Rajie Cook

Rajie Cook is an internationally recognized graphic designer, artist, and activist—and the son of Najeeb and Jaleela Cook from Ramallah, Palestine. In 1967, he cofounded Cook and Shanosky Associates, Inc., a design firm, in New York City. He and his colleagues received the Presidential Award for Design Excellence in 1984 for creating the universal pictograms that guide travelers through airports, train stations, and hotels. The Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum acquired the Symbols Signs project in 2003. At 54, he made his first trip to Palestine. It was a life-changing, spiritual journey that turned him into a peace activist. Through poster art, sculptural assemblages, and film, he calls attention to the plight of the Palestinian people and the injustices they face. The father of two grown daughters, Rajie Cook lives in rural Bucks County, Pennsylvania, with his wife Peggy.