Vivian E. Cook
Vivian Cook | |
|---|---|
_(cropped).jpg) Cook speaking in 2022 | |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 32nd district | |
| Assumed office January 1, 1991 | |
| Preceded by | Edward Abramson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 23, 1937 |
| Party | Democratic |
| Signature |  |
| Website | State Assembly website |
Vivian E. Cook (born May 23, 1937)[1] is an American politician from Queens, New York. A Democrat, Cook has represented District 32 in the New York State Assembly since 1991. Assembly District 32 comprises all or portions of the neighborhoods Jamaica, Locust Manor, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, St. Albans and South Ozone Park in Southeast Queens.
Life and career
A native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Cook served as a district leader in Queens for over 25 years.[2]
Cook was first elected to the State Assembly in 1990.[3] She began representing District 32 in the Assembly in 1991.[4] Assembly District 32 comprises all or portions of the neighborhoods Jamaica, Locust Manor, Richmond Hill, Rochdale Village, St. Albans, and South Ozone Park in Southeast Queens.[5][4] Cook is the first Black woman to represent District 32.[6]
Cook was appointed chairwoman of the Task Force on Food and the Farm and Nutrition Policy in 2000.[2]
In 2010, the New York Daily News reported that Cook was among the Assembly members that refused to disclose her outside income.[7]
In 2018, a former staffer sued Cook, alleging racial discrimination and alleging that Cook created a "hostile and intimidating work environment". Specifically, the plaintiff claimed that Cook "used racial slurs disparaging mixed race individuals" and "called her a 'whore' and a 'prostitute' for wearing sleeveless dresses".[4]
As of January 2019, Cook was the County Committee Chair of the Queens County Democratic Committee.[8]
Cook has served as chair of the Assembly Committee on Standing Committees.[9]
Cook helped to obtain $30 million in capital funding for Rochdale Village.[5]
In 2026, at the age of 88, Cook announced that she would not seek reelection to her Assembly seat in November.[6]
References
- ↑ "Assembly Member Vivian E. Cook (NY)". Project Vote Smart. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
- 1 2 "Vivian E. Cook: Biography". New York State Assembly. Retrieved March 23, 2011.
- ↑ Michel, Amanda (28 February 2008). "DNC New York Superdelegates". HuffPost.
- 1 2 3 Brand, David (August 8, 2019). "Discrimination lawsuit against Assemblymember Vivian Cook will proceed to trial". Queens Daily Eagle.
- 1 2 Rose, Naeisha (February 5, 2026). "AM Cook will not seek re-election". Queens Chronicle.
- 1 2 Krichevsky, Sophie (February 2, 2026). "Vivian Cook won't seek reelection to the Assembly". City & State New York. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ↑ "New York State pols who won't reveal outside income". New York Daily News. May 25, 2010.
- ↑ "About - Queens Dems". www.queensdems.com.
- ↑ "New York State Assembly Leadership - Assembly Leadership". nyassembly.gov. Retrieved June 29, 2019.
External links
- 1937 births
- 20th-century African-American politicians
- 20th-century African-American women politicians
- 20th-century American women politicians
- 20th-century members of the New York State Legislature
- 21st-century African-American politicians
- 21st-century African-American women politicians
- 21st-century American women politicians
- 21st-century members of the New York State Legislature
- African-American state legislators in New York (state)
- Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly
- Living people
- Women state legislators in New York (state)