Mayor Mike Cornell is 36 years old, has been a community advocate from childhood to adulthood, and is considered a genuine leader of his generation. In addition, with his unmatched knowledge, courage, and strength, he has broken barriers and shattered ceilings at such a young age counting back over 20 years. He’s a professional in every aspect and strives to improve the best by being optimistic, confident, and focused on his goals or tasks.
In December of 2019, at age 32, Mr. Cornell joined the NAACP the Largest Civil Rights Organization in the world as a regular member because he wanted his knowledge and experiences to help his peers of his generation further. At his first formal meeting in January 2020, it was noted that he had influenced approx. 30 other young professionals to join with him from ages 23 to 35. Mr. Cornell was quickly appointed to serve on the Membership Committee as he enjoyed speaking with the community until July 2020.
Shortly afterward he was asked to serve on the Environmental Justice Committee, as he documented a lengthy report and participated in a seminar regarding the negative health effects of the notably Cold-Water Creek in North County. On November 23, 2020, Mr. Cornell was elected the youngest member of the NAACP Executive Committee at age 33. He became a Silver Lifetime member in April 2021 and was reelected to serve on the NAACP Executive Committee in November 2022.
Mayor Cornell felt compelled to make a difference in his immediate community, so he ran for public office within the City of Riverview. Mr. Cornell ran his campaign without any political or NAACP influences. Instead, he decided to walk through the Municipality to knock on doors and personally speak with the residents. He created a slogan L.I.T for Change; Leadership, Integrity, and Transparency that he believes reached the youth and elders and shook up the community. So, after all his hard work and campaigning, Mr. Mike Cornell was elected on April 5th, 2022, making history as the Youngest and First African American Elected Official Trustee within the City of Riverview, MO.
On June 23rd, 2022, Mr. Cornell was awarded and officially recognized by the City of Riverview for his accomplishment. On September 23rd, 2022, Mr. Cornell was given an extraordinary excellence award: a MO House of Representative Resolution number 6310 by State Representative and Black Caucus Chair Marlene Terry of District 66. Within the same year of 2021/2022, Mr. Cornell had not only been fighting litigation. He later won, began campaigning for public office, and took courses to become a MO State Private Investigator.
In the fall of 2022, Mayor Cornell had passed all the mandatory requirements by the State of MO and the FBI, before being granted the clearance to become a MO State Licensed Private Investigator. It was noted that out of approx. over 200 investigators in the State of MO, only a very few are African Americans. Mr. Cornell has always been proud to raise the standards of achievements and for the youngest Investigator.
On April 4th, 2023, Mr. Cornell made history again. It was officially noted that it was the first time African Americans have had the majority or quorum on the City of Riverview Board of Trustees. The Board had elected Mr. Cornell the youngest and First African American Chairman of the Board of Trustees on April 18th, 2023. On May 31st, 2023, The City of Riverview Board of Trustees passed Resolution number 2023-2 unanimously, which, named the Chairman of the Board of Trustees to be addressed as Mayor to the Public.
Today, Mr. Cornell would like to encourage everyone to never give up, in fact with, unconditional knowledge, strength, and courage; an individual can achieve their ambitions and overcome their enemies. MLK Jr stated “Injustice anywhere is a Threat Justice everywhere” Simultaneously Nelson Mandela stated “It always seems impossible until it’s done”
Mayor Mike Cornell History…
However, he thinks of himself just as a simple hard-working young man who’s not afraid to speak the truth to those in power and to have the integrity to do what’s right even when it’s not popular or anyone is around. Also, he enjoys reading and writing, but more so learning the heroic and extraordinary facts of African Americans’ history. He seems to be unbothered by negativity or distraction; instead, multitasking seems to be one of his greatest assets and regular routine despite his busy schedule.
Mr. Cornell, at age 16, was endorsed by teachers and community leaders as a young, enthusiastic advocate for implementing positive change. Shortly afterward, he was chosen to attend the Missouri Highway Patrol Cadet Academy (MSHP) at age 17. He accepted the role and graduated from the week-long rigorous training in the summer of 2004.
Mr. Cornell quickly enrolled into College at the Mineral Area College in Park Hills, MO where he majors in Criminal Justice. Additionally, at age 18, he was motivated to join a Law Enforcement Academy training program during the night that was paid for through Sponsorship.
Mr. Cornell graduated from the 600-hour Law Enforcement Academy training at age 19, as he was known to be one of the youngest applicants to complete the course successfully. However, under MO State Law Mr. Cornell had to wait until he was 21 to be granted the MO POST Certification #29707.
Mayor Cornell mentioned that at age 21, he challenged some unethical and systematic unjust practices within the St. Louis Metro Police Department (SLMPD) as a civilian recruit in training that he later testified in a 2008 court disposition. Although he won and made a difference within the internal structure of the Police Department, he acknowledged that the discomfort and distrust of some colleagues within the Dept could lead to an unpredictable backlash.
