I have read nearly all your book. My grandmother is just really learning about you and want to come to one of your speaking engagements. Please let me know your speaking schedule so I can buy tickets to come see you. My grandmother is 96 and I can barely get her out the house to do anything, but she really want to come see you and I want to make it happen. Please send me your speaking schedule so I can save the date and buy tickets in advance, so my grandmother can prepare in advance for the event. Thank you and keep fighting the good fight for us. Much love always. I have always been a fan a will continue to be. Thanks for all the good infomation that you give about black cultue and our way of life.
George Whitener, Michigan
May 20th, 2010
I have read nearly all your book. My grandmother is just really learning about you and want to come to one of your speaking engagements. Please let me know your speaking schedule so I can buy tickets to come see you. My grandmother is 96 and I can barely get her out the house to do anything, but she really want to come see you and I want to make it happen. Please send me your speaking schedule so I can save the date and buy tickets in advance, so my grandmother can prepare in advance for the event. Thank you and keep fighting the good fight for us. Much love always.
Susan Trammell
May 20th, 2010
Dr. West,
Good Morning! I’am so looking forward to seeing you this evening in Plainfield, NJ. I have been a long time fan of yours. I wait patiently to see you on c~span. The State of the Black Union. Hope I got that right. I just wanted to tell you how much I respect and admire you. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Humbly Susan Trammell
Wes Barnard, Indianapolis
May 5th, 2010
Brother West,
You don’t know me, but I am a long time admirer of yours – silently and from a distance. However, time and circumstance moves me to dare to contact you, not on my behalf, but on behalf of my beloved wife and sister, Cindy Ball.
You see sir, I believe she has stumbled upon another vein of understanding our plight that might benefit our people. She is receiving her Masters degree in Telecommunications this month. Part of her Masters thesis was a short documentary entitled “An African American Quest for Authenticity”. She journeyed to Ghana, West Africa to interview over 20 of our brothers and sisters who decided to leave America to live in Africa.
Her professors were so impressed that they have endorsed it for screening on local PBS next month. We are hoping it will be selected for nationwide viewing. We have also begun screening it locally and have noticed the power it has transmitted to the audiences.
Do you have any advice to share with us regarding how to expose this film to a wider audience? Would you be willing to read a synopsis of her thesis and view the film for yourself?
I know this is asking a lot for a very busy and involved brother, but could not think of anyone else that would be likely to help us out. We await your response. Peace and love to you and yours. Plus, continue to speak truth to power, my brother.
Robin Finey Atlanta, GA
March 24th, 2010
Dr.West,
I would like to get a list of your upcoming speaking engagements. I know that you are scheduled to speak at UGA on April 8th however I have to be in Orlando for work at the time. Any other engagements in the SE anytime soon?
Thanks for your time and contribution to our community.
Susan Peters-Gilliam
March 24th, 2010
Hello Cornell, don’t know if you remember me, LeRoy Peters daughter. Any way I see that you are extremely busy but I’m going to ask for old time sake. My church, St Andrews AME in Sacramento is having their Unity day, kicking off in May ending Jun 6 2010. It will consist of various events on each Sunday. Of course we would love for you to be our Key speaker. I pray that this reaches your ears and heart. Hoping to hear from you soon.
Victor Etuk from Nigeria
March 24th, 2010
You have changed the way I think & view issues in my country. I am still learning from You Sir.
Calvin Williams
March 20th, 2010
Hi Dr. Cornel West I’m doing a school project on why young black males push away from older black males love and influnce.There no secret theres a big gap in the relationship of black father and son , like myself other young black males across america have raised by strong black woman and no or little help from the father or a father figure. This has been a problem thats been killing me seen my father was released from jail are relationship has been rocky a fight that a lot of young black males can relate to so you have time can please give your opinion on this subject.
Jonathan Y. Girmatzion Seattle, WA
February 22nd, 2010
Hello Dr. West, I met you in your last visit to Seattle at the Barnes & Nobel in the University district. I was the young man in the last group that you talked to and took pictures with wearing a suit “looking sharp” in your words. There has been something that has been bothering me and it has to do with the U.S. Census where they consider black people to be “NEGRO”, in the same section with Black and African American. In my eyes representing a form of subliminal labelism to society, because when everyone goes to the page in the form they will read these terms. I would like some input on what you think, and maybe have you come out here to a disucssion that my Black Student Union will be working on putting together for next quarter. Here is my cell phone number also (206) 551-9040, thank you.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Y. Girmatzion
Chairman of The Black Student Union SSCC Chapter
KE, Atlanta
February 20th, 2010
I’d like some writing advice from Dr. West, please.
Victor L. Scott
February 6th, 2010
Please, someone need to take a look at what’s going on with the escalating violence in Tulsa Okla.
Jim Clemons, Buffalo, NY
February 4th, 2010
Dr.West:
I wasn’t able to get a ticket in tme to see you at UB (University of Buffalo). They were sold out. But I did meet you at Buffalo State college.
If you get this in time, I hope you can let me see you at UB on Friday. I want to give you a copy of my novel, ot, otherwise send it to you.
If you get this, number is 716-289-7847
or 716-885-3034.
I thorougfhly enjoyed the message of love and accountability you gave at the annual King Day engagement 2010. Your speech was powerful, self motivating,thought provoking, heart erupting and mentally entertaining. although I always watch you when you are speaking about our communites on the different programs I am so ashame to admit that I have never read one of your books. However, I am on a mission to owe every title you have in print and not only own them but to read them as well as pass them on to others in my surroundings.Dr. Brother West I am an advocate of yours…you defintely have my VOTE!!!!….You didn’t deoderize it…..You was STANKIN!!!
Carole Rice, Washington, DC
December 7th, 2009
Dr. West,
I am now ready to write the book that has been brewing inside of me since I was a teenager. It has been many years, that I’ve read your book Race Matters over and over again as part of my regular intellectual nurturing. I’m a journalist and met you several times when journalism was an art form of “giving truth to the situation at hand” at both the National Association for Black Journalists annual conferences and the National Society of Black Engineers conferences. It’s a blessing to be able to learn more from you as your website gives credence to why we must re-invent ourselves every day as proud Black people, to become more true to ourselves and believe, without a doubt that God, the creator of the heavens and earth manifests the truth right before our eyes. It’s in all of us — we are the persecuted people with a spirit unknown to the common man! May God continue to bless you in ways that touch the very soul of our people who need your wisdom. I can’t wait to read your memoirs and Democracy… I will publish in 2010, and promise to send a copy, signed, sealed and special delivered!
Antonio L. Barnes
December 4th, 2009
Dear Dr. West,
I’m a 40 year old father of two residing in Las Vegas where I’ve worked as a Security Operations Supervisor for a “strip property. A few months ago I was discharged from my job over ordering the immobilization of a vehicle parked illegaly. My director knew of the pending action and even ordered it, but after the owner filed a false police report he claimed to know nothing of it. The attorney whom works for the property which for some reason was placed over security (she was a Construction Site Liability attorney prior to arriving) immediately tried to have me removed from the property upon her arrival stating “he looks too intimidating and I think he is a lose canon!” The attorney was refering to an incident a year ago where a man was irratic and yelling at the front desk stating “I’ll kill one of these bitches before i leave here! kids and all , I dont give a F%%!” After many pleadings to get him to leave and his last comment of “I’m gonna make one of these bitches suck- (you get the rest) then walking towards a woman with child and over 40 guests watching fearing for the ladys’ safety I was forced to grab him and walk him out. Well, under the watchfull eye of surveillance they reported to the attorney i used “excessive Force” (none of these people ever worked security) as i walked him out claiming “The black Officer Barnes pushed the white guys’ face into the wall as they went out the door!”. The truth of it was he tried to kick the glass door and strike a guest who was about to enter so i quickly turned him towards the wall! My director at the time was on his last leg do to the company take ove rand feeling pressured apologized then suspended me. Upon review of the tape aside from what was reported you could see the gentleman return and thank me (extending his hand) then giving me a hug apologizing for his behavior and that he was mad over the loss of his family (due to drug use). My director whom should have watched the whole video to begin with apologized to me but stated he could not give me pay for the three days missed. The incident left me a bit unsettled because it was all babout my size and color instead of the situation and the actions required at the time. Many guests clapped and thanked me but because of my color I was demonized! Since that incident I have went on to stop several rapes, 3 suicide attempts and saved four lives in medical emergencies,(DOCUMENTED) one of which was an employee hit by a drunk driver. Mr. West I have even had people die in my arms, all as quote “an out of control black security guard!” To add insult to it all I handled a suicide incident where my director stood across the street and just watched, never offered to lend a hand as I and two team members provided emergency services to the individual, seal off the area, direct traffic, deal with traumatized people who witnessed the individual land in front of them, perform and prepare video tape footage for CSI all within an hour and a half! My director never said good job to my officers not once! Aweek or two later was the vehicle boot incident where the attorney tells me “we have to do this because she filed a police report stating you threatened to kill her a couple of days ago whe she almost hit your car”. I had several witnesses who witnessed the exchange on the street and heard me say “lady be carefull you’re gonna kill somebody”, one being an off duty Police Officer. the lawyer ignored and would not allow anyone to speak on my behalf stating “well you did’nt do a report ! and look at you, I’d be afraid if I saw five of you in a dark alley! plus there have been things going on in security that are problematic!? My manager who is also black asked her “so , because of another shifts mistakes I get thrown under the bus?” she stated no , security gets thrown under the bus! look I have to protect the company and in a small way protect you too! (oh, goodie thank you massa). My manager weas really upset as we pointed out “so, another shift Supervisor who is white can watch a lady on camera! beaten in the hallway and dragged back into a room , don’t investigate immediately, actually never take the guy into custody as they were suppose to then call metro police per mandatory procedure, then go to the room almost an hour later where the male forces the female to say she’s okay by stating “bitch come tell this man you okay so he can gone about his buisiness!” the young lady does so and the supervisor walks away! The shift manager ( who happens to be white and twice my size and over 6ft 4),never went on the call which is always a mandatory respond call but showed up 40 minutes later like “what happened?” Surveillance finds this fishy so they perform a tape review and finds him in the lunchroom chilling with a cocktail waitress way pass the alotted time and even seen picking up his radio, listen then turns it down as he sits it back down. This manager was not suspended either! The same supervisor went on a call where a known prostitute and “Trick Roller” was to be walked off property for soliciting, instead he conversed with her she later came back in and he got her a room using his own credit card! Again, he was not suspended but I got terminated for “being too scary looking and imposing as I ordered the booting of a vehicle”. SO I GUESS RACE REALLY DOES MATTER HUH? After all of this I went to work for an old boss of 6 years (the previous director of the place I worked)who actually let me go for raising questions about unpaid mandatory shift meetings and a manager who wanted to fire me because he felt I was there to replace his friend (a supervisor) and who also got in my face with a balled up fist threatening me saying ” Do I have to have my guys walk you out of here? geyt out ! I dont want you here! i don’t care if you’re some kinda hot shot or how good they say you are! I- don’t-want- you -here!”. Iasked him under the mic and on camera “so the only reason you dont want me here is because YOU! dont like me , even though I’ve done nothing wrong?” To make a long story short he sent me home and when I came back from my days off my director (a black man)fired me stating ” My hands are tied, I’m sorry son!” YOU GOT TOO STRONG A PERSONALITY! SOMETIMES YOU CAN BE RIGHT AND STILL BE WRONG! I asked him, “you’re gonna let me go over something you know is not right or maybe even unlawfull? As long as I have worked for you, you’ve known me for years like a father and these guys for a few months and you’re really gonna do this?” He stated I’m sorry I gotta do what I gotta do!” I replied “so do I”. A mutual friend and security professional contacted him and advised him his actions were not right nor legal then three weeks later he sent me a letter saying I was now terminated for a “No Call No Show” BUT ON THE SAME DAY I WAS AT WORK WHEN HE FIRED ME THE FIRST TIME!I hired an attorney and they settled!
