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ABOUT THE BOOK
Roots of Resilience is a powerful and deeply personal journey into the Cooper-Dobson family’s history, one shaped by courage, sacrifice, faith, and the unbreakable strength of generations. From the earliest Dobson settlers who arrived in America seeking new opportunity, to the family’s surprising connection to a U.S. President, to the painful realities of slavery that forever altered their path, this book brings the past to life with clarity and heart.
Through vivid storytelling and careful research, Landry M. Simmons Jr. lifts the voices of ancestors whose stories were nearly lost, honoring the resilience of individuals who endured hardship, preserved their dignity, and laid the foundation for those who came after them. Guided by the wisdom of his great-grandmother, Ada Cooper, and inspired by a lifetime of questions about identity and heritage, Simmons invites readers into a narrative that is both intimate and rich in historical context.
Roots of Resilience is not just a family history; it is a testament to the strength we inherit, the truths we uncover, and the legacy we carry forward into the future.
Buy The Book
Explore the powerful story behind Roots of Resilience, a journey through generations of strength, identity, and family history. This book invites you to step into the past, understand the people who shaped it, and carry their lessons forward.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Landry M. Simmons Jr. is a dedicated public servant, entrepreneur, historian, and advocate whose life has been shaped by a deep commitment to community, leadership, and honoring the sacrifices of his ancestors. A Cuyahoga County Deputy Sheriff and disabled U.S. veteran, Simmons has spent his life in service, protecting his community, uplifting others, and standing firmly on the foundation of values instilled in him by generations before him.
A proud descendant of the Cooper-Dobson family, Simmons draws inspiration from a lineage that includes early English settlers, Revolutionary War figures, courageous enslaved individuals, and even a U.S. President. His great-grandmother, Ada Carter Cooper, played a defining role in shaping his character—teaching him the importance of hard work, faith in God, resilience, and the responsibility each person carries to honor their family’s legacy.
Professionally, Simmons is the CEO and owner of Simmons Intercontinental Corporation, a multi-state enterprise headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio and El Paso, Texas. He has extended his dedication to public service into the political arena as well, serving as a Cuyahoga County Committeeman (GOP) for District 11B and running for both the Ohio State Senate (2022) and the U.S. House of Representatives (2024).
Beyond business and public service, Simmons is a 32nd-degree Prince Hall Mason and an active member of multiple Masonic bodies, reflecting his commitment to leadership, personal growth, and community brotherhood.
Adding yet another dimension to his multifaceted life, Simmons is also an accomplished actor with appearances on television, in commercials, and a notable role in the acclaimed film Brim.
In Roots of Resilience: Unveiling Our History, Simmons channels all facets of his life—public servant, historian, man of faith, and descendant—into a moving narrative that preserves the voices of his ancestors and illuminates the path for future generations.
©2025 by Roots of Resilience