Cornel West Sparks Dialogue
Recognized celebrity speaks on racism, education, politics
John FlynnTHE SANTA CLARAOctober 9, 2014
[dropcap]C[/dropcap]ornel West spoke at two Santa Clara events and captivated audiences with his graciousness and intensity while he offered raw opinions on the problems within American society.
West visited campus Oct. 3 to discuss his book, “Black Prophetic Fire,” which seeks to humanize the “deodorized” versions of important black civil rights leaders. In addition, he spoke on topics such as education, racial inequality and American politics.
He hopes his book and future leaders will tell the truth, expose lies and challenge the discourse. “Justice is what love looks like in public,” said West, a professor at Union Theological Seminary. “Love is a matter of keeping track of another person’s humanity.”
West has taught at Yale University, Harvard University and Princeton University for over 30 years. He is also the recipient of over 20 honorary degrees and is a frequent guest on television programs like “The Colbert Report” and “Real Time with Bill Maher.”
West commented on the inequalities of the American education system and economy. “Rich kids get educated, poor kids get tested,” he said. “22 percent of all children and 40 percent of black children live in poverty in the richest nation in the history of Earth. If that’s not a travesty then I do not know what is.”
Not afraid to voice his opinions, West railed against the Obama administration’s tolerance of injustice in oil-producing countries. “If Saudi Arabia had artichokes instead of oil, we’d have a different attitude,” said West.
For West, having difficult conversations and recognizing disturbing injustices is part of the solution. Being unaffected only adds to the problems.
Professor Aldo Billingslea, associate provost for diversity and inclusion, remains hopeful that Santa Clara is making progress.
“Race relations on campus could always be better,” said Billingslea.
“Until all the members of our community feel valued and respected, we have work to do.”
Junior Aaron Poor attended the event.
“What I took away from the talk was the value and necessity of recognizing equality in everyone,” said
Poor.
The Ignatian Center for Jesuit Education often hosts speaking series focusing on faith, justice and intellectual life in hopes these talks will answer the question of how Santa Clara can grow as a community.
West offered an answer.
“Being human has to do with your service to those who are ‘catching hell,’” he said. “We must be maladjusted to injustice. We need a love and justice renaissance that young folk hunger for because so many feel unloved, unnecessary, superfluous.
We must recognize we are who we are because someone loved us.”
Contact John Flynn at jfflynn@scu.edu or call (408) 554-4854.