Mr. Cornell devoted his life to the organization that did not appreciate the extra effort, time, and dedication he was offering to prove he was the best and would continue striving to be the best. The organization failed him by allowing a person(s) within the system to make a personal mission to humble his efforts.
Moving forward in life, a young man Mr. Cornell who was unprotected by the Dept, raised from a total displacement of his dreams, Mr. Cornell’s dreams were shattered in a manner that would have destroyed the average man’s reasons for existing. However, Mr. Cornell has impressively fast-tracked his life, interacting with the organization and realizing a few negative individuals with personal motives, don’t represent the entire organization.
During a time, when Mr. Cornell was fighting for people’s civil rights and an equal quality of life, Mr. Cornell was in an ongoing battle of racial discrimination lawsuits against one of the largest distributors in the world. Impressively, Mr. Cornell, with over a 100-page report, prevailed in the Federal Court proceedings with the EEOC and OSHA matters separately.
Mayor Cornell had always wanted to help the community more personally. He established and purchased a Foundation called “A Blessing Heart Foundation” as he is the organization’s Executive Director. Mr. Cornell’s overall goal was to help the effects of poverty further and change the narrative with less fortunate individuals throughout the community. The Foundation has been organized exclusively for charitable, educational, literary, and/ or scientific purposes. Also, it was founded to provide nutritional support and other holistic resources to underserved community members and strengthen local neighborhoods.
In addition, with Mr. Cornell’s accomplishments, he acknowledged some internal flaws within the City of Riverview’s Municipality and Police Department. Mr. Cornell was prepared to fight for the right cause and make a difference within the community to enhance equality and quality of life. Mr. Cornell spent countless hours looking for individuals who would further add to his efforts regarding making a difference as a public official, and be the change that was so desperately needed. The goal was to establish and enforcing a new standard of equality, uniformity, and accountability within the City of Riverview.
In May 2023, Mayor Mike Cornell was selected to be the Emcee at the Mister Juneteenth Inaugural Scholarship Pageant hosted by Lori Hall located within the Touhill Performing Arts at UMSL. The Henlor Foundation Corporation presented the Pageant awards for Black males 18-25, undergraduates, and graduate students supporting sickle cell disease education for our community. The Vision is to create a pathway for young Black men to attain greater heights personally and professionally. The Mission provides male role models for young Black men, shining a light on cultural enrichment, leadership education, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and social and community services.
In October 2023, Mayor Mike Cornell established the Municipality’s First Annual Parade and Bonfire Fall Festival. In November 2023, Mr. Cornell led the transition for the Village of Riverview to become a City by the majority of the public vote passed on November 7th, 2023, to become officially incorporated.
Community Acknowledgments
“Mike is a leader of his generation; I have observed the people around him focus and engage on his progress. I feel Mike would be a positive link with the community and the broken communication between the youths and the justice system. I think Mike’s story, strength, and recovery can motivate others.” David; Entrepreneur
“First, I want to commend Mr. Cornell on his passion that he expresses to get the City of Riverview looking beautiful again. He has done a phenomenal job with the redesign of the St. Cyr bridge and demo on abandoned houses. This has shown such great poise and willingness as a leader. Your rapport resonates as someone who is willing to put the residents first as top priority by making yourself available to meet, talk, and listen to the people.”
Ulander; City of Riverview Resident
“As I observe the continuous strive for excellence and the community change, I can honestly say we’re grateful to have a courageous man with a positive outreach to the community. I’m a young adult black male age 27 and Mr. Cornell words of encouragement motivated me to attend my first board meeting in the City of Riverview. The L.I.T slogan and the meaning (leadership, integrity, Transparency) behind it is positive and shows real meaning that people can relate to.”
DaVonte; City of Riverview Resident
“I know Mr. Cornell to be dedicated and hard-working. He always has been willing to “roll up the sleeves” and do the difficult work. Time and again he has proven himself to be an able problem-solver. I am grateful for the opportunity to associate with him.”
Attorney Morrison
“Mike does not just do his job; he does everything he needs to do and more. He’s always over the top and outgoing even when he doesn’t need to be. I believe Mike has the moral character to help people from all backgrounds, he is fair, and firm, but good at solving problems. For his experience, knowledge, communication skills, and ability to take things to the next level is extraordinary.”
Mr. Paracha; Frontier Petroleum CEO
“I believe that Mike is a remarkable man, His concern and involvement in the community is admirable, and he is always willing to take that extra step. His desire to make a difference is so heartwarming. Also, the desire to truly make a difference and help unite people towards a common goal is the sign of a strong leader. I enjoy speaking with him. He is intelligent with a lot of fresh ideas. Just doing the same thing over and over, and expecting a different result is not his style. He is not afraid to take the initiative to effect a change.”
Tammy; Senior General Manager