SO TO THOSE WHO DONT BELIEVE, RACE DOES MATTER! Mr. West I believe it’s time perhaps for me to find another line of work which leads me to this question which has me scared and vexed. I have two little boys, a fiance of ten years. a real loving family! But after all of this I just don’t know what to do! I want to go back to school but I cant afford it,I know of no programs where I can maybe take a trade through some sort of grant and due to m lawsuit against a hotel casino, other industry properties are not taking my resume if you know what I mean. It’s subtle but made plain. I went from saving lives, escorting digntaries, protecting celebrities and just being the best professional I could be to being unable to feed my family this week. All Iwanted was to save my honor and respect, but I fear I am losing the honoring respect of my family. I’m losing respect for myself because I am not working right now,6 months in my old job decided to appeal and blocked my unemployment and due to a hearing I missed for my grandmother’s funeral the board states I cant get another hearing for at least 4-6 months. I can’t even help my mother now! we are in jeapardy of losing our home. We won the temporary order to stop the sale of our home due to shady things out lender did but the hearing to proceed with the suit is pending. If we lose we’re pretty much out on the street so far we struggle to pay the note bouncing between which bills dont get paid. Dr. West It makes me feel like maybe I should have played the “good nigra ” roll and kept my head down instead of up and catching one on the chin! In an ever increasing faith I know God will work it out as he has been so far but as time passes to think I went through all of this because of the skin I’m in makes me wonder, AS LONG AS RACE MATTERS, WHEN WILL WE EVER TRUELY MATTER? With respect and reverence to you Dr. West, I thank you for all you do and have done to educate and uplift society. I salute you Sir. – A.B.
Khalil Hasan Amin
November 30th, 2009
Hello Dr. West, my name is Khalil, I was your barber for a few year in the city of Boston Ma. while working at A Nubian Notion with Malik, Sharif and Hameed. I was the tall guy over in the corner. I just want to say hello and may God continue to bless you in your work and out reach teaching and trying to educate the people. I just recently saw you on the Today Show promoting your book. I am going out tomorrow and purchase a copy for my self. I am on face book and also myspace under the name Khalil_amin98@yahoo.com. I’m still barbering down in a little town, I know you are familiar with the name because of the Scottsboro Boys. This is where I now live after moving away from Boston in November 1990. I’ve owned my own barber shop for 19 yearas now. I know you are a very busy man, but I would like to hear from you. My address is 332 West Maple Ave. Scottsboro, AL 35768. My number is 256-599-4909.
God Bless you in your work and personal life
Khalil Hasan Amin
Corey Boatwright, Geneva, NY
October 16th, 2009
Dear Dr. Cornell West,
First, I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to write you. To God be the Glory. I’m reading your book, “Race Matters”, and Martin Luther King Jr. autobiography. I also watch and listen to your speeches on youtube.com and wanted to tell you thank. I finally get it. I read the words of our Lord about the importance of love and services. Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., and you are my heroes. I’m taking that fire and using it to be GREAT, not just successful – which is not valued in the monetary way. But true success is in how I love God and service that love to my brothers and sisters in this world. May God richly bless you and your continuation of Love and Services.
Corey Boatwright
President – African American Men’s Association of Geneva, NY
Founder, CEO – Innovative Beats and Harmony Production
To’I Coleman
October 14th, 2009
October 14, 2009
Hello Brother West,
Thank you for giving so much of yourself when you were here at Wayne County Community College here in Detroit, Mi. It was uplifting and mindblowing to listen to you.
My name is To’I Coleman, I would hope that you remember me, although I hadn’t heard you speak prior to this, or even listened to music that you have so cleverly released into the universe, I now find myself looking for anything that you have released.
I have decided to continue my quest to find out more about your life. My current english report on prominent African American writers will be about Brother Cornel West. I find myself wanting to know more and more as I listen to your music and take the music and poetry into my soul. It gives my a sense of calm and warmth that I have not felt in this lifetime. As I continue to read more and more about you and understand your words and how one man can create a sense of love out of all the turmoil and madness in this world, I realize that not only are you gifted, but you are also loved by GOD and he calls you Friend. Your journey is not only “that of understanding a people, but of how to find love in all people.”
I can only pray that as I grow in this relm of my life. I can continue to also grow spiritually and my words will also reach the masses since my ultimate goal in life is to speak and motivate woman to think on a different level of understanding.
You have given my a window to look through that I never thought would be available for me. As I look through the window, I can see more of this life and continue to look forward and seek more open doors to run through. I send peace to you my brother, and look forward to one day coming to visit you at Princeton. As I bring this email to a close I pray for you and feel your love and the embrass your words of understanding in my heart.
Love & Peace,
To’I Coleman
Professor Manns
October 9th, 2009
Dr West,
Will you be visiting Philadelphia as part of the book tour for your most recent book? The Free Library of Philadelphia has a lecture series. Would you be willing to schedule a reading at that site to uplift and inspire your fans in the New Jersey and Philadelphia area?
Paula
Katrina Wiltshire
October 5th, 2009
I cannot wait to see you in Charlotte at the end of the month. I have followed you for years and have much respect and you!..
Wanda Hanna
August 28th, 2009
August 28, 2009
Good Morning Mr. West,
My name is Wanda Hanna I am writing this letter out of concern of my brother John Hanna. I hired a lawyer on March 4, 2009 to defend my brother in a felony case at the Prince William County Courthouse the trial began on August 17, 2009. My brother was found guilty of rape while in possession of a firearm. He was found not guilty of burglary, enter house to murder, rape, etc while armed, sodomy and abduction by force, intimidation or deception.
At the end of the case I noticed quite a few mistakes that Mr. John O. Iweanoge had made in the defense of my brother. His first glaring mistake was not calling any of my brothers’ friends or family to speak on his character and what type of person he was. There were many people who could have and wanted to speak in behalf of my brother. His co-workers at the Prince George County Correction Faculty informed me that they had told Mr. Iweanoge of their desire to testify for my brother and yet not one of them was contacted by his lawyer. No forensic experts were called to testify in my brothers’ case even though Mr. Iweanoge was given a cashers check for the sum of $5,500.00 dollars to secure such experts and he was given a $1000.00 dollars bi-weekly cashers checks until the trial began.
I thought it was strange that not one shred of evidence was presented as proof of my brothers’ innocence. The D.A. called eight witnesses to present their case, yet there was no physical or forensic proof displayed that connected my brother in the rape case. I informed Mr. Iweanoge of some text messages on my brothers’ phone that described the accuser committing numerous infidelities. His lawyer said that it couldn’t be used in my brothers’ case. During the trial a letter was given to Mr. Iweanoge in support of my brothers’ innocence’s and it was not presented to the court.
An investigator that works with the lawyer was given funds to investigate the crime scene and interview neighbors of the accuser even he wasn’t called to the witness stand. Mr. Iweanoge put up a very unprofessional defense of my brother and I would like to file a civil suit against him for the full refund of $17000.00 dollars given to him by me. The lawyer sold my brother down the river with no boat or paddles. I am requesting that he be investigated and disciplined for ineffective counsel because it’s obvious that he had no intention of trying to win this case.
Mr. Iweanoge was late numerous of times for both bail hearings and every day of the trial and to include the day of sentencing recommendation by the jury. He hardly ever visited my brother to go over his court strategy or to monitor his welfare, in fact; Mr. Iweanoge stated that “his job is not to babysit his clients”, during this time my brothers’ life was threatened by another inmate and Mr. Iweanoge never investigated to make sure my brother was safe; my brother was and still is in protected custody. Mr. Iweanoge had the nerve to ask my brother on the first day of trial for $1000.00 while on a recess during the trial. In my opinion that was a very disrespectful act, it only displayed the greed, and lies displayed by Mr. Iweanoge since he started working on this case.
Mr. Iweanoge was overheard taking instructions from the D.A. she was heard telling him “you are calling my witness a lie, you are being too aggressive towards her, what are you doing?” “You wanna play; I’ll show you how to play this game”. From that moment on Mr. Iweanoge was passive and blatantly changed direction in his course of defending my brother his client. Even a novice such as myself knows that you must at least have a few character witnesses for your client when he has been accused of rape. In retrospect, Mr. Iweanoge never gave my brother a chance to recapture his freedom.
No witnesses were called in his defense, no motions were filed, no forensic experts were called to dispute the testimony of the oppositions experts, no documents were presented on behalf of John Hanna and not one single shred of evidence be it oral or physical was presented to help my brother prove his innocence. Mr. Iweanoge was irresponsible in his legal duties to defend my brother to the best of his ability. He violated the lawyer’s oath and at the least he should be made to return all funds that were received.
Rape is a criminal allegation that is easy to claim and increasingly difficult for a defendant to disprove. The importance of DNA evidence has grown considerably in recent years as improved technology renders more accurate results and DNA evidence is used more frequently to convict or exonerate defendants. None of John Hanna’s DNA or fingerprints was found on the victim or the alleged crime scene. Mr. Iweanoge presented no experts to make the Jury understand the importance of this fact. I am requesting that you investagate this matter further or appoint me to the appropriate individuals who can assist in obtaining legal counsel for my brother. I know that this is an innocent man.
Sincerely,
Wanda Hanna POA
4525 Davis Avenue Apt. 104
Suitland, MD 20746
John E. Hanna
Inmate # 09-00823
Manassas Detention Center
9300 Lee Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Val Johnson, San Diego
August 21st, 2009
Dr. Cornel,
Is there a calendar available of your speaking events or appearances around the country? A friend and I would very much like to hear you in person.
Thank you,
215dc1
August 14th, 2009
Hello, THis is Mark Savage … You can look me up on linkedin or facebook.. I have been waiting to find a website like this! I want to know how can a be a part of BMWMB, I recently lost two friends to gun violence in philly and I am working on a documentary about it! I released a rap album last year and I am working on my second one, I am a street conscience rapper who studied 2pac, Busta Rhymes, Common, Mos Def, Jay Z.. and a few others. I believe the youth needs to be awakened and that is what I aim my music to do! I want to change the entire construct of America to empower and cater to us all! ttys…
Lisa Sheffield, Washington,DC
July 17th, 2009
Dr. West, I have met you, Dr, Dyson and Tavis Smiley at various events here in DC. I love you all and I am so very grateful the you were able to Speak Truth to Power about Our Beloved Michael Jackson!!!!
I feel there is an important need concerning The First Family, President Barack Obama and the First Lady. The Washington Post Newspaper seems to be blatantly rendering the President and First Lady invisible!!!! They have rarely been on the front page, since the European trip where they met Queen Elizabeth & then to France.
We need to have this addressed and insure That the truth is told concerning Michael’s demise and a thorough criminal investigation is carried out and justice prevails!
Thank You!
2183 Columbus Ohio
June 11th, 2009
Hope you are doing well sir! Thanks for everything you do. I have a lot of questions? My skull get overwhelmed with question so much that it make me late for work some times! I’m glad it’s not a “coat” but rather a means to satisfy my needs! When I heard you speak on the CD in Ruminations, by KRS One, my life became at ease. I don’t know where to find people who are willing to discuss these questions that we so easily delete like a crappy e-mail. What it means to be human! WOW! That question may not mean as much to some people. But to me, that very question, made me aware that there are other people like me! Hope you are having a wonderful day or evening, when ever you read this. Peace be with you 2183 (Building a human conscience)
Alvis L. Horne
June 3rd, 2009
Dr. West,
You are a world renwoned philosopher, political activist, and educator. You are constantly educating others and providing us with a unique insight that facilitates further cogitation on other issues. When or how do you have time to educate your self?
Sincerely and Humbly,
Alvis L. Horne, Jr.
Michael Parson, Carolinas
April 30th, 2009
Dr. West,
I am a long time follower of your work. I am trying to complete my first book of original poems and hope to find help in that area from David Acey of the University of Memphis and others located in Memphis. I write to you in hopes that you would do me the honor of writing an introduction for my book (after you read it of course). I value your opinion and would be blessed to have you as a contributor on this project.
Thank you in advance.
Michael Parson
Ajay Rutledge
April 24th, 2009
Dear Dr. Cornel West,
My Name is Ajay Rutledge I attend Daemen College in Amherst, NY. I am contacting you to ask a few questions for my Seminar Class on Black Political Leadership, Consciousness & Change. I wanted to get your opinion on the following two questions. I appreciate you taking the time to answer them if you can. Either way thanks alot I appreciate it.
What is your opinion on Black Leadership in America?
Whats Your Definition of Black Leadership and Consciousness in American Politics?
