John F. Cook Jr.

John Francis Cook Jr. (September 1833 – January 20, 1910) was a prominent businessman, politician and civil rights activist who was a member of the Washingtonian African-American elite of the late 19th century. Born into an established, middle-class family in Washington D.C., Cook was believed to at point point to be D.C.'s richest black resident.

Over his career, he served as a tax collector, educator, and community organizer, among other roles. Cook was also a staunch opponent of Jim Crow laws and the Colonization movement.