By T Felder
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 8/25/22– After more than forty-six years of service Earl “Skip” Cooper II steps down as President/CEO of the Black Business Association (BBA). He was honored at their 50 Year of Service Celebration Dinner & Roast this past Saturday at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.
The event was 70’s themed with guest making grand entrances in their afro wigs, bell bottoms, dashikis, and miniskirts. Skip appeared classically themed wearing a black tuxedo with Kenta lapels.
The evening was filled with laughs, love, and an abundance of soul food catered by Chef Marilyn with desserts provided by Crystal’s SoCal Catering and Gwen’s Specialty Cakes.
50 years ago, Cooper left Oakland and made his way down to Los Angeles. After attending the Wattstax Music Festival at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, recognizing the seventh anniversary of the Watts Riots, he observed the substantial number of attendees. Cooper, an advocate for the advancement of minority business enterprise recognized their need for his advocacy and skill set. Becoming a civic leader throughout California and nationally.
Cooper’s successor is his mentee business owner, creative designer, and consultant to the BBA Sarah H. Harris. During the celebration Harris shared her appreciation for cooper saying; “For more than 20 years, “Skip” has been a treasured mentor and friend. As a business owner and consultant, It’s been an honor to have worked with him on pivotal projects concerning the BBA and, as his successor, I look forward to continuing with the same passion and drive to advance the status of Black businesses everywhere. We are glad that “Skip” will continue to provide his wisdom for best leadership and advocacy practices and served as our resident historian as Chairman of the Board. Our salute to “Skip” on today is a true celebration and we are delighted to have the community join us for a funky good time,” Cooper followed up by saying; “The BBA is extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated and committed person to lead the BBA into the future.”
About Earl “Skip” Cooper II
Earl “Skip” Cooper II, known as “Skip,” to his friends and colleagues, earned a master’s degree in Business Administration with an emphasis on Entrepreneurship from USC. This put the wheels in motion to be a difference maker in the business arena. He spent his lifetime committed as an advocate for the advancement of minority business enterprise, voice for the underserved, and recognized civic leaders throughout the State of California and the nation.
“Skip,” a 100% Disabled Vietnam Veteran, was named President and CEO of the BBA in 1976. From the BBA, he joined forces with other Black men and women who would collectively meet with Assemblyman Willie Brown to encourage him to create a Black business program for California. As the chair of a key committee, Brown couldn’t make the program Black, but he did make the program for small businesses. This legislation impacted small businesses all over California. Also, the BBA worked closely with Yvonne Brathwaite-Burke, the first Black woman elected to Congress for the State of California. Now, Cooper will focus on his work at the Earl Skip Cooper Foundation.
About the Black Business Association (BBA)
Celebrating 52 Years of service, the Black Business Association (BBA), was founded in 1970. Headquartered in Los Angeles, the BBA has been committed to ensuring that Black and other diverse business owners benefit from advocacy efforts to impact and implement policy, that improves access to contracting and procurement opportunities with the public and private sector, in addition to providing access to financial resources. The BBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.