The Burden Carried by African American Men with Dr. Cornel West

One of America's most provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his "ferocious moral vision." Currently the Class of 1943 University Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton, West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his best-selling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, selling more than half a million copies to date.

In his long awaited life story, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir, West offers a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind. Themes include faith, family, philosophy, love, and service. He has published 19 other books and has edited 13 texts. West also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI (Public Radio International). He was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy and has served as its official spokesperson, as well as playing a recurring role in the final two films. West graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a PhD. from Princeton.

His CDs, Sketches of My Culture and Street Knowledge highlight his belief that growing divisions in our society foster the despair and distrust that undermines our democratic process. By working to create an ongoing dialogue between the myriad of voices in our culture, Dr. West is vigilant in his efforts to restore hope to America. He is a mesmerizing speaker, dynamic philosopher, and enlightened activist. With astute intellect and ferocious moral vision, Dr. West continuously challenges modern thought with great efficacy.