Chad Lawson Cooper: The Man, The Myth, And The Legend

Chad Lawson Cooper: The Man, The Myth, And The Legend

Chad Lawson Cooper has steadily built a unique and impactful legacy that bridges ministry, social commentary, and the performing arts. With more than two decades of experience in entertainment, Cooper’s journey demonstrates a consistent dedication to using storytelling as a medium for cultural engagement and societal reflection. His evolution from the pulpit to the stage represents a paradigm shift in how religious and civic narratives can intersect with mainstream theater and film.

Cooper began his public journey as the senior pastor of A Wealthy Place Kingdom Church in Miami, Florida, and, from time to time, as a visiting professor of philosophy and religion at Florida Memorial University. His academic and pastoral work placed him at the crossroads of spiritual leadership and intellectual inquiry. His wife, Alicia Robinson Cooper, also served the university community through student support services. Their shared values and commitment to mentorship and service would become foundational to their artistic endeavors.

A pivotal moment occurred when Alicia invited Cooper to chaperone a university trip to the stage production Men Cry in the Dark by Michael Baisden. The experience was transformative. Realizing the potency of theater as a vehicle for ministry, Cooper chose to expand his influence beyond traditional religious settings. At age 33, he transitioned fully into theatrical and film production. This decision would mark the beginning of a body of work that remains both spiritually rooted and culturally resonant. Their first production, Church Mess, co-written by the Coopers, premiered at Florida Memorial University and was met with overwhelming success. The play sold out its initial run and eventually toured over 100 cities across the United States, generating millions in revenue. Despite this success, the journey was not without hardship. The Coopers operated independently, often facing financial uncertainty and transient living conditions, very much like Tyler Perry, but it was Cooper and his whole family. They financed their productions without external investment, relying instead on determination, ingenuity, and a strong faith in their vision.

In 2015, Chad Lawson Cooper relocated his operations to 140 Broadway in New York City’s Financial District. That same year, following the high-profile death of Philando Castile, Cooper responded artistically by creating Justice on Trial. Departing from gospel-themed theater, this new work signaled a shift toward civic engagement and historical reckoning through performance. Justice on Trial blends courtroom drama with historical fiction, placing the U.S. Justice Department on trial for systemic racism. The play incorporates fictional legal proceedings with testimony from historical figures including Harriet Tubman, W.E.B. Du Bois, Emmett Till, Medgar Evers, and Dr. Daniel Kahneman. It situates these testimonies in a contemporary framework, offering a critique of modern political and racial dynamics.

The reception to Justice on Trial was both critical and popular. Between 2017 and 2019, the production was staged at Signature Theatre and Roulette Intermedium in Brooklyn, consistently selling out. Audiences lined up around the block, underscoring the play’s resonance across diverse demographic groups. What began as a theatrical production quickly evolved into a national conversation.

In 2019, the production reached new milestones, including a 4,000-seat sellout in Birmingham, Alabama, and a performance at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre in Los Angeles. These successes led to the development of a film adaptation. In 2020, Cooper collaborated with filmmakers Mann Robinson and Harry Lennix to produce Justice on Trial: The Movie. The film debuted in select AMC theaters and was later made available via Amazon Prime Video, expanding its reach amid the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Beyond his role as a writer and director, Chad Lawson Cooper has developed a comprehensive production and distribution model. Rejecting conventional marketing and promotional strategies, he engages a grassroots network of faith-based organizations and community leaders to amplify his work. Hundreds of churches and local institutions across the country have hosted and promoted Justice on Trial, integrating the production into their broader educational and cultural initiatives.

Cooper’s collaborations extend to prominent figures and descendants of historical icons. Notably, he worked with Jeffrey DuBois Peck, the great-grandson of W.E.B. Du Bois, in furthering the play’s historical authenticity and educational value. Casting decisions also reflect Cooper’s commitment to legacy and representation. In recent years, Ralph Carter, best known for his role as Michael in the television series Good Times, joined the production in a leading role, marking a connection between past and present cultural icons.

Today, Justice on Trial functions not only as a touring play and film but as a franchise with expanding intellectual property assets. Chad Lawson Cooper continues to produce iterations of the work under the title Justice on Trial Reloaded, ensuring the content remains current with evolving social issues. In addition to performances, the brand includes educational modules, licensed materials, and streaming content, offering a comprehensive suite of resources for schools, churches, and civic organizations.

Cooper’s work is driven by a commitment to civic education, historical memory, and justice-oriented storytelling. His theatrical productions have become community events, catalyzing conversations about race, equity, and the legal system. Through a self-sustained business model, he has achieved financial independence while remaining closely aligned with his values and mission.

His signature motto says it all:
“If you’re not invited to the table, create your own table — be the table — and bring the seats to your own table.”

As an executive producer, actor, and writer, Cooper’s contributions to American theater and film are marked by both creative innovation and social consciousness. His model presents an alternative to mainstream production paradigms, proving that impact and independence can coexist. With a growing catalog of works and a proven touring infrastructure, Chad Lawson Cooper continues to demonstrate how the arts can be leveraged for education, empowerment, and enduring cultural relevance.

His estimated intellectual property valuation currently stands between $80 million and $125 million and continues to grow. One hundred years from now, Chad Lawson Cooper’s legacy will very likely be compared to that of August Wilson — not only for his artistic contributions but also for his commitment to documenting and dramatizing the Black experience in a way that transcended entertainment and entered the realm of cultural preservation.

Social media updates and behind-the-scenes content can be found on his official Instagram and Facebook pages.