J. Samuel Cook
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Jared Samuel Cook (born November 12th, 1983 in Toledo, OH) is a playwright, New Thought writer, theologian, accomplished journalist, and author of Surviving the Wilderness: Principles for Obtaining Your Higher Good. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Cook, who received a degree in print journalism and public relations from Alcorn State University and worked for numerous media outlets before embarking upon what he calls his "life's calling," describes his spiritual awakening as an "awesome, supernatural experience in which I knew that Father-Mother God was leading and guiding me into my destiny." In his book "Surviving the Wilderness," he explains that he received a revelation that he was to become a spiritual leader after experiencing a severe depression. Sitting in the lobby of a Starbucks, he had his "defining moment" after which he devoted his life to religious education and writing.
Cook teaches that humans are "three-tiered beings comprised of the physical, mental, and spiritual bodies" in "Surviving the Wilderness." He stresses strengthening the spiritual Self through practicing spiritual disciplines such as fasting, prayer, and other forms of asceticism. Cook travels nationwide speaking and facilitating workships on spiritual empowerment. He is a foremost proponent of mixing traditional Judeo-Christian beliefs with ancient African spiritual practices.
Cook says his writing is "an organic process" in which he sunders himself from the world in order to create. He has been known to disappear for months at a time when writing, and prefers rural areas when engaging in the creative process.
Cook was mentored by renowned playwright Ron Milner.
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[edit] Education and career
Received formal journalism education at prestigious Dillard University and Alcorn State Universities in New Orleans, LA and Lorman, Mississippi, respectively. Holds a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies.
Articles have appeared in The Black Collegian, The New York Times, BET.com, and Diverse Issues in Higher Education.
Wrote self-help and spirituality manual "Surviving the Wilderness" in 2007. Is currently working on his second manuscript "God In a Box: Rejecting Religion and Embracing Spirit" scheduled to be completed in early 2008.
[edit] Awards and Commendations
Received an NAACP ACT-SO medal in 2002 for his play entitled "Barren Fields"
Profiled by the Wall Street Journal in 2001 as an outstanding youth activist.
Nominated in 2006 for EBONY Magazine's "Top 30 Under 30" Feature.
Received Toledo NAACP "Excellence in Education" Award in 2002
Received Toledo NAACP "Youth Activist of the Year" Award in 2001
Selected as one of twelve Tavis Smiley Foundation "Youth Leaders of the Year" in 2004.
[edit] Criticism and Controversy
Cook's anti-hazing articles have been met with much criticism from the African-American Greek community. Cook has been referred to as "The Most Hated Man in Greekdom" for his articles denouncing the practice of hazing and likening it to the institution of American slavery.
In 2007, Cook was scheduled to speak at the Eta Tau chapter of Omega Psi Phi's Founder's Day program, but due to threats of protests and picketing from members of the organization, he was replaced by the chapter's Basileus as speaker. Members of the organization questioned Cook's loyalty to the organization.
Cook's spiritual beliefs have also been controversial. As a New Thought Christian, his beliefs that sickness, poverty, and disease are conditions of the human psyche manifested in the physical body have also drawn the ire of many Christians. His spiritual writings are from a decidedly New Thought perspective. Cook was once a member of Paul Morton's Greater St. Stephen's Baptist Church in New Orleans.
