ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Elmira Mayor Dan Mandell has officially declared June 22 as ‘Pastor Corey Cooke Day.’   

Native of Los Angeles, California, Cooke is currently serving as the pastor of Monumental Baptist Church on Maple Avenue in Elmira. The proclamation recognizes Cooke for all his years of service to his church and his dedicated contributions to the community.   

Cooke says it was a very highly esteemed honor that he was blindsided by receiving.   

“It poses as a testament. that no matter where you're from, if you truly have a desire to impact where you are, then God will make a way for it. If it's truly your heart's desire, your heart's passion, you will get to see it acknowledged publicly.”

However, Cooke says it’s not the recognition he works towards, but rather “strive to make an impact on my community, on my church community, the faith-based community, as well as the district. But I do thank God that all these things are starting to come into alignment.”   

The Elmira City Council appointed Cooke as a Councilmember in January 2023, after former 2nd District Councilman Brent Stermer.   

Cooke has lived in Elmira alongside his family for the last decade and says it has been a great honor to serve at Monumental Baptist Church. Still, he credits much of his passion for public advocacy because of his father and the example he set for him.   

“I've had a long line of examples— Los Angeles metropolitan churches. I got a chance to walk with my father. Bishop Al Cook Sr. while they created legislation for ex-offenders, people trying to transition back into society after being incarcerated and things like that.”  

For Cooke, walking beside his father inspired him to pursue his endeavors.  

“My father was very instrumental in drafting legislation back in the 90s and Governor Pete Wilson actually signed it into law that MCI would sew finances back into these GED initiatives to help people get back on their feet and eliminate excuses for going back into old behaviors that would hinder you from being a well-rounded person and an asset to society.”  

Having the opportunity to bring all his experiences into his own personal work, Cooke expressed his gratitude for being able to serve the second district.   

“I've had the opportunity to work with Mayor Mandell, the city manager, Mike Collins, and all of my city council colleagues as far as trying to draft legislation that will end blight as far as like homelessness, tending to the derelict houses that sit in our city, dealing with them and making it safer for people to walk, ride their bikes, drive through the city.”   

Cooke continued to explain how imperative it is to contribute to “our little world here,” and ensure it thrives.