William Cooper was an Aboriginal Australian political activist and community leader; the first to lead a national movement recognised by the Australian Government.
Statue of Sir Douglas Nicholls, who was mentored by his uncle, William Cooper, and his wife Lady Gladys, in Parliament Gardens, Victoria
Cooper's goal to see Aboriginal affairs made a Commonwealth responsibility was not achieved until 1967, thanks in part to his protege, Douglas Nicholls (centre).
Day of Mourning (Australia)
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The Day of Mourning was a protest held by Aboriginal Australians on 26 January 1938, the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the First Fleet and the British colonisation of Australia. It was held to d
Proclamation of the Day of Mourning.
A blackboard displayed outside Australian Hall proclaims, "Day of Mourning", 1938
Patten (right) moving the resolution of protest, next to Cooper (seated)
Front page of the first edition of The Australian Abo Call