Obama shout-out goes to grandmother of Times columnist

From Georgia to Florida, Times columnist Ernest Hooper's family watched President-elect Barack Obama's speech tonight in eager anticipation.

Family members had been told beforehand by the campaign that 106-year-old Ann Nixon Cooper, Hooper's maternal grandmother in Atlanta, might be mentioned in tonight's acceptance speech. Watch it.

And then, about 12:15 a.m., Cooper became a part of history.

"I guess overwhelmed is the best word," Hooper said after the speech. "My sister said he was going to mention her in the speech. I had no idea he was going to build the entire conclusion to his speech around her and her incredible life.

"It's amazing to see someone you know all your life, someone you've loved all your life, honored on one of the most historic nights in our nation's history."

Cooper was discovered by the media two weeks ago when she went to vote early for Obama. A CNN camera crew came to her Atlanta home and profiled her.

"She talked about how excited she was to have the opportunity to vote for Sen. Obama," Hooper said. "I guess someone from Sen. Obama's campaign saw the piece on CNN. He called and left a message.

"Of course she didn't get the message. She was out riding with her friends. Which I think says a lot about how she continues to remain active."

Cooper later played the answering machine message, in which the president-elect thanked her for her support, for CNN.

"She's very deserving of all this attention," Hooper said. "She's a wonderful woman, and she's lived a remarkable life. She's an inspiration to all of us."

RELATED CONTENT: A super grandma is 105 (Okay, I admit a little bias). And, you can read Ernest Hooper's first column about Barack Obama, written in 2004, here.

Jamal Thalji, Times staff writer

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Comments

[Terry Parks]

What a wonderful tribute! What a wonderful life!

[Megan]

Way to go Cooper!

[Pink Chocolate]

This is too cool for words. Congratulations Mrs. Cooper!

[johnson]

Wow!

[Jay]

Congrats Ms. Cooper! America will be great again!

[Andrea]

congratulations....what a wonderful tribute to her life!

[steve]

so what..???

[Scott K Wagman]

Ernest,your grandmother and Obama both beat overwhelming odds. She,by living a very long,positive and continuing life and Obama by,well,you know! We share you pride on this great morning after. That's all I'm saying.....

[Kristen]

I had no idea that was Ernest's grandmother! That part of Obama's speech had me in tears. Such a wonderful story.

[Brandon]

That's very exciting!

[Melissa M]

CONGRATULATIONS! I AM SO PROUD!

[Ellie]

Perhaps this is why Obama stayed with his church and his demonstrative pastor...the "Audacity of Hope"? Starting to make sense, with so many who have good reasons to be angry and bitter but either have left bitterness behind or are learning to. Glory to all of the grandmothers who pass along hope, wisdom, responsibility.

[Joe Humphrey]

Hoop,
That's pretty amazing!

[Bonita]

Just a Blessing!

[Andrea H]

Hoop-- that is so incredibly cool!!

[white guy for Obama!]

steve ur an idiot. What a historic time. I cannot wait to see how history writes this chapter of our lives. Truly, a great moment to be part of. Props to Hooper and what a woman in ur grandmother! That's all I'm saying.

[Kathy Pinney]

Hooper,
Dani's mom here (Dani in Colorado). Just read the article Dani forwarded to us -and the article you wrote in 2004. We are completely President elect Barack Obama's fans and have been since we first saw him a few years ago. I am so proud to have read the article about your grandmother - again I got goosebumps (for about the 10th time in the last 24 hrs). We are so blessed to have people like your grandmother, you, and Barack Obama as part of our history and life.
Hello from North Carolina, Don & Kathy Pinney

[junebee]

Riding what? A Harley? A horse? You go, girl!