Wanda Cooper-Jones hails from Waynesboro, GA and is the mother of three young adults, Marcus, Jasmine, and Ahmaud.  Wanda’s youngest, Ahmaud, born 27 years ago on Mother’s Day, was a kind, fun-loving young man with dreams, hopes, and aspirations.  His murder in the Brunswick, Georgia community catapulted Wanda into the national conversation, and without hesitation, she waged a campaign with fierce mother love to exact justice for her son.  Through victorious verdicts in both State and Federal trials, Wanda used her voice and her power to ensure a positive narrative around Ahmaud’s legacy. She has worked tirelessly not only to fight for her son, but to stand as an example for so many that have lost children to racially motivated hate crimes. 

Wanda knew that Ahmaud’s life had to stand for something and that his remembrance needed to evoke a message of resilience and hope. From this belief, the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation was founded in the summer of 2021 and the mission of empowering, serving, and affirming Black boys on the journey towards mental wellness was established and the work was underway. 

In her quest to find ways to positively impact young lives, the foundation established the Ahmaud Arbery Foundation Scholarship which benefits African American male senior students at Ahmaud’s alma mater, Brunswick High School.    

Wanda Cooper-Jones continues to seek out partnerships and alliances that support mental wellness, education, and advocacy for young Black males.  Her son Ahmaud will always serve as her beacon of light as she continues the work of the foundation established in his name.