The collection is very extensive, containing everything from report cards at the age of twelve to surveys of Rochester city schools in the 1960's to materials related to the 2009 founding and ongoing programs of the Dr. Walter Cooper Academy. Processing of this collection is now in progress. Due to high interest in the papers, the Rare Books and Special Collections Department is releasing this register in successive parts to facilitate public access to the collection as portions are organized and described. As processing continues, there will be periodic additions to the register until the collection is fully processed. The materials which are currently available include information on Dr. Cooper's personal history, the 1964 Rochester Race Riots, the school integration/urban-suburban transfer plan in Rochester, and the Small Business Administration. The types of materials in the collection include Dr. Cooper's writings, newspaper clippings, various organizations meeting minutes and newsletters, photographs, and letters.

The Rocky Simmons photographs (1920s-2008) are comprised of photographs originally assembled by Simmons in an album, plus additional materials donated by his children and family. The photos feature Simmons, his family and friends, and various locations central to his life. It also contains photographs he took as a professional photographer, featuring local events, weddings, musicians, sports teams, beauty contests, award ceremonies, and new businesses. The photographs are a unique window on the lives of Rochester's African American community at mid-20th century.