West’s work has significantly influenced public discourse on race, class, and justice, making him a prominent voice in American intellectual life.

West’s work has significantly influenced public discourse on race, class, and justice, making him a prominent voice in American intellectual life.

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, American philosopher, activist and Presidential candidate, born 72 years ago on 2 Jun 1953.

***Cornel West is a renowned American philosopher, theologian, political activist, and public intellectual born on June 2, 1953. He’s known for his influential work on race, gender, and class struggle in American society, drawing from various traditions like Christianity, democratic socialism, and neopragmatism.

🟣Key Facts:

• Early Life and Education:
  West was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and grew up in Sacramento, California. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in Near Eastern languages and civilization and later earned his Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University, becoming the first African American to do so.
• Academic Career:
  West has held professorships and fellowships at prestigious institutions like Harvard University, Yale University, Union Theological Seminary, Princeton University, Dartmouth College, and the University of Paris in Saint-Denis.
• Notable Works: Some of his influential books include:
  • Race Matters (1993)
  • Democracy Matters (2004)
  • The Radical King (2016)
  • Truth Matters (2025, co-authored with Robert P. George)
• Activism and Public Engagement:
  West is a long-time member of the Democratic Socialists of America and has served as honorary chair. He’s also a co-founder of the Network of Spiritual Progressives and has been involved in various social justice initiatives.
• Presidential Candidate:
  West ran as an independent candidate in the 2024 United States presidential election and later formed the Justice For All Party.
• Awards and Recognition:
  West has received over 20 honorary degrees and an American Book Award.

West’s work has significantly influenced public discourse on race, class, and justice, making him a prominent voice in American intellectual life.