A Weekend with Anna Cooper

What do you know about Anna Julia Haywood Cooper (August 10, 1858 – February 27, 1964)? Anna Cooper was an American author, educator, sociologist, speaker, Black liberation activist, and one of the most prominent African-American scholars in United States history. She was born into slavery here in Raleigh and is buried in City Cemetery. 

Dr. Helga Varden – a philosophy professor who studies Anna Cooper at the University of Illinois – is coming to WRPC for Martin Luther King, Jr weekend. Dr. Varden will facilitate several conversations over the course of the weekend. 

Saturday, January 13—Workshop in Fellowship Hall

• 9:30-11 AM—Introduction, Anna Cooper and Intersectionality
• 11 AM-12:15 PM—Lunch Break (Please plan to bring a lunch OR grab take-out from Hillsborough Street. Water, tea and lemonade will be provided.)
• 12:15-2 PM—Freedom Theory and Justice

Sunday, January 14

• 9:45-10:45 AM – Haasis Sunday School Class—Is America Racist?—in Fellowship Hall
• 5-7 PM—Pizza hangout with Helga and youth—in the Parlor
• 7-8:30 PM – "After Hours with Helga" (for adults)—Meet in parking lot and walk to Red Line Beer & Wine (alcohol-free options available)

Monday, January 15—Walking Tour

• 1-3 PM – "A Walk With Anna Cooper"- Helga will select segments of Anna Cooper’s essays for us to read along the way
• Meet at 1 PM in the parking lot at 100-198 E Jones (State Lot 17) – parking should be free
• Stops include: Haywood Hall, City Cemetery, the Anna J. Cooper Historical Marker and Freedom Park
• The walk will be around 2 miles with some standing in between stops
• Please wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather
• If you need a ride to the starting point OR want to participate but are unable to manage the walk, please contact Emily or Bob Grant