Chuck Cooper

About Chuck Cooper

As President and CEO of the Chuck Cooper Foundation and Chuck Cooper Enterprises, I lead national efforts to honor and expand the legacy of my father, Charles “Chuck” Cooper, Naismith Hall of Famer and the first African American drafted into the NBA. Our mission is to invest in the next generation of leaders and barrier breakers through meaningful education, leadership, and workforce opportunities.Now in our 14th year, the Chuck Cooper Foundation has awarded more than in educational support to under-resourced students. We continue to grow through internship-based programming, the Beacons of Light Outreach Program, and strategic partnerships, including the Boston Celtics Chuck Cooper Fellowship.Through Chuck Cooper Enterprises, I manage a portfolio that includes brand development, partnerships, media production, consulting, and licensing tied to my father’s story and its impact on sports, civil rights, and American culture.As we approach the NBA’s 75th anniversary of integration and my father’s centennial in 2026, my focus remains on building sustainable partnerships, expanding youth programming, and sharing a story that continues to inspire change.Reach out to discuss partnership opportunities or speaking engagements.

Experience

1. Founder President CEO

   Chuck Cooper Foundation

   Jan 2011 — Present

   About The Chuck Cooper FoundationThe Chuck Cooper Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 as a vehicle to preserve the legacy of Charles “Chuck” Cooper. A Duquesne University basketball star and All-American, Cooper in 1950 was drafted by the Boston Celtics and became the first African-American player drafted into the National Basketball Association, officially breaking the racial barrier in the NBA. The mission of The Chuck Cooper Foundation is to continue the legacy of Charles “Chuck” Cooper by awarding graduate-level scholarships and by providing comprehensive leadership development, professional skills, and opportunities to underserved students.Since 2013, the Chuck Cooper Foundation has awarded nearly in graduate level across 65 scholarships. We also kicked off the Chuck Cooper Leadership Development Program in 2014. The program engages the Foundation\'s graduate scholars and undergraduate African-American students with mentors, a series of personal and professional development seminars, and community service projects with area organizations. Funding for the Chuck Cooper Leadership Development Program was granted from The Heinz Endowments, and additional funding to support the program’s curriculum development came from the POISE Foundation.Annually, the Chuck Cooper Leadership, Diversity & Community Service Award recognizes a companyand/or individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and motivational skills as wellas a commitment to promoting diversity and making a positive difference in the community.The recipients have been:2011 - Bill Nunn Jr, Pittsburgh Steelers2012 - Bill Strickland, Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild2013 - Mike & Kia Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers2014 - Pittsburgh Pirates2015 - Swin Cash, WNBA star & Olympic gold medalist2016 - Charlie Batch2017 - Scott Lammie2018 - Dr. Kathy Humphrey2019- Chris Howard 2020- Leroy Ball

Education

• University of the Cumberlands

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Business

Skills

• Leadership Development
• Strategy
• Leadership
• Public Speaking
• Nonprofits
• Social Services
• Event Planning
• Entrepreneurship
• Community Outreach
• Philanthropy
• Social Media
• Social Entrepreneurship
• Start-Ups
• Program Development
• Strategic Planning
• Strategic Partnerships
• Organizational Development
• Fundraising
• Youth Development
• Social Networking