Sincerely,
Ajay Rutledge
David McKibben
April 6th, 2009
Dear, Dr Cornll West
I am A Senior at Gallup High School, from New Mexico
I have been inspired by your words and work, at our high school we have a lack of peakers that give meaning to nothing in which they talk about. I am writting to you in HOPE that you would be in trested in speaking at our graduation, I would be honored, and my school would be honored if you would bless us with your presence.
Sincerly
David McKibben
Chris, Long Beach, CA
April 3rd, 2009
Morning Dr. West,
I enjoy your work and spoking truth, myself and other on the westcoast would loved to view a leture in person. Not sure if date or event are in you future for areas on the westcoast, but please do keep me posted for anything that bring you west bound.
Jay
March 27th, 2009
DR., LOVE YOUR WORK. THIS IS A NEW, MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY THAT EVERYONE IN THIS DAMNED COUNTRY NEED TO SEE. I’M WHITE, BUT I DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE BY COLOR. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT IT, HE WOULDN’T BE PREZ IF HE WEREN’T IN ‘THEIR’ POCKETS TOO. HE’S NOT WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT PLEASE SEE THIS FILM. WE’RE ALL IN BIG TROUBLE IF WE DON’T ALL WAKE UP TO THE SCAM. EVERYONE NEEDS TO REVIEW ALEX JONES’ WORK (INFOWARS.COM). GOOD DAY TO YOU, DR.
‘THE OBAMA DECEPTION’ (IN HD) BY ALEX JONES (BRAND NEW)
Charlotte, NC is still abuzz over your visit in January, 2009. Hope you remember me…I am one of the poets who was blessed with the opportunity to open for you at the Neighborhood Theatre when you visited. I hope you have had a cnance to peruse my book and listen to my CD. I pray it is blessing your spirit.
God bless, and I look forward to your return visit for the Charlotte Literary Festival in September.
With love,
Marina
Elise McWilliams, Oxford, Ohio
March 2nd, 2009
Dear Dr. West,
I saw you speak at Purdue University years ago, and I was wondering how I could find out about your coming speaking engagements. If there are any in my area, I would love to see and hear you speak again. It was a very moving and transformative experience for me. Thank you very much for all of the work that you do.
rashawn
February 20th, 2009
great job keep it up young brotha
Robert Harris
February 1st, 2009
I Love you Brotha…Never stop creating!!!!
raymond carey
January 25th, 2009
Dear sir,
i have yet read any of your books or class lectures. i bought rumenations and a cd with you speaking answered a lot of my questions and then it only made me yearn for more questions. i purchased bmwmb, because of that one particular artist. sir i am so confused. what’s the cost of me? i study for, it seems to be an endless q&a! we are suppose to see the human in it’s raw form and interpret the actions, but the dice game is making me well, for lack of a better thought crazy! i humbly request your intellect. i am known as 2 1 8 3 (building a human conscience) as my teacher/mentor i thank you. peace be with you. 2 1 8 3
Kameisha Jenkins, Charlotte
January 9th, 2009
First Mr. West, please let me tell you how much of an honor it is to have the opportunity to dialogue with you. The reason that I am writing is to extend an invitation to be the cover for an online magazine that I and a few conscious folks are publishing. We truly believe that you are the movement personified and would like to highlight you. Please contact me to let me know if this is possible, or even if you can do a telephone interview. I would like to tell you more about our mag. Thanks and forever indebted to your contribution to the human movement – Kameisha Jenkins (704) 819-2057
Ann-Belinda Honablezh
January 7th, 2009
Hello
Please allow me to introduce myself…my name is Ann-Belinda Honablez: I live in the city of Sacramento.
I know your grandmother Rose. She told me that you would be arriving soon.
The purpose of this note is perhaps we can meet for coffee and discuss some of your writings because there are a lot of questions I have for you. You may reach me by telephone at 916-483-6325.
Thank you.
Winclette Wright, New York
December 9th, 2008
Dear Dr. West, I am a student and we are reading your book “Democracy Matters” Over the past weekend we wer assigned to read Chapter 6. During discussion in class on Monday 12/8 we read in the Sunday Times that our President Elect as appointed Lawrence Sumner as Economic Advisor. What do you think of this appointment? If you could answer this question it would mean the world to me. I need to bring this to class on Monday 12/15 for extra credit.
Thank you,
Winclette Wright
Lailah Muwwakkil
December 6th, 2008
When you get a chance can you remove my comment that way my comment isn’t posted for everyone to view. Thanks
Rhonda Jones
November 29th, 2008
am a victim of gang-stalking in Tennessee. this started with the University of Tennessee. I have visual evidence of them emitting smoke or fumes into my home, office at work and even my daughters dorm room at college. I want this violence against me to stop. I have had my video camera SD cards stolen, my house broken into and gang-stalked on a daily basis. My ex-husband who is in support of the University are backing this daily stalking of me in my home. I can send you video evidence of actions taken against me. Everyone seems to be supporting their gang stalking efforts against me, at least in the caucasion community. I have so much evidence of their stalking or targeted behavior against me, that the only way out of this harasment is to declare me mentally ill. Which they are working very hard to do at this point, by emitting substances into my home. My husband is going along with the plan due to them already gone to far with their antics and emission of fumes in my home would be considred a felony, and he could lose his job. I have attached one photo for your review of fumes emission into my office, please pay close attention to the center of the room, along with the picture and candy bowel. I also have several pictures of fumes being administered into my home. Fumes administered into my bedroom, please pay attention to the upper part of the doorway. Please help me for I have nowhere to turn. Please go to the web and download VLC media player, if you can’t view the files. Rhonda Jones731-267-9191
cherrice Fletcher, new Orleans Louisiana
November 25th, 2008
Hello Dr. Cornel West,
My name is cherrice Fletcher and I am sixteen years old. I am an african American and I am writing a persuasive paper on affirmative action as an AP English assigment. (i attend an all white private school). I personally support affirmative action until playing fields for african Americans are equal, but since they are not i continue to support it. I was wondering what you though about affirmative action do you support it, if so why or why not. If you could answer this question for mean it would really mean the world to me.
thank you,
cherrice fletcher
Asirus Ma’at
November 19th, 2008
(i)
The Mechanics of the Rhyme
Author Bio
About Me:
Asirus Ma’at El a transplanted New Yorker is currently a resident of Lefrak City Queens, New York. By way of New York City, Harlem, Brooklyn, Bronx, Wilmington Del. Loving and Dedicated Father – of two suns and a daughter – also, a husband of fifteen years. Studied musical engineering, at the City University of New York, and the Center for the Media Arts, NYC. Also, studied – at the Frederick Douglas Creative Writers Workshop; under the late, great, Fred Hudson – Harlem’s Frank Silvera Writers Workshop, Mr. Garland Thomson:
And the – New Federal Theater; under Woody King Jr. founder: Mr. Mario
Van Peebles Jr. and Sr. Resident Instructor. And Harlem’s National Black Theater:
2a
Condolences – to the family of Barbara Ann Teer – Founder and Resident Instructor.
Founder: Key Two Life Publications: Activist, Song Writer, Poet, Recording Artist, Producer, Author, Publisher, Actor, and play write. “Shades of a Harlem Poet.” Composer of two Compact Disk ‘Lyradiction’ History Book – Music Heritage Audio Series Recordings: Featured in Two theatricals – Raison, At the New Federal Theater, NYC: Worked with the Rev. Al Sharp ton, – Composed the Theme – In honor of his – Keepers of the Dream, mobilization in Washington D.C. Active member of Harlem’s – National Action Network. Among other things.
A Poet, who write, record, and produce, socially conscience – Artist; activist, and other forms of musical expression. A historian, philosopher, who writes – humor, and different styles of musical expression, Spoken Word Artist. Making public appearances with Temple University Professor – Malofi Ashanti, Nasir Jones, Gil Scot Heron, Mos Def, the late, great, John Herrick Clark, NYC Schools Chancellor A. Sanford, and the Rev. Al Sharp ton, See Keepers of the Dream. Spoken Word Artist, have two complete volumes of poetry, and two complete musical Compact Disk, Lyradiction! Featuring the self titled track; and (Prop’s 2 Hip’ Hop).
Asirus Ma’at
November 19th, 2008
Mr. West, just a note to let you Know how much high respect I have for you, and the the work youare doing.
And also to bring your attention to a powerful New Book and Two compact disk – entitled: The Mechanics of the Rhyme: History Book / Music Heritage: As a Spoken Word Artist I would like to work with you at some point in time: I listened to your stuff on hidden beach, I was blown away; Your passion for the liberation of “our people and all people” Reminds me of – my Passion. I am writing because I want more people to know about my Books and Music: I am currently in the Studio. I do hope you reply to this message Mr. West, I can complement your musical brilliance in so many ways. “Original Verse From (Props to Hip Hop)” Put my skillz 2 tha test / laid down with Substance/Grit, Style and Finessed / as I blessed the Mic / when I write and Recite – my verse/ I seldom curse…Original Verse (They say the Lagecy of Kemet is like a Sacred Exotic Virgin-Every one lay claim 2 her/ profess fame for Her/ Spit game for Her But’/ Who Does she Belong?) (Children of the World Listen up / if you don’t Apply / Heritage Knowledge / It Won’t Fly / But if you dare Try / You will concur the sky) Mr. West, Below are some Excerpts from my Book: The Mechanics of the Rhyme: Phone me Mr. West, I have no Doubt, that we can reach a broader audience in these most Historic time, We are truly destined for Something Powerful and Compelling. Check Below: Respectfully Asirus Ma’at El Key Two Life Publications
347-848-7085
The Mechanics of the Rhyme
How did Africa get Her Name?
There has been much speculation – as to how Africa got her name. One mythical theory – is that the name was conferred on a Caucasian explorer – as an honor, who had allegedly defeated Hannibal – who Napoleon Bonaparte described as – (quote): “The most audacious African warrior – he has ever seen.” (End of quote) – Hannibal and his Moorish comrades – were instrumental in the Roman Empires demise – and he also coined the phrase – “Beyond the Swiss Alps – lye Italy.” Napoleon Bonaparte was greatly obsessed with the Kemetic, African treasures – Statue / Khufu – the great Sphinx – and subsequently tried to destroy ‘the original facial features’ (Michael Jacksons change – was no accident): of this great monument – and also plundered, and plagiarized Kemet, Egypt’s great legacy. Note: Did you know the great Pyramids and Sphinx, are the only remaining seventh wonders of the world? The rest have been destroyed through earth quakes, and natural disasters. Did you know that these were ancient African cities? Names have a very unique place in history. Pythagoras – was credited with the discovering of geometry. But he didn’t discover geometry, he studied in Kemet / Egypt, for 22 years, to be exact, under Kemetic high priest, and returned to Athens Greece – with this newly learned theory, part of his name was conferred on geometry; The pyi –theory – Pythagorean theorem.
Fact: Africa is the only continent that ever named it self.
Fact: The original name for Africa – is an Egyptian word, Afro – ika – pronounced: Afro – e – ka, which means – beginning. The Romans changed it to Africa.
Fact: Europe didn’t name itself. Europe comes from an African princess by the name of Eu-ro-pa.
Kemet: Land of the Blacks
Egypt: Greek word burnt face
Ms. McClinton
November 18th, 2008
Dr. West, I undestand that you are going to be in Charlotte, NC in two weeks? We want to see you. Exactly when and where. Thanks
Audley D. Feemster
November 18th, 2008
{Simulations of Reality}
If I ever fall victim to these streets
My soul will stand as a legend
As long as I breathe on this earth
I’m still perceived as a felon
From ovaries & seeds
Conceived in a blessing
Life’s a long evolution
Forever changing with lessons
Societies of Secrecies they delude the perception
Religions waging wars use their Gods as a weapon
Set free physically, but yet were locked in a cell
In a search for higher knowledge
In a quest for The Grail
& I’m still chasing theories from the winds of Katrina
In the mist of these conspiracies are the faces F.E.M.A.
Every leader for the movement of our people was silenced
Consumed in the bliss of White Americas Violence
Reaganomics waged a war on urban soil with the crack
These simulations of reality fit snugly when your BLACK
10 gun salute to all the soldiers who were slain in IRAQ
In the wake of 9/11 was the GOVERNMENTS trap.
