His other projects included Myers’ “Frederick Douglass: The Lion Who Wrote History,” Ruth Vander Zee’s “Mississippi Morning” and Leah Henderson’s “A Day for Rememberin’: Inspired by the True Events of the First Memorial Day,” which came out in May. For my first children’s book, I was so proud to share a project with him and really looked forward to doing so again. “I remember when I first received his initial pages for ‘Sisters & Champions’ I was just blown away. “Floyd was a wonderful artist and a fantastic collaborator,” Bryant told the AP in an email Saturday.

Mazie and her family reflect on the past and celebrate the day her ancestors were no longer slaves in 'Juneteenth for Mazie,' written and illustrated by Floyd Cooper. But he showed an early gift for drawing and received a scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma. He grew up poor, and spoke of moving around so often in Tulsa that he attended 11 different elementary schools. His legacy will continue to enlighten and to inspire for generations to come.”Ĭooper was a Tulsa, Oklahoma, native who drew upon his grandfather’s memories in illustrating Weatherford’s book on the 1921 tragedy. “A devoted family man and genuine friend, Floyd was a gifted illustrator and truth-teller. “His cinematic illustrations brought stories to life and held readers close,” Weatherford said. She did not immediately provide further details.

He was 65.Īuthor Carole Boston Weatherford, whose “Becoming Billie Holiday” and “Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre” were illustrated by Cooper, told The Associated Press in an email that he died early Friday after being ill with cancer for several months. NEW YORK (AP) - Floyd Cooper, an award-winning illustrator and author of children’s books whose mission to offer candid and positive images of Black history included subjects ranging from Frederick Douglass and the civil rights movement to Venus and Serena Williams, has died.

Juneteenth for mazie