This program underscores the vital role women played in advancing civil rights and shaping the democratic principles the League continues to uphold. The presentation by Mark Cooper will focus on the unknown heroines of the Civil Rights Movement. He will highlight the stories of three or four women, most of whom were African American, with one who was white. While the audience may be familiar with one of these women, much of the information presented is likely to be new. The presentation is designed to be a learning experience. Some of the material may be difficult to hear, but it is a powerful and appropriate topic for a meeting of the League of Women Voters. 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER
Mark Cooper spent his formative years in Atlanta, where he became aware at a young age of the systemic injustices faced by African Americans during the Civil Rights era. He has spoken openly about the lasting sense of responsibility he carries for having witnessed that reality without taking action at the time. As an adult, he has sought to address that youthful silence by becoming deeply informed about the truth of the Civil Rights Movement and by working toward equality and justice for all people. 

Mark Cooper earned a bachelor’s degree in government from Indiana University and a law degree from the University of Georgia. He practiced law in Central Florida for more than 40 years before retiring in 2012. While he does not claim to be an expert on the Civil Rights Movement, Mark brings a well-informed, reflective perspective shaped by lifelong study, professional experience, and a personal commitment to understanding and advancing civil rights.

Join us for dinner afterwards at Half Wall!
3770 S Nova Road
Port Orange

Please RSVP for the meeting and/or dinner to Jeanne Tanke by February 7, 2026.