Cornel West: February 25, 1998

Article from Focus on Plattsburgh, February 12, 1998, promoting Cornel West's talk and listing other events for Black History Week

Cornel West (born 1953) is an American philosopher, author, political activist, and public intellectual who draws on Christianity, historicist ethics, and Africana studies as intellectual frameworks. A member of the Democratic Socialists of America, West is a non-Marxist socialist who has been notably critical of American society, as well as presidential candidates and administrations over the last two decades. His activism and advisory involvement with organizations and political projects have expanded to the consideration of issues such as racial injustices, the ethical treatment of animals, and malevolent authority among the American public.

The academic career of West—largely focused on the role of race, gender, and class in American society—has been substantial: a W.E.B. Du Bois Fellowship, attaining appointments at Union Theological Seminary, Yale Divinity School, University of Paris, and Harvard Divinity School, as well as writing or contributing to over twenty published books. Beyond his academic achievements, West has also made several endeavors in the performing arts, making three music albums and attaining acting roles in movies and shows such as The Matrix and 30 Rock.

Article on Cornel West's talk from Focus on Plattsburgh, March 12, 1998.

Cornel West's public lecture at SUNY Plattsburgh was held in the Warren Ballrooms. West's lecture was a part of a Black History Month program put on by Akeba, Club Caribbean, and the Organization for Women of Ethnicity. In his lecture, West compelled students to reflect on the way they live their lives and asked them whether or not they saw themselves as being part of the struggle when they look back on their actions and decisions. Dr. West had a truly inspirational impact on students of SUNY Plattsburgh who attended the event. He provided them with a sentiment that is vital to many at SUNY Plattsburgh twenty-one years later—we are the leaders we’ve been looking for.

--Josh Shaw ‘20