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WHEREAS, Charles Henry Cooper born September 29th, 1926, to Daniel and Emma Cooper in Pittsburgh, PA. Charles affectionally know as “Chuck” is a proud graduate of Westinghouse High School, class of 1944. After graduating from Westinghouse High School, Chuck briefly played a semester of college basketball at West Virgina State College (now University) before having to pause his college dreams to serve in World War II in the United States Navy and,
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WHEREAS, after serving in the U.S Navy, Mr. Cooper enrolled at Duquesne University where he became an All-American. During Chucks time there, he started all four years and set the school record for total points of 990 in four seasons. Mr. Cooper’s team had a 78-19 record and was invited to the then-prestigious National Invitation Tournament twice and,
WHEREAS, on April 25, 1950, Mr. Cooper became the first African American drafted into the NBA to the Boston Celtics, that chose him as the 14th overall pick. Chuck was drafted by Celtics' owner Walter A. Brown, coached by the legendary Red Auerbach, and was the teammate of the great Bob Cousy. Mr. Cooper played a total of 409 games, scored 2,725 points, had 2,431 rebounds, and 733 assists and,
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize and congratulate Charles “Chuck” Cooper Navy veteran, Duquesne University Graduate, National Basketball League (NBA) Legend for his commitment to community, serving his country and shattering racial barriers and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare, Tuesday, April 22nd, 2025, to be “Charles “Chuck” Cooper Day” in the City of Pittsburgh.