Cornel West Speaks at University of Tennessee
Photo by Amy Smotherman-Burgess
Princeton professor and writer Dr. Cornel West addresses an audience at the University of Tennessee on Tuesday night. West was promoting his new cd project which explores major issues through a collaboration of thought and music.
By Chandra Harris-McCray (Contact)
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Cox Auditorium became Dr. Cornel West’s classroom Tuesday night as he walked along the edge of the stage, slightly bent over, making sure his poetic rat-a-tat-tat delivery of wit was reaching the hundreds who came.
Interrupted often by the audience’s applause, the Princeton University professor, best-selling author, orator, recording artist and film star pontificated about the history of black music as he spoke about his latest CD project, “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelation,” at the University of Tennessee.
The Black Men Who Mean Business collaboration also showcases the talents of West’s brother, Clifton West, and writer and producer Michael Dailey. Hip-hop and R&B heavy hitters such as Andre 3000, Talib Kweli and Dave Hollister are some of the many artists who help address issues of politics and the Iraq war by lending their voices to the project.
Before the audience heard a sampling of the songs from the project CD and their meanings, West offered a lesson in black history, race and class by using music as the tool – what he calls a “danceable education.”
“On the slave ship, Africans raised their voices in such a way that folks had to take notice,” West said.
West said music is an “intricate part of life, it is a way of life. …”
“Blues is nothing more than an autobiographical account of catastrophic events expressed lyrically,” he said.
He rattled off such musical greats as Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway.
“They found their voice; they are originals. We have too many copies and not enough originals,” he said. “It takes courage to be an original.”
West said a freedom comes when an artist speaks out and speaks the truth.
“For black people, it’s hard to stand up straight and speak out when you are faced with violence, bigotry, hatred, discrimination. … Black music has a way of being liberating,” he said.
“You’re down and out on your job, you go home and listen to some Luther (Vandross),” he said while the audience laughed.
“Be cognizant of how rich black music and traditions are. Quality music comes from a quality life.”
http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/mar/05/speaker-brings-danceable-education-ut/
http://knoxnews.com/news/2008/mar/03/gmet/
http://blogs.knoxnews.com/knx/brown/archives/2008/03/cornel_wests_so.shtml
http://tnjn.com/2008/mar/03/sound-of-black-tour-visits-ut/
http://www.topix.com/who/cornel-west