I can’t understand
Why the world’s blood is so frigid
Still divided by race, color, & religion
How the streets could turn a dove into a weakened pigeon
I’m still viewed and ridiculed for my wrong decisions
I’m unforgiven
And my spirit feels out of place
I’ve seen a city on Mars with a structured face
Images of HIS holy grace seed the human race
With HIS DNA encoded in our carnal shapes
Life embraced
In these realms where our souls bleed
Suppression in the quest for the souls needs
Deception is a weapon so our souls grieve
Tightly squeezed & out of tone with its frequencies
Would you believe?
In the Cap of our nations land
The street plans intersect into pentagrams
Where street cams surveil & police
Our freedom decreased
The fallen star shall return with the mark of the beast
Good day to you Dr.West
On the eve of our 2008 presidential election…reflect with me for a moment….
me being an American Negro of African decent, I see it as most befitting and totally (what’s the word I want here: ironic
or iconic?) that the next president of the USA is of African decent! Not of the lost generation of American Negroes whose lineage can only be traced back a couple of generations back to a plantation down south. What I’ve come to realize is that B. Obama is the most complete man I know of , meaning he knows who he is, he knows from which he came. If only my dad would have lived to see this new day coming (RIP 1/20/08) He was 84 yrs old and talked of this day being a possibility all my life.
And for all American Negroes of African decent,I think that on Wednesday, November,5,2008, it will be a new day in America, the trilogy of slavery will have ended and the shackles of bondage will forever have been broken, when the son of an African man is president of the good ole u.s.a….. not a Black man, not a Negro man, not a Colored man…….
an African ……….I feel as though we’ve come full circle.
Free at last…..Free at last…………thank God almighty
Tray Jones, Washington, D.C.
October 27th, 2008
Hi Dr. West:
I admire all the great things you are doing and have done and it is greatly appreciated by me as well as others. What our people have to remember is that we all have differences of opinions, come from different backgrounds, different educational levels and different experiences. Let’s disagree to agree but in the end it’s still out of love and respect. Come on family we have to stop this madness and stop being too critical. History is in the making. Dr. West keep being lifted in your progresses and through all the controversies and triumphs. You are loved for your courage, honesty, faithfulness and service to your community. Peace, Blessings and Prosperity.
D. Hunter
October 21st, 2008
Dr. West,
Any time I catch you on CSPAN, PBS or on network TV, I stop what I am doing & turn up the volume. You are an incredibly articulate individual, and your delivery is captivating. Thank you for providing an intellectual presence, reference and balance out there amidst the plethora of misinformation, ignorant opinion and stunted/disenfranchised & reactionary reasoning. Your wisdom is a corrective and rectifying force. Carry on!
My name is Emily Ramseur write you about my son and nethew. We life in the west district of North Carolina. They have the two in jail for a something that didn’t do. They is trying to hang both of them. My son got life and my nethew 33 yr and more pending. Please call me at 704-492-8386.
Thank You for your time
Ms. Jackson
October 3rd, 2008
Dr. West, I have much love and respect for you and many of our brothers and sisters who are a positive influence to our younger black generation. However, some of that respect started to fade when I watched a videos of you talking negitive about Senator Obama. The video I am refering to is The State of the Black America. Senator Obama, GOD willing, is about to become our first black president of the these United States of America. We have been praying for 45 years for this dream to come true. White America has already stereotyped us as always bringing each other down. We don’t like to see our own succeed. You have a powerful voice in black america, use it to speak to our 8 million black american still not registered to vote. Let them know, part of Dr. Kings dream was for us to have the right to vote. Their ancestors fought for them to be able to vote. Use your powerful voice to help get Senator Obama in the White House, so he can REALLY help black america, instead of giving white america another reason to confirm their stereotype about us.
Thanks – Have a blessed day.
Randall W. Jones
September 25th, 2008
Dr. West,
I want to send you a note to say your comments on the Colbert show this week were timely, accurate and inspirational. I follow your work and watch you on public access and other shows you’re on as a guest. I’m a Special Operations Fire Captain who is a married Father of three. Also as a small business owner, I have firsthand experience on how many are having issues with basic social needs such as healthcare, education, employment and inflation. Many of the social issues you discuss we also discuss in our home. It is important to identify what is best for humanity and not always for profit.
I look forward to reading your book. If you have the opportunity to come to California, I would enjoy meeting you and having a discussion on the vision of society. This seems to be the issue as we look at many issues. If one looks at where we what to be 50-100 years from now, if we put the needs of society first and not profit or greed, then one can overcome.
Thank you once again
Randall W. Jones
Mrs. Randi McCray, New Haven, CT
September 18th, 2008
Greetings Mr. West,
First let me say, I feel privleged for the opportunity to deeply express how empowered and encouraged I feel whenever I hear you speak or read your words of wisdom. I feel that you are one of the most inspiring, educated, influential beings of our time. I often joke to me friends, saying that you are my father. I say this because if there was one person I could choose to have just one 5 minute conversation with, it would be you. Your teachings make me feel empowered to contribute to the movement. Especially here in New Haven, CT, where so many of our youth are diengaged and disconnected from educational opportunties, and role models, that hope for most of them is lost. I feel it is time to reclaim our heritage and use it as a tool to encourage our future to aspire to be more and to be great. So many negative images have our youth’s minds wrapped into the pursuit of things unnatural and things that will lead them nowhere. I feel inspiration from you and hope that it inspires others too in my age group to become leaders for our youth.
There is more that I could say, but I will keep it short and sweet.
In closing, I will say thank you for being the powerful influential being that you are.
David Francis Jr.
September 13th, 2008
hotep family! i run security at a couple of clubs in the city. id love to develop an effective language course for my peace keepers. any literature advise. oh and by the way, i was the only man in the movies @ 42nd street that lost his mind when i seen you in the matrix. the hood intellect came out while observing you on the panel. i love, respect, and thank you father elder!
Eliza, Massachusetts
August 29th, 2008
I agree with Cassie 100 per cent. This is not 1963, and this election is about the future. Is it possible that you just don’t want to give up your righteous indignation, preferring to hold on to it on the basis of the sins of the past? What would Dr. King have said about Obama’s speech? I think you should ask yourself that. Would he have seized the moment to disparage Obama as you Dr. Malveaux did and do? I thought your comments were mean-spirited and short-sighted, to say the least. It must be hard, when you’ve made an academic career of being outraged and grieved by American history, to sing a different tune. Maybe figuring out what it means to accept responsibility for positive change is something you and Dr. Malveaux just can’t do. How very sad for both of you, and for the people you influence. If people stay home rather than vote for Obama, then you’ll have more reason to be grieved and outraged, and maybe, on some unfortunate level, that’s what you would like. It takes more courage to welcome change than to diss those who are actively bringing it about.
Cheryl Anderson
August 29th, 2008
Dr. West,
Terribly disappointed in your reaction to Senator Obama’s speech last night. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy will stand the test of time, however, this country is in bad shape, and only a living person can take charge now. To insinuate that he was being disrespectful for not mentioning his name a thousand times would have over shadowed his message for change now in the twenty-first century. The sixties have left the building along with the era’s way of thinking.
Cassie, Maryland
August 29th, 2008
Wake up… where are you? You have a role and Nominee Obama has a role! You are not called to play the same role or have the same voice. God is using both of you. Stop dogging Obama because you do not agree with the way in which he delivered his speech.
Dr. West must you constantly attack Nominee Obama. I was surprised to see your name in Ebony magazine as a supporter because you really had some negative things to say about him during Mr. Smiley’s summit in 2007. I love you Dr. West but I do not agree with you! Just because you wanted him to talk about Dr. King does not mean he should have. I love what Dr. King’s Dream means to this country. Obama was speaking to all of America, him actually standing there was the manifestation of this dream. We as a community do not need to be divided we need to be unified. Your comments on Tavis Smiley’s show were disappointing. Are You Helping Obama? You have attacked him from day one. Now is not the time to rip him up. What was it that you wanted him to say? We are not all called to be you or to say what you expect. I was pleased with his speech. He needs to win the White House not appease you. If he disappointed you and Dr. Malveaux that is unfortunate but as a sister who constantly tries to live Dr. Kings dream everyday I say wake up! Now is not the time to speak division now is the time to get on board before you miss a move of God. Was God please with this speech might be the question you want to ask
Alexia Witherspoon, New Jersey
August 26th, 2008
Hello Dr. West, I believe this would be an excellent story because so many times the city is getting away with murder and taking advantage of people!! There is a family of six whose house caught fire. The fire department responded rather quick but with all that was going on and the family so hurt and upset of their home buring, noone realized the actual time it was taking the fire department to start putting water on the home. The unknowing wife and mother tried repeatedly to retrieve her fire report from the fire department. No matter how unsuccessful she was she still tried to get the fire report and finally about 4 months after the fire she was able to get the fire report. Wow, to her surprise, realized the fire department had equipment failure after equipment failure and a negligent fireman who never even uncapped the fire hydrant. She new then she had to pursue putting a claim to the city for negligence. She has put a claim in to the city for negligence and has been trying to find a lawyer to represent them. Wow, she found out their is a 90 day stipulation period to pursue any action toward the city. It’s a shame the city waited just over that 90 day stipulation period to give her the report knowing it would be hard for her to find a lawyer willing to take her case because it’s over the 90 days. SHE needs help their family needs help. Her fire report plainly show that due to the negligence of the fire department and their faulty equipment, is the reason the entire house was a complete loss. The fire department and city new this was their fault and they are giving her a hard time. She did get a letter from the fire chief stating they apologize for not giving the report sooner but they had problems and equipment failure within the office. Please help her. They loss so much that the insurance can’t replace. They deserve compensation for everything. She’s been taken out of work for stress and had to see someone for stress. Please help them.
Chris Thomas
August 17th, 2008
Dr. West I feel as if we’re, as a country, are corroding to the point where we will all be living it huts and it’s so aggravating to see the two candidates left who in my view are going to cause harm to this country are what the people want.
I would like to say a few things first so you know where I am coming from. It wasn’t Barack Obama’s fault people didn’t have the intelligence to see what Reverend Wright was saying was actually true and it wasn’t his fault people are just that bigoted to think he was a Muslim and If he was to think that was a threat to the U.S. I don’t agree with his economic policies because I am a Libertarian but he gives a speech in front of A.I.P.A.C., a group that has had members arrested for espionage, a pro-war group, and a group that refuses to impeach this president, and a group that is for oppressing the palestinians so what am I supposed to think? Jimmy Carter, who gets a bad wrap unjustly, went to Israel to talk and two thirds of Israelis think we should negotiate with Hamas. I feel that I cannot trust Obama because he seems pro-war, even from his speeches, then proclaims that special interests groups have too much power in the country after and before sucking up to the biggest P.A.C. in the country.
Furthermore, McCain is just nuts. He wants to continue this war which is imperialist, mercantilist, unjust under the just war theory, and illegal under international law.
I am left with only one option which is to support Ron Paul’s ideology even though he is not in the Race. This is the first election where I will be voting and it blows my mind that he was literally the only who brought up books, studies, and research to back up his claims because I do respect and agree with his academic responses. He brought up the history of U.S. Iran relations as Reverend Wright has done, in a way, and it makes perfect sense why they are so hostile to the U.S. and that goes for South American regimes. You can examine how Pinochet came into power of the Sha of Iran but it really doesn’t matter. People don’t hate the U.S. because of our abundance of freedom they hate us because of what we do in the world. In my mind I think the U.S. is its own worst enemy in way and i don’t want to see that.
I also think Dennis Kucinich is an upstanding congressman because he is for impeachment which no one is currently is talking about. If we let this president get away with this unjust actions it will establish precedence for future presidents to do the same.
I was reading the other day about that Chinese man Hiu Lui Ng who was killed after being incarcerated for a year by the department of Homeland security just because of red tape. He was a family man who they let rot in a cell for over a year with a broken spine, lung cancer, and liver cancer. This was reported by Nina Bernstein, but this is what our country has degenerated into. I don’t hate this country, but I hate what it has become. It has become so much more like country it was fighting off in 1776.
I think you are one of the most brilliant minds in our society today and I have saved your appearances on Bill Maher on my You tube profile so I would appreciate your input on the matters that I have brought up because I am at a loss of what to do now. I am merely a 23 year old college student.
