A Promise To Keep

An Unimaginable 48-Year Journey for Truth, Justice & Accountability

Experience Powerful Insights Through "Chasing Justice" and Inspiring CLEs & Speaking Engagements

Book cover of "Chasing Justice" by Kerry Cook.
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The Power of Hope and Accountability

Imagine surviving 22 years on Texas Death Row, accused and wrongly convicted of a crime you didn't commit, and coming just eleven days from execution. This is a story of facing impossible odds, where the only thing left to believe in was the truth of my own innocence. My journey is a powerful testament to the resilience and resolve it takes to overcome such a nightmare. It is a message of compassion, love, and the unyielding power of hope and faith that resonates with audiences of all ages.

A Journey of Resilience and Hope

My name is Kerry Cook, and through my platform, I am sharing my story of the importance of family, hope, faith, determination, and never giving up on the truth.

  • Closed book with a bookmark icon.
    A powerful story of nearly 4 capital murder trials, 3 wrongful convictions, 2 stays on death row, and 11 days away from execution.
  • Closed book with a bookmark icon.
    A testament to the power of hope, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of truth.
  • Closed book with a bookmark icon.
    Inspiring others to face their own challenges and recognize their power to create change.
Huntsville Death Row - Then and Now
Huntsville Death Row - Then and Now

A Promise To Keep

The picture on the right is of me being pushed from the courtroom after just having been found guilty of capital murder and sentenced to death. Smith County Sheriff’s deputies gave me a few moments to tell my mom, dad, and brother Doyle Wayne goodbye because they were taking me to death row.

We clung together, and I pulled their heads down. We all three looked at each other, and I said no matter what they do to me, no matter what I have to go through, I'll never give up, not until I prove I had been framed and cleared our names.

Kerry leaving courtroom after verdict

Speaking Engagement Topics

My CLEs and speaking engagements inspire, empower, and provoke thought. I offer engaging talks on compelling topics from my personal journey.

Inspiring Hope

Inspiring Hope

A powerful exploration of finding resilience in the face of profound adversity.

Communication

Communication

Practical insights on finding your voice and developing confidence.

And More

And More

I also offer customized talks tailored to your event, audience, and goals.

Hear From My Audiences

Vector

“Kerry Cook's presentation at our financial advisor event was second to none. I would highly recommend him for any corporate function.”

Tammy DeRosier, Executive Vice President, Dorsey, Wright & Associates

“Kerry Cook is a highly articulate and thoughtful speaker and held the audience, a tough−minded and skeptical group, in rapt attention. I have sat through many speeches over the years and can say that Kerry is among the most affecting and riveting speakers I have had the privilege to hear. I know I would seize the opportunity to hear him speak again and would urge my friends to attend any event at which he was a featured presenter.”

David Chiel, The Ford Foundation

“Kerry Max Cook is the most inspiring human being you will ever have the privilege to sit and listen to…”

Richard Dreyfuss, Actor

"Court TV has had a long running relationship with the Innocence Project and it is through this relationship that I was fortunate to meet Kerry Max Cook when he appeared on my show, 'Catherine Crier Live' and shared with us his powerful story that must be heard."

Catherine Crier

"As a former judge on Texas' highest criminal court,
the Court of Criminal Appeals, I have a unique relationship with Kerry − I was one of the judges who voted to reverse his capital murder conviction. Kerry's story is compelling and should be told...what I find most remarkable about Kerry is his ability to put this adversity behind him, and to live his life in a positive and constructive manner. Kerry is truly a Remarkable human being with an inspirational story that would be beneficial to any audience."

Charles F. Baird, Former Judge, Court of Criminal Appeals

“Kerry, you left students and educators utterly speechless today, your message was so powerful. You are one of few people on the planet who has managed to Change the life of the people who will change the world."

Rami Malhas, Regional Chairperson, WPO, Dubai

"Mr. Cook is a clear, dynamic speaker with a compelling message. The audience listened with great interest; some had tears in their eyes. I have never seen a speaker inspire others the way Kerry Max Cook can and does.”

Lee Smalley, Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island

"Mr. Kerry Max Cook is a remarkable human being. Kerry's speech was captivating and enriching. What distinguishes Kerry and makes him so exceptional is his ability to motivate others to believe in themselves and overcome adversity in their daily lives regardless of their background or life experience. His lack of bitterness from his ordeal coupled with his wit make him a very powerful teacher. His story transcends common barriers such as culture, religion and socioeconomic status. He has wide audience appeal. His message is universal and he tells it simply and with dignity."

Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, Author of Dead Man Walking

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What’s Next for Chasing Justice

The journey doesn’t end here. An audiobook edition of Chasing Justice voiced by Kerry, Sandra, KJ, and Special Guests will be available soon—bringing my story to life in a new way for listeners everywhere.

I’m also at work on a sequel to Chasing Justice, continuing the story with new insights, reflections, and hope. Stay connected for updates as these projects unfold.

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“There are educators, those that can inspire, and those that can teach. Kerry Max Cook does both.”

-Fisher Stevens

Actor, Director, and Academy Award winning Producer for The Cove