Black History Month Honors: Dr. Cornel West
How do you show pride? Is it hanging your favorite team’s flag outside your bedroom window? Is it placing an “Honor Student” bumper sticker on your car? Is it getting a tattoo of your loved one? I believe pride is not external, pride is what’s inside you, what you fight for, what you show every day of your life. And Dr Cornel West has shown me that this pride is something you should never forget. Dr West is and was one of the most influential African-Americans involved in the Civil Rights Moments post 1960’s. His political views on “white supremacy” and living in a “white America” are both controversial and praised. I recently watched Dr West on the Today show one morning, as he talked about African-American men and the lack of fatherhood in many households. It was profound to watch this man speak, his eloquence, knowledge and insight on what makes our culture so special and touched me in a deep way. He is a member of the Democratic Socialist of America, a noted author, actor, critic and philosopher. Much of Dr West’s work focuses on the roles of race, gender, class and how many people react to their “racial conditiondness” Dr West is without a doubt among the pantheon of great African-American leaders in history, and as such I honor him in during this great month of our culture, pride ,and legacy.
“The country is in deep trouble. We’ve forgotten that a rich life consists fundamentally of serving others, trying to leave the world a little better than you found it. We need the courage to question the powers that be, the courage to be impatient with evil and patient with people, the courage to fight for social justice. In many instances we will be stepping out on nothing, and just hoping to land on something. But that’s the struggle. To live is to wrestle with despair, yet never allow despair to have the last word.”
— Cornel West
James Field
The Black Nouveau 
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