Sincerely,
Christopher Thomas
Eddie Lee Franks,CHARLESTON SC 29418
August 14th, 2008
Dr.West, I am a GOD fearing man. I have been save now for two yrs. now the lord has recent gave me a vision to preach the good news (Gospel) to the poor; He has sent me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,to send forth and delivered those who are oppressed {Who are downtrodden bruised crushed, and broken down by calamity} Extreme misfortune. Luke ch4v18,19.Jesus is the way out of our misfortune. He has gave GOD fearing men the power to defeat the evil one. thank you for your ear. And be own the look out for GOD SON .peace,love,knowledge,wisdom, understanding.
Andrea Pannell, Columbus, Ohio
July 31st, 2008
Dr. West,
I am one of the million single mothers raising a black young man on her own. My son is now 20 years old as of July 30th and has a his brush with the law. It seems that having your court date set and your felony conviction is a rite of passage into manhood for these young men. I am blessed to have a family who helped me raise my son and I truly believe it is this very fact that he did not get pulled into the streets any deeper than he did.
But I must tell you I am feeling frustrated and angry at what is happening to our young men. My son has one brush with the law, carrying a concealed weapon, and he can’t get a job anywhere. He is about 2 years removed from this incident and has turned himself completely around. He mentors other young men in a program here in Ohio, tutors in Spanish in an inner city high school and gets paid for none of it. Yet he can’t get a job at anywhere. What do I tell my son to keep his head up and keep him out of the streets.
He wrote a paper on you when he was in 8th grade and respects you so much. He very rarely will sit and listen to comentary on type shows but he does sit and listen when he catches you on TV “State of Black America” etc.
What do I tell this young man? help me. Maybe you can write Shawyn and that will be enough to keep him going. shawynjones@yahoo.com or myself and I will forward to him, andrea.pannellll@yahoo.com
Thank you and God Bless,
Andrea Pannell
Struggling to keep a black mans head up.
Veela (Chicago)
July 31st, 2008
I didn’t realize how fresh this still is for me. Looking at 9/11 is rather painful. I appreciate it, but it still hurts. My best friend Denise walked out of the 2nd towers moments before it collapsed. I thought she was invincible. She graduated from Northwestern with her Masters in journalism at the top of her class at 21. When they wrote nigger on her dorm door she never let it phase her. And by the way, she was a few years older than me and this wasn’t that long ago. Even being 6′2 she had the nerve to wear heels almost every day. I promised I would take care of my 2 godchildren, but it’s hard some times. She lost her battle with breast cancer on Feb. 14, 2008. Every now and then God blesses you with a friend that becomes your family. Thankful for it. But I still miss her.
Samir Hadiji, America
July 28th, 2008
Dr. West,
I tried to write an e-mail to you about 2 hours ago, honestly you would have gotten a lot out of it… I’m a young blood with a body of work which historically will be seen as at least equal to our partner Kweli… I sent one of my books into Third World Press, they accept submissions this month, and I asked if they accept you be contacted regarding forwarding my manuscript which I believe only the greatest of minds like yours are capable of putting it into proper societal context…
I didn’t send my previous e-mail because it was so heartfelt that honestly if you didn’t respond to such an e-mail which your schedule may or may not allow, my heart be broken…
I’m a 23 year old cat… I can’t expect that you will do something with my work without knowing me, but hopefully Third World Press will be impressed and as I told them “Dr. West forwarding my manuscript would give me one of my ultimate dreams.” I pray it works out, my text is called “The Street Bible”, my pen name is SaMiR Allah… Interesting right?
I’ve written four other books, and am currently working on translating Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart into poetry, I’ve already brilliantly finishing Chapter one[BOOK ONE]…
I’m not gonna ask that you do something with my work, but I ask that you read my soul… As a young blood far ahead of his time I pray you see it as due…
I’ll start off with a poem dedicated to you from my book which is called “Inhuman Bondage of time and thought”…
Humbly of the beloved Black Jesus,
A Palestinian resonance of Muslim respect of loving
the concrete of crucial response to preservere supremely against inferior fears and strengths, without the intercommunal international diligence of Cornel West we are without the mobilization of the embrace of our ancestry, to be critical of our essential journeys in a revelation with an exhibit of thorough African revolution, a leopard like diaspora felt through a tide of a new African constitution upon a land formely known as the United States, this is our true name, our true significance, our inevitable inception of rightful history and divine awknowledgment upon all sinews of the world to embrace our masquilinity, our feminism, our prophetic education of undying resilience upon our contemporary rise to the most traditional vessel of self… Praise be to the legacy we will gain from our universal and inevitably authentic virtue, collectively enriching each wing of working class polarization… INHUMAN BONDAGE OF TIME AND THOUGHT…
Far from my best poem but it’s for you… I’m not sending my best poems, I’m sending acouple of my latest…
Here’s something else you should appreciate…
“As in the old days, for our newest ancient testament, the world awaits a prophet dressed of rags, with eyes burning seemingly deeper than the sun, with a history of pure steel and gold, a teacher of the unspoken mast of the stars, melodic with a hide signifying the most ancient of winds, knowing the beast and it’s root, and moving with an intensity far beyond the dimension of the inferior mystics, that prophet is whom the tiger speaks of with it’s eyes, this prophet each cricket mimocks upon their fields kissed by the naked finger of the night, this prophet reads the scroll of our whispering veins and is aligned with the deepest of complexities… All await the prophet dressed of rags…”
Yeah homie, I’m 23… I have written about 10,000 poems…
Life is hard homie… Nobody wants to help… I’ve written a tribute to Amiri Baraka “Preface to a twenty volume suicide note”, his was one page, and mine 17, and the basis of my work is Huey P. Newton’s theory of revolutionary suicide…
I’ve written the books “The Street Bible”, “Seeds of Nefertiti”, “Street Life”, “Me and Fatema”, “Campfire”, and 6 children’s books… Yeah homie, I’m 23…
I have a history which would inspire you heavily, I’ve delt with people high up in many industries, and gotten much rude rejection… I won’t share my history with you, because if I do I’ll feel like I would really want a response… As this e-mail is I don’t need one…
Wish me luck if you want partner… One day or another we’ll meet at the top… One love…
SaMiR Allah…
Jayne Maxwell Crocker
July 23rd, 2008
Dear Dr. West ,
I enjoyed the track meet we met at years ago. You might remember me as Dwight Crocker’s wife. I found your Black Men Who Mean Business myspace page & would love to break bread with you as a friend. Please stop by my page and enjoy my artwork. Tell Cliff I said hello.
Continue to be a Blessing!
Jayne
Sacramento, CA
Cee Peters
July 21st, 2008
Dear Dr West:
It would be amazing if you answer this letter.
I would like to meet you in person.
You are a great inspiration and you express yourself well.
Decided to write because I was made aware you are one of my son’s favorite speaker and writer.
If you would grant us an opportunity to meet you in person it would a honor.
Dr C Peters
Q. Etheridge
July 19th, 2008
Good day Dr. West,
I must say it is a pleasure and honor to be writing you. I truly appreciate your food for thought, mind, and spirit. You bring it like no other…..
I wanted to know if you had any verbal blessings, or powerful references to pieces in your books, that could provide positive sustainment to issues I am currently experiencing. Issues such as staying on the fulfilling yet misunderstood/frustrating/political path in educational administration (middle school ass. principal); finding that impetus to stay in the business truly for the sake of the kids-even though some parents, political “bs”,or continual lack of appreciation seem to make you question from time to time your true value. Also, where might I look to find your upcoming schedule of speaking engagements? And lastly, what does one have to do if interested in having you to speak at a function?
Again, it is a pleasure writing this to you. Peace and blessings. Stay golden. Quincy
Kevin L. Parker Stone Mountain Ga
July 7th, 2008
Dear Dr. West,
I am in desperate need of the first CD that you did with BMWMB, Street Knowledge. I am assuming that it was taken off the market once you got with Hidden Beach but I am in serious need of it because I used it to teach my after-school group. The 1st track was awesome because I used that as the blue print on teaching the evolution of OUR music. With each segway I would break off with the different genre’s. The 1st year I did it, we actually did a performance with it using my K-2nd grade boys. It was a major hit. A loaned the CD to someone and no one seems to have it. I would say, I’ll just take the one cut, but there was to much meat on the bone to just get a slice.
klp
J. Lamont Jackson
July 5th, 2008
I’m from Nashville, TN……………
J. Lamont Jackson
July 5th, 2008
Mr. West , its an honor to have the opp to communicate with you. My whole life I’ve seen things differently than than the masses in which I grew up. I now why that is, GOD has kept his grace upon me through my life and allowed me to see things clearly early in life. My mind and heart are the way they are for no accident. I was born to make a difference. I want to be able to make a difference and help you in this MOVEMENT in any way I can. I Know I am supposed to be in a position to do more, for the world. Because I feel that we can set the tone for the world, so LET ME HELP……..
Lamont
jOseph A Wilkerson 3rd, Greensboro NC
June 26th, 2008
I am a local publisher, but just before the birth of my daughter, I had stop producing my free monthly publication. I’ve been asked to bring it back by so many friends, co-workers, and random people from the community and I’m working hard to do so in October. However, I also need content that would engage our Black American, amongst other, readers, even if it’s not the most current of content. If it’s useful, it’s usable! Basically, we are in need of writers…
Urban Literature Magazine (Everything Hiphop From A Grown-Up’s Perspective) is my way of giving back to my community and I’d like your help if possible. I can send you a few copies if your interested to review!!! ?
jOseph (JAWilkerson3rd@mac.com)
David Pearson, Ashburn VA
June 26th, 2008
Good Morning Dr West,
My name is David Pearson I’m a 23 year old black male looking to help people, but I’m not sure how I can be effective. I recently decided to join the Air Force, seeking the GI bill so that I can go to school. My sister, a Howard grad, encourages me to get my education mainly for financial reasons. My interest is in computers, but my passion would be community service. I see a lot of the people my age not really doing anything with their lives. Living pay check to pay check, hanging out, going to jail, not doing anything constructive. Although I am not involved in any illegal activity, I feel the same way about myself. I feel that I can be doing much more to help my community.
I recently helped make calls for the Obama campaign. I feel that I could be doing more. I once thought of going into politics myself, but I look at how dirty the political world is, and how it forces a person to conform to the Washington political machine, and I decided not to do that. I know that in order to make an impact, a person must have power. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the only way to obtain power is to obtain wealth. As of today, I have neither power or wealth. I am currently in between jobs. My working experience is all dealing with customer service. My Air Force recruiter has not given me a date that I will go to basic training, but we expect it to be sometime this fall. So for the summer, I am working with a temp agency. On one hand, I feel that I need to work to pay for my apartment and other utilities. On the other hand I feel like I should devote my entire summer to a cause. The problem is I don’t know what cause. I am very familiar with poverty. My father is a minister in NC, when I was in high school we (my father, brother and I) stayed with his deacon and his family (his wife, 3 sons, and a few other guests) in his single-wide trailer. I’d say there were about 9 of us living there at any given time. I used that as inspiration just to get through high school. Even then I knew that I wanted to help others who were situations worse than mine, but I wasn’t sure how.
My question to you is, what can/should I do? What would you recommend that someone in my situation do?
Dear Dr. West,
I just read your book “Democracy Matters” half-way through, and I’m stunned! My parents were very active in the pro-democracy underground movement in the former eastern Germany, which brought down the wall in 1989. (I know, various historical conditions lead there, but there would not have been a peaceful revolution had there not been a movement behind it.) Your description of the essence of democracy as socratic questioning, prophetic witness and tragicomic hope fits with the stories I heard from my parents and relatives. I found it astounding to be remembered by your book of how I came to live in a democracy – which without any doubts has its failures but still is a big advancement over what my parents lived in for 40 years. Your cultural background and life experience is very different to mine, and so too is your view of the world. And even so I certainly don’t understand every reference and hint in your book (partly because my english is not perfect and partly because I know very little about black Americas history and similar topics) I can draw a direct line from my personal historical background to your vision of true democracy and the struggle of the black people. I would very much like to talk with you about this a lot more – is there a chance you meight come to Germany sometime?
Gerard, Long Island, New York
June 6th, 2008
Dear Dr. West:
I am currently reading the Cornel West Reader, it is amazing. Your words are inspiring and true. Your writing has altered the way I think and approach life. I too believe in being Socratic, unsettled and unhoused. I incorporate your philosophical ideals within my own work so as to reach my students at a deeper level. I want them to understand what it really means to be a human being.
