramid Club on Girard Avenue in Cecil B. Moore, North Philadelphia,[9][10] which provided events and cultural engagement for African-American professionals in Philadelphia; at the time, racial segregation in the United States often barred professionals from access to other clubs. Cooper practiced medicine for 50 years prior to his death in 1972.[1]
One of the founders of Omega Psi Phi (OPP) at Howard University, the nation's first fraternity established at a historically Black college or university. Following graduation, Cooper became a physician and settled in Philadelphia where he spent his entire career. He continued his role as a founder of many influential organizations including the Philadelphia Chapter of OPP, was a charter member of the Pyramid Club, and supported many Black charities.
In addition to the marker, at the unveiling ceremony, the block of Jefferson Street between 16th and 17th was renamed to Dr. Oscar J. Cooper Way.[1]
^Mitchell, Kenneth Alphonso (2012). The story of Dunbar High School: How students from the first public high school for black students in the United States influenced America (Thesis). ProQuest1010995644.
^Dreer, Herman (1940). The History of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity: A Brotherhood of Negro College Men, 1911 to 1939. The Fraternity. LCCN41000814. OCLC1185734.[page needed]