Watching you speak is beyond anything I have ever seen. You have heart, soul and love. It is these qualities that make you wonderful public speaker and a brilliant academian. The students of Princeton are lucky to have you!
Have a wonderful summer!
G
Ashika /Alexandria
May 23rd, 2008
Just wanted to let you know you are my idol.
Christopher Harper
May 21st, 2008
Dr. West,
I am a member of the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated at the University of Kentucky. We would love for you to come and speak during our IMPACT week. IMPACT stands for I Made Progress and Change Today. We are looking to hold this week at the end of September or Early November. If there is anyway you could come to speak it would be greatly appreciated. We can find the funding to host you here at our University. We feel you would leave a great IMPACT on the Lexington Community as well as the Community at the University of Kentucky as well.
Sina, Netherlands
May 4th, 2008
Dr. West,
I first heard of you on the show Real Time with Bill Maher, where you stood out due to your views on class-struggle. After that I started reading more about the subject of Liberation Theology and came to the conclusion that it, or rather, the political activity and consciousness which is brought forth by it, should be supported by Marxists.
I heard Reverend Wright saying that he is unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian. I am unashamedly and unapologetically Marxist. If I were black I would have added that I was unashamedly black as well, as I’m sure the Black Panthers would have done to describe themselves.
You clearly are influenced by Marxism, but sadly you do not take those views to their logical conclusion. I read that you are a member of the SPUSA, which is certainly more progressive than the Democratic Party, but the history of the SPUSA and its international tendency must not be forgotten. Was the Second International – the historical tradition of the current SPUSA and its International – not the organization which betrayed the working-class and voted for war credits during World War 1?
This was the “original sin” of Social-Democracy, but it certainly was not limited to that. No, the sins of Social-Democracy have accumulated to such an extent that no Priest, Rabbi or Mullah would forgive them.
You are on the side of the working-class. You acknowledge the existence of class-struggle. You are opposed to oppression and exploitation of all kinds, whether it is that of a slave-owner oppressing and exploiting the slave, or the capitalist oppressing and exploiting the wage-slave.
You are not alone with these views in academia today. Michael Parenti and Howard Zinn come to mind, and I hope that many many more will follow their (and your) example.
KATABA PORCHIA, TEXAS BY WAY OF BERKELEY CA.
May 2nd, 2008
FUTURE SHOCK!!!
I SENT THIS YESTERDAY TO A FEW OF MY FRIENDS AND TODAY “THEY”ARE REALLY MESSING WITH MY PC SO I HOPE YOU GET THIS TOO. FROM NOW ON WHEN WE REFER TO THIS, IT WILL BE CALLED “FUTURE SHOCK”…..PLEASE PASS IT ON!!!
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A DAY WITHOUT BLACKS. WE WILL NOT GO TO WORK, SCHOOL OR BUY ANYTHING EXCEPT FROM OURSELVES. WE WILL GATHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE OURSELVES AND GOD. WE WILL PRAY, PRAISE,, DANCE AND MEDITATE ON GODS INTERVENTION. THIS MUST BE NATIONAL AND IT WILL BE AFTER THE NY SHUTDOWN. WE WILL TURN THIS FROM DIVIDE AND CONQUER TO DIVINE AND CONQUER!. I LUV YOU BROTHER/SISTER, WE NEED YOUR HELP, YOUR INPUT SO WE CAN GET THIS DONE TO SEND A STRONG MESSAGE TO THE NATION. WE ARE THE CHANGE WE ARE LOOKING FOR. LETS STAY IN TOUCH, NETWORK AND GET THIS BLESSED THING DONE.
BLESSINGS!
POWER!!!
C Miller, Durham
April 17th, 2008
I live in Durham, NC and want to hear you in person. Do you have a website of upcoming appearances? Thanks for your time.
Peace,
CDM
Nathanael Fareed Mahluli
April 15th, 2008
Your work in prophetic rhyme and verse is a dream come true for me. I have long hoped that a true griot, one who’s investigation is his /her right to speak, would grace the air waves with healing knowledge. Thanks for your attempts, your failures and your successes. Fair well.
I’m writing this correspondence while at my job….I have been feeling like a slave and I’m planning my freedom..Filled with despair I have turned to you for some uplifting….Plenty of vidoes with you speaking words of encouragement on YouTube and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you Dr. West for the lift and now I will continue my planning of the “Freedom Project” {my own phrase to describe my binds and ties through life and it oppressions whether they are made by others or myself}.
Agape,
La Malta
Sheila Parker, Reno, NV
April 5th, 2008
Hello Dr. West,
Thank you for the great influences you are making in this world and the personal impact you have had on my son.
My son, Nathan Parker, is 29 and has been stricken with
Schizo-affective disorder since the age of 23. Today he is depressed, had a huge weight gain as a side affect to medication
and been in and out of hospitals for the last 4 years.
Five years ago my son saw you on PBS and was so impressed
that he purchased your book, “The Cornel Reader”.
(Since the age of three he aspired to win a Nobel Peace Prize, or as he called it a Nobel Suprise.)
The depression he is in now, partly medication induced, has kept him from pursuing his dreams. Could you please,write him a short letter encouraging him to dream big? His respect for you and
others that give so much to the world could be the tipping point
for his future. He loves people, peace, wildlife and knowledge
but his expression has been dampened by illness and medication.
Here is a poem he wrote in 2000 called “Peace”:
“I am the millionth ripple on the outskirts of an otherwise still forest pool.
I am the lifelight of the star and the curiosity of the wandering soul.
I am symmetry and imagination at once. I am a fire dancing in and out of your perception. Sometimes you can see me, but I always leave you with a trace of a cool stark reality.
I am a complete and magnificent beam of truth, a light to behold at the beginning and end.
I am air, the trees and hammock in the clouds.
I am what you need.”
His artwork is award winning, he’s very well read and has talents
yet to be seen. Thank you for your time and timeless contributions to our lives.
Sheila Parker
Reno, NV 89523
Thomas Owens, New Jersey
March 29th, 2008
Dr. West
Just writing to thank you for continuing to be an inspiration. We just launched our site blackmanthinking.net to challenge folks to think again. Everything is not what it seems.
At the same time we are challenging (imploring even) Black folk to be the beautiful, brilliant, creative and forward thinking people that God made us.
Check us out at blackmanthinking.net. See you in the mix.
Thomas Owens
blackmanthinking.net
Zeneta Everhart/Buffalo NY
March 28th, 2008
Dr. West
I just want to say what an honor it is to have such an influential black man like yourself reaching out to young African Americans. I want to thank you for all of your books because you make it easier for me to go to college everyday. You have opened my eyes and allowed me to see exactly what my purpose in life is. There is no greater joy in this world than be able to wake up proud of what I look like and who I am. I want you to know that your words reach many and what you say impacts the lives of many. I wrote a paper for my Creative Writing class about how you are able to break the barrier between the generations in the black community and speak to the youth in a way that they can understand and it was a A paper. I learned so much from you while doing my research and you are so right that African American males need more positive role models like mos def and common. They are lost in this world. I as an African American woman, I feel the pain more than anyone of not having enough strong black men to go around. I think that with more men like you changes will soon come. Thank You.
Jay Coburn, Kansas City MO
March 27th, 2008
I was only three years old when you wrote your book about black intellectualism, and I am now an 18 year-old man seeking to enter Harvard University. I feel like a long-shot because although I am qualified in some respects, my resume does not compare with the steady-stream of other prospects who come from similar “Prep” schools and who happen to be more affluent. Dr. West’s ability to be accepted on scholarship to such a prestigious college was part of my reason for attempting the same.
I find that black intellectualism isn’t bougeoisie or sophisticated, but a form of realism in its purest form. If we are to get anywhere with ourselves we must grasp knowledge, one of the only truly free things in this world. Both of my parents are from the south and partially illiterate, but that did not stop me from learning at an early age. Dr. West pointed out that once you become an intellectual you place yourself inside of a minority that is looked upon with caution by their own race and other races.
Though I am not as eloquent as he is, without a doubt, it pays to not always be in the mainstream.
Robert Karp, Baltimore
March 26th, 2008
Dear Mr. West,
I write to you today with a tentative but burgeoning sense of hope about the nation we live in and I hope you would allow me the honor of sharing my thoughts with you.
I am a white male. I have spent the greater part of my adult life trying to understand my role in this society which has been and is defined in large part due to the apathy or fear of the white male supremacist which I know I am a part of whether I choose to be or not. I have been an activist, a mentor and an idealist in terms of envisioning what this country could become. In short I had hope. Then on 9/11/2001 my hope was knocked from me like a kick in the stomach. In what could have been the most extraordinary moment of international reconciliation in the history of the world, I watched helplessly as the opportunity was taken not towards peace and empathy but towards hate and retaliation and vengance. The great and terrible motivator fear reared its ugly head and was forced into every orifice of this nation until we all became sheep. There were dissenters like myself who begged for peace but we were in the background. The only person who was in the foreground who spoke up was the most courageous and beautiful Barbara Lee. But her small voice was drowned out in fear’s overwhelmingly loud and powerful chorus. For the next four years I fought and marched and sang and wrote. And for the next four years I watched this nation as it devolved further and further away from what it could be into what it is and with every step of that devolution my hope left me further. Finally, I gave up. I was no longer the activist or the idealist. I was the cynic. I was the very person who as Voltaire said should focus on “cultivating his own garden” and so I did. With no one to look to or look up to it seemed the best and most logical decision.
In a conversation with the indelible hero for all persons Ms. Toni Morrison in 2004, you mentioned how in your travels you were confounded in that you felt as if this country lacked great leaders although it was not lacking in great intellectuals. I too, and I think many of the people of my age, have been disappointed if not completely disenfranchised from American politics for that exact reason. And then, as if answering to the pleas of the unheard, out of the dark stepped an unknown Senator from Illinois. For the first time since 9/11, I feel as if I have breathed the air of hope for the first time. Barack Obama has inspired me. Although his ideas and policies are not as radical as mine, I would not expect anyone’s to be, he represents American anew. His message of hope resounds with all people of all ages, races and genders. The young, the old, the weak and strong have like myself been awaken by this heartbeat, not drumbeat, but the heartbeat of hope that he brings. So why write you? I write you because through the years, from the time I first read Race Matters to when I saw you speak in the mid 90’s, to watching you and your work, you have been the voice I come back to time and time again to inspire me and move me to do the most important work of self understanding and realization that one must do to go beyond one’s self and evolve. Your voice and your passion and your hope in life, albeit from a sad sole as you have said, echoes endlessly in my heart. As I watch now what is happening with the campaign, and as I see the ugly head of white supremacy raise itself once more and try to make an issue out of the non-issue of Mr. Obama’s former pastor, I truly hope that you stay at the forefront of the conversations that come from this and make your most valued voice heard. For I truly believe that you above many others have the ability to dissect what is happening and replace the rubbish with reason.
The issue of race seems to be like a spring tide in this country that is not part of the normal ebbs and flows of the major issues that are confronted and discussed daily. It is for the most part forgotten, I’m sure to the relief of a majority of my white brothers. And then Rodney King and Pastor Wright come crashing on the sands and remind us that in fact “race (still) matters” and it always has and always will in this country. The fact that is not dealt with 364 days of the year is no excuse for the argument that the 365th day should not be one of intense introspection and dialogue be it a day or a week or a month or a year. Barack Obama was a candidate that happened to be black and now because of this episode for lack of a better metaphor, is now seen more as a black candidate. What moves me is that we who support and are motivated by the Senator do not see that as a negative factor or even a factor at all, and it has not, as the polls show, in any way eroded his support. I celebrate the fact that race is once again an issue. In my meager opinion it should always be an issue in a country that was born out of racism and in many ways still exists in a perpetual state of comfortable denial about the issue.
One last comment and again I truly appreciate your patience. Although I am not a man of religion, I pray in my own way that the Senator prevails. Because if he does not, what does that say about this country? That we have given up? That we are comfortable living in fear as sheep? That the status quo no matter how vile is better than the hard work of resolution? If this is the case then were is there room for hope?
On a lighter note, if elected, if Mr. Obama does not appoint you to his cabinet I will be highly disappointed, not that you would accept such a post!
I thank you for your time. I am forever your pupil.
With the deepest respect and admiration.
Robert Karp
Baltimore, MD
Danielle Coleman, Atlanta, GA
March 25th, 2008
Dr. West, you are such an inspiration to all people. You exemplify humanity, love, justice and equality. I reside in Atlanta, GA and I was wondering if you will be back in Atlanta, GA in 2008, and if so where will you be speaking.
Thank You Danielle.
Robert Heath
March 22nd, 2008
Dr West,
I am the president of an organization called A Few Good Men. We have developed a $5,000.00 scholarship for our home town civil right leader from the past, Robert F. Williams.
I am going to make a bold request because you seem to be very down to earth and not like many celebrities. If you are in the Charlotte, NC area in 2008, will you make a personal apperance in Monroe, NC . Our little town of Monroe is twenty miles south of Charlotte. Each year, it is a challenge to raise the money for the scholarsip and I know if you come, it would be an historical event .My # is 704-882-5651
Terrell Raymond Delran, New Jersey
March 20th, 2008
Brother Cornell, I was having a discussion with a friend yesterday. The subject of the discussion was whether blacks who are dispaired not only by their enviroments but by their ignorance and stubborness can be helped. The specific term used was the n-word. My friend cited his experiences with them and how his attempts did not work, and that they are beyond help. My objective is the opposite, my friend and I are both black males from urban environments. My question to you is not can we but how do we reach out and bring home the brothers that are so far gone that it seems their minds are in a black hole? In essence my question is not about race, it is about the the reframing of the ignorant and stubborn mind be they white or black.How does a young man like myself adress these problems? And also, I mean no offense, yet I don’t feel there is enough inclusion of the younger generations when it comes to discussions and solutions for the black community. Thank you for your time.
LISA LIPSCOMB, RICHMOND VIRGINIA
March 19th, 2008
Hello Dr. West can’t wait to meet you Love your books and I just Love your style.
DC Urban LifeStyle Magazine
March 19th, 2008
Dr West –
What do you think of Senator Obama’s speech on racism last evening? Do you feel the media made a whirl wind over Rev Jeremiah Wright’s comments?
Are you encouraged or discouraged by Obama’s plans for America? Have you endorsed, or have plans to, endorse Barack Obama for president?
Chandra LaStrappe
March 16th, 2008
Good MorningDr. West. My name is Chandra and I have recently moved to Atlanta, GA. I have a friend who attended your speech at Morehouse University and he was deeply moved by your speech. The message you delivered had a life-changing impact on him. Thank You for speaking not only to our people, but also for reaching out to our young people. I am a part of the youer generation and we need more role models like you. It is hard at times growing up in the society we live in and it’s an inspiraion to be able to look up to a well-eduacated activist, but one which whom we can relate to in race. I hope you come back to Atlanta soo. I am really looking forward to hearing one of your speeches! God Bless You and your family Dr. West. I thank the Lord everyday for people like yourself. Sincerely,
Chandra LaStrappe
DC
March 14th, 2008
Prof. West,
How is your book on Anton Chekhov and John Coltrane coming along? I’ve been waiting for it for years. Then again I’ve been waiting much longer for your book on Hume.
I hope you’ll forgive me such a question. If you think I’m trying to make a point, you’re right. Before I get to that point, however, let me say this. It’s had to overstate the influence on my decision to become an intellectual. I’ve listened to many of your speeches online, have most of your books and of all the people in the world you’re the person I would most want to sit down and have a private conversation with.
But I think the direction your career has taken has me concerned. It’s not just that with all you’re speaking engagements it’s hard to find the time to write. It’s that you’ve become the center of attention in ways that I bet you would not have expected even in 1996, when you were already well known. This makes me uncomfortable as an intellectual, and it should make you too. Public adulation — even from a oppressed part of the public — is, I think, something we ought to be suspicious of. You yourself intimated as much back in the mid-1990s.
A third point. While I appreciate the idea of a “danceable education,” I don’t think your recordings are reaching the intended audience: the people who would listen to this are not the people in need of what you’re teaching. You must know this. I therefore wonder what makes you keep recording these albums.
There is much else I could say but I’ll end there. If I am ever at Princeton for whatever reason I’ll drop in.
Vanessa Sharp
March 10th, 2008
Dr. West
Thank you so much for coming to speak to us at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As always I love to hear you speak, but it was a special treat for me to listen to you in person. You are a brilliant orator and a true genius. I always feel energized and inspired as a result of listening to your messages. You are one of my greatest role models and a huge inspiration in my life. Witnessing your individual success as well as your desire to educate others inspires me to reach out and do the same. As black people we have a responsibility to not just look out for self but to look out for our collective community as well. Thank you so much for being the intelligent, inspirational, proud, unapologetic and beautiful black man that you are, and for shedding light on the truth that so many of us desperately need to hear. Keep up the good work and know that you are inspiring young people all over the country like myself. God bless you.
Vanessa Sharp
RRobin S. Strand
March 7th, 2008
Hello Dr. West…hope March finds you well and blessed…Just wanted to say hello and tell you that all the kids at Dunn say hello, esp Kyle(short brown haired student) who is reading up a storm, but still running the halls (smile)…Hope you may be able to make it to lunch with Mary Ann and I on the 24th. Take care and keep on keeping on…My prayers are always with the both of you guys..ps Mary Ann..they went with another VP candidate (even though I got almost a perfect score–), but you know me..I dont give up…God’s speed and blessings to you both…love Robin Strand
James Coomes
March 5th, 2008
Dr. West,
Thank you for joining us at the LA County DMH African American Mental Health Conference this past week. As always, you were inspirational and thought provoking. I first had the pleasure of seeing you live at Schoenberg Hall at UCLA sometime around 1993. The next time, I didn’t actually get to hear you speak, but I saw something that was a testament to who you are. I volunteer with the Unitarian Universalist Association (and as a Black man, you can imagine that this is sometimes not so easy). I was attending meetings in and around Boston on two separate weekends around 1999, and was put up on Beacon Hill for the week instead of returning to California. I took many walking tours, one which led me past Princeton on a weekday evening around 9 pm. There was a dormitory commons area visible from the street, and a group of co-eds in pajamas all gathered around someone for what appeared to be a dynamic and intimate conversation. A few steps further, and I saw you talking with that group. To know that you are that engaged with students and are willing to give your time at such an hour was inspirational, and from what I do know about you, you would have it no other way.
Thank you for continuing to share your gifts,
James Coomes
Larry Everage Jr.
February 26th, 2008
It was a great experience to finally hear you speak in person at the State of The Black Union in New Orleans. I am a 23 year old male, recent college grad, and proud New Orleans native. Your lectures and books have had a huge impact on my young life.
colleen Payne-Nabors
February 22nd, 2008
hello, I’m from Tulsa, Oklahoma and you spoke at the 2003 awards cermony for Black Enterprise in Tn. and I won the Business innovator of the year award, and we brieftly meet and spoke and took pictures.
You were so proud that i won and that i was from Oklahoma and i have since went on to win many awards including 2007 Small business Person of the Year for the State of Oklahoma. First, African American woman to every win that award and i just finished a book. I would love to hear you speak live. I’ve not been able to find locations of where your speaking and i was hoping that i could get a list of your speaking that i might attend. and Personally, tell you thank you.
I have read nearly all your book. My grandmother is just really learning about you and want to come to one of your speaking engagements. Please let me know your speaking schedule so I can buy tickets to come see you. My grandmother is 96 and I can barely get her out the house to do anything, but she really want to come see you and I want to make it happen. Please send me your speaking schedule so I can save the date and buy tickets in advance, so my grandmother can prepare in advance for the event. Thank you and keep fighting the good fight for us. Much love always. I have always been a fan a will continue to be. Thanks for all the good infomation that you give about black cultue and our way of life.
I have read nearly all your book. My grandmother is just really learning about you and want to come to one of your speaking engagements. Please let me know your speaking schedule so I can buy tickets to come see you. My grandmother is 96 and I can barely get her out the house to do anything, but she really want to come see you and I want to make it happen. Please send me your speaking schedule so I can save the date and buy tickets in advance, so my grandmother can prepare in advance for the event. Thank you and keep fighting the good fight for us. Much love always.
Dr. West,
Good Morning! I’am so looking forward to seeing you this evening in Plainfield, NJ. I have been a long time fan of yours. I wait patiently to see you on c~span. The State of the Black Union. Hope I got that right. I just wanted to tell you how much I respect and admire you. May God bless you and keep you safe.
Humbly Susan Trammell
Brother West,
You don’t know me, but I am a long time admirer of yours – silently and from a distance. However, time and circumstance moves me to dare to contact you, not on my behalf, but on behalf of my beloved wife and sister, Cindy Ball.
You see sir, I believe she has stumbled upon another vein of understanding our plight that might benefit our people. She is receiving her Masters degree in Telecommunications this month. Part of her Masters thesis was a short documentary entitled “An African American Quest for Authenticity”. She journeyed to Ghana, West Africa to interview over 20 of our brothers and sisters who decided to leave America to live in Africa.
Her professors were so impressed that they have endorsed it for screening on local PBS next month. We are hoping it will be selected for nationwide viewing. We have also begun screening it locally and have noticed the power it has transmitted to the audiences.
Do you have any advice to share with us regarding how to expose this film to a wider audience? Would you be willing to read a synopsis of her thesis and view the film for yourself?
I know this is asking a lot for a very busy and involved brother, but could not think of anyone else that would be likely to help us out. We await your response. Peace and love to you and yours. Plus, continue to speak truth to power, my brother.
Dr.West,
I would like to get a list of your upcoming speaking engagements. I know that you are scheduled to speak at UGA on April 8th however I have to be in Orlando for work at the time. Any other engagements in the SE anytime soon?
Thanks for your time and contribution to our community.
Hello Cornell, don’t know if you remember me, LeRoy Peters daughter. Any way I see that you are extremely busy but I’m going to ask for old time sake. My church, St Andrews AME in Sacramento is having their Unity day, kicking off in May ending Jun 6 2010. It will consist of various events on each Sunday. Of course we would love for you to be our Key speaker. I pray that this reaches your ears and heart. Hoping to hear from you soon.
You have changed the way I think & view issues in my country. I am still learning from You Sir.
Hi Dr. Cornel West I’m doing a school project on why young black males push away from older black males love and influnce.There no secret theres a big gap in the relationship of black father and son , like myself other young black males across america have raised by strong black woman and no or little help from the father or a father figure. This has been a problem thats been killing me seen my father was released from jail are relationship has been rocky a fight that a lot of young black males can relate to so you have time can please give your opinion on this subject.
Hello Dr. West, I met you in your last visit to Seattle at the Barnes & Nobel in the University district. I was the young man in the last group that you talked to and took pictures with wearing a suit “looking sharp” in your words. There has been something that has been bothering me and it has to do with the U.S. Census where they consider black people to be “NEGRO”, in the same section with Black and African American. In my eyes representing a form of subliminal labelism to society, because when everyone goes to the page in the form they will read these terms. I would like some input on what you think, and maybe have you come out here to a disucssion that my Black Student Union will be working on putting together for next quarter. Here is my cell phone number also (206) 551-9040, thank you.
Respectfully,
Jonathan Y. Girmatzion
Chairman of The Black Student Union SSCC Chapter
I’d like some writing advice from Dr. West, please.
Please, someone need to take a look at what’s going on with the escalating violence in Tulsa Okla.
Dr.West:
I wasn’t able to get a ticket in tme to see you at UB (University of Buffalo). They were sold out. But I did meet you at Buffalo State college.
If you get this in time, I hope you can let me see you at UB on Friday. I want to give you a copy of my novel, ot, otherwise send it to you.
If you get this, number is 716-289-7847
or 716-885-3034.
Jim Clemns
Dr. West
Please review the following link titled “Juneteenth” and Driving “Miss Daisy”
http://www.youtube.com/user/Haaziq4News
Dear Dr. West,
I thorougfhly enjoyed the message of love and accountability you gave at the annual King Day engagement 2010. Your speech was powerful, self motivating,thought provoking, heart erupting and mentally entertaining. although I always watch you when you are speaking about our communites on the different programs I am so ashame to admit that I have never read one of your books. However, I am on a mission to owe every title you have in print and not only own them but to read them as well as pass them on to others in my surroundings.Dr. Brother West I am an advocate of yours…you defintely have my VOTE!!!!….You didn’t deoderize it…..You was STANKIN!!!
Dr. West,
I am now ready to write the book that has been brewing inside of me since I was a teenager. It has been many years, that I’ve read your book Race Matters over and over again as part of my regular intellectual nurturing. I’m a journalist and met you several times when journalism was an art form of “giving truth to the situation at hand” at both the National Association for Black Journalists annual conferences and the National Society of Black Engineers conferences. It’s a blessing to be able to learn more from you as your website gives credence to why we must re-invent ourselves every day as proud Black people, to become more true to ourselves and believe, without a doubt that God, the creator of the heavens and earth manifests the truth right before our eyes. It’s in all of us — we are the persecuted people with a spirit unknown to the common man! May God continue to bless you in ways that touch the very soul of our people who need your wisdom. I can’t wait to read your memoirs and Democracy… I will publish in 2010, and promise to send a copy, signed, sealed and special delivered!
Dear Dr. West,
I’m a 40 year old father of two residing in Las Vegas where I’ve worked as a Security Operations Supervisor for a “strip property. A few months ago I was discharged from my job over ordering the immobilization of a vehicle parked illegaly. My director knew of the pending action and even ordered it, but after the owner filed a false police report he claimed to know nothing of it. The attorney whom works for the property which for some reason was placed over security (she was a Construction Site Liability attorney prior to arriving) immediately tried to have me removed from the property upon her arrival stating “he looks too intimidating and I think he is a lose canon!” The attorney was refering to an incident a year ago where a man was irratic and yelling at the front desk stating “I’ll kill one of these bitches before i leave here! kids and all , I dont give a F%%!” After many pleadings to get him to leave and his last comment of “I’m gonna make one of these bitches suck- (you get the rest) then walking towards a woman with child and over 40 guests watching fearing for the ladys’ safety I was forced to grab him and walk him out. Well, under the watchfull eye of surveillance they reported to the attorney i used “excessive Force” (none of these people ever worked security) as i walked him out claiming “The black Officer Barnes pushed the white guys’ face into the wall as they went out the door!”. The truth of it was he tried to kick the glass door and strike a guest who was about to enter so i quickly turned him towards the wall! My director at the time was on his last leg do to the company take ove rand feeling pressured apologized then suspended me. Upon review of the tape aside from what was reported you could see the gentleman return and thank me (extending his hand) then giving me a hug apologizing for his behavior and that he was mad over the loss of his family (due to drug use). My director whom should have watched the whole video to begin with apologized to me but stated he could not give me pay for the three days missed. The incident left me a bit unsettled because it was all babout my size and color instead of the situation and the actions required at the time. Many guests clapped and thanked me but because of my color I was demonized! Since that incident I have went on to stop several rapes, 3 suicide attempts and saved four lives in medical emergencies,(DOCUMENTED) one of which was an employee hit by a drunk driver. Mr. West I have even had people die in my arms, all as quote “an out of control black security guard!” To add insult to it all I handled a suicide incident where my director stood across the street and just watched, never offered to lend a hand as I and two team members provided emergency services to the individual, seal off the area, direct traffic, deal with traumatized people who witnessed the individual land in front of them, perform and prepare video tape footage for CSI all within an hour and a half! My director never said good job to my officers not once! Aweek or two later was the vehicle boot incident where the attorney tells me “we have to do this because she filed a police report stating you threatened to kill her a couple of days ago whe she almost hit your car”. I had several witnesses who witnessed the exchange on the street and heard me say “lady be carefull you’re gonna kill somebody”, one being an off duty Police Officer. the lawyer ignored and would not allow anyone to speak on my behalf stating “well you did’nt do a report ! and look at you, I’d be afraid if I saw five of you in a dark alley! plus there have been things going on in security that are problematic!? My manager who is also black asked her “so , because of another shifts mistakes I get thrown under the bus?” she stated no , security gets thrown under the bus! look I have to protect the company and in a small way protect you too! (oh, goodie thank you massa). My manager weas really upset as we pointed out “so, another shift Supervisor who is white can watch a lady on camera! beaten in the hallway and dragged back into a room , don’t investigate immediately, actually never take the guy into custody as they were suppose to then call metro police per mandatory procedure, then go to the room almost an hour later where the male forces the female to say she’s okay by stating “bitch come tell this man you okay so he can gone about his buisiness!” the young lady does so and the supervisor walks away! The shift manager ( who happens to be white and twice my size and over 6ft 4),never went on the call which is always a mandatory respond call but showed up 40 minutes later like “what happened?” Surveillance finds this fishy so they perform a tape review and finds him in the lunchroom chilling with a cocktail waitress way pass the alotted time and even seen picking up his radio, listen then turns it down as he sits it back down. This manager was not suspended either! The same supervisor went on a call where a known prostitute and “Trick Roller” was to be walked off property for soliciting, instead he conversed with her she later came back in and he got her a room using his own credit card! Again, he was not suspended but I got terminated for “being too scary looking and imposing as I ordered the booting of a vehicle”. SO I GUESS RACE REALLY DOES MATTER HUH? After all of this I went to work for an old boss of 6 years (the previous director of the place I worked)who actually let me go for raising questions about unpaid mandatory shift meetings and a manager who wanted to fire me because he felt I was there to replace his friend (a supervisor) and who also got in my face with a balled up fist threatening me saying ” Do I have to have my guys walk you out of here? geyt out ! I dont want you here! i don’t care if you’re some kinda hot shot or how good they say you are! I- don’t-want- you -here!”. Iasked him under the mic and on camera “so the only reason you dont want me here is because YOU! dont like me , even though I’ve done nothing wrong?” To make a long story short he sent me home and when I came back from my days off my director (a black man)fired me stating ” My hands are tied, I’m sorry son!” YOU GOT TOO STRONG A PERSONALITY! SOMETIMES YOU CAN BE RIGHT AND STILL BE WRONG! I asked him, “you’re gonna let me go over something you know is not right or maybe even unlawfull? As long as I have worked for you, you’ve known me for years like a father and these guys for a few months and you’re really gonna do this?” He stated I’m sorry I gotta do what I gotta do!” I replied “so do I”. A mutual friend and security professional contacted him and advised him his actions were not right nor legal then three weeks later he sent me a letter saying I was now terminated for a “No Call No Show” BUT ON THE SAME DAY I WAS AT WORK WHEN HE FIRED ME THE FIRST TIME!I hired an attorney and they settled!
SO TO THOSE WHO DONT BELIEVE, RACE DOES MATTER! Mr. West I believe it’s time perhaps for me to find another line of work which leads me to this question which has me scared and vexed. I have two little boys, a fiance of ten years. a real loving family! But after all of this I just don’t know what to do! I want to go back to school but I cant afford it,I know of no programs where I can maybe take a trade through some sort of grant and due to m lawsuit against a hotel casino, other industry properties are not taking my resume if you know what I mean. It’s subtle but made plain. I went from saving lives, escorting digntaries, protecting celebrities and just being the best professional I could be to being unable to feed my family this week. All Iwanted was to save my honor and respect, but I fear I am losing the honoring respect of my family. I’m losing respect for myself because I am not working right now,6 months in my old job decided to appeal and blocked my unemployment and due to a hearing I missed for my grandmother’s funeral the board states I cant get another hearing for at least 4-6 months. I can’t even help my mother now! we are in jeapardy of losing our home. We won the temporary order to stop the sale of our home due to shady things out lender did but the hearing to proceed with the suit is pending. If we lose we’re pretty much out on the street so far we struggle to pay the note bouncing between which bills dont get paid. Dr. West It makes me feel like maybe I should have played the “good nigra ” roll and kept my head down instead of up and catching one on the chin! In an ever increasing faith I know God will work it out as he has been so far but as time passes to think I went through all of this because of the skin I’m in makes me wonder, AS LONG AS RACE MATTERS, WHEN WILL WE EVER TRUELY MATTER? With respect and reverence to you Dr. West, I thank you for all you do and have done to educate and uplift society. I salute you Sir. – A.B.
Hello Dr. West, my name is Khalil, I was your barber for a few year in the city of Boston Ma. while working at A Nubian Notion with Malik, Sharif and Hameed. I was the tall guy over in the corner. I just want to say hello and may God continue to bless you in your work and out reach teaching and trying to educate the people. I just recently saw you on the Today Show promoting your book. I am going out tomorrow and purchase a copy for my self. I am on face book and also myspace under the name Khalil_amin98@yahoo.com. I’m still barbering down in a little town, I know you are familiar with the name because of the Scottsboro Boys. This is where I now live after moving away from Boston in November 1990. I’ve owned my own barber shop for 19 yearas now. I know you are a very busy man, but I would like to hear from you. My address is 332 West Maple Ave. Scottsboro, AL 35768. My number is 256-599-4909.
God Bless you in your work and personal life
Khalil Hasan Amin
Dear Dr. Cornell West,
First, I want to thank you for giving me an opportunity to write you. To God be the Glory. I’m reading your book, “Race Matters”, and Martin Luther King Jr. autobiography. I also watch and listen to your speeches on youtube.com and wanted to tell you thank. I finally get it. I read the words of our Lord about the importance of love and services. Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr., and you are my heroes. I’m taking that fire and using it to be GREAT, not just successful – which is not valued in the monetary way. But true success is in how I love God and service that love to my brothers and sisters in this world. May God richly bless you and your continuation of Love and Services.
Corey Boatwright
President – African American Men’s Association of Geneva, NY
Founder, CEO – Innovative Beats and Harmony Production
October 14, 2009
Hello Brother West,
Thank you for giving so much of yourself when you were here at Wayne County Community College here in Detroit, Mi. It was uplifting and mindblowing to listen to you.
My name is To’I Coleman, I would hope that you remember me, although I hadn’t heard you speak prior to this, or even listened to music that you have so cleverly released into the universe, I now find myself looking for anything that you have released.
I have decided to continue my quest to find out more about your life. My current english report on prominent African American writers will be about Brother Cornel West. I find myself wanting to know more and more as I listen to your music and take the music and poetry into my soul. It gives my a sense of calm and warmth that I have not felt in this lifetime. As I continue to read more and more about you and understand your words and how one man can create a sense of love out of all the turmoil and madness in this world, I realize that not only are you gifted, but you are also loved by GOD and he calls you Friend. Your journey is not only “that of understanding a people, but of how to find love in all people.”
I can only pray that as I grow in this relm of my life. I can continue to also grow spiritually and my words will also reach the masses since my ultimate goal in life is to speak and motivate woman to think on a different level of understanding.
You have given my a window to look through that I never thought would be available for me. As I look through the window, I can see more of this life and continue to look forward and seek more open doors to run through. I send peace to you my brother, and look forward to one day coming to visit you at Princeton. As I bring this email to a close I pray for you and feel your love and the embrass your words of understanding in my heart.
Love & Peace,
To’I Coleman
Dr West,
Will you be visiting Philadelphia as part of the book tour for your most recent book? The Free Library of Philadelphia has a lecture series. Would you be willing to schedule a reading at that site to uplift and inspire your fans in the New Jersey and Philadelphia area?
Paula
I cannot wait to see you in Charlotte at the end of the month. I have followed you for years and have much respect and you!..
August 28, 2009
Good Morning Mr. West,
My name is Wanda Hanna I am writing this letter out of concern of my brother John Hanna. I hired a lawyer on March 4, 2009 to defend my brother in a felony case at the Prince William County Courthouse the trial began on August 17, 2009. My brother was found guilty of rape while in possession of a firearm. He was found not guilty of burglary, enter house to murder, rape, etc while armed, sodomy and abduction by force, intimidation or deception.
At the end of the case I noticed quite a few mistakes that Mr. John O. Iweanoge had made in the defense of my brother. His first glaring mistake was not calling any of my brothers’ friends or family to speak on his character and what type of person he was. There were many people who could have and wanted to speak in behalf of my brother. His co-workers at the Prince George County Correction Faculty informed me that they had told Mr. Iweanoge of their desire to testify for my brother and yet not one of them was contacted by his lawyer. No forensic experts were called to testify in my brothers’ case even though Mr. Iweanoge was given a cashers check for the sum of $5,500.00 dollars to secure such experts and he was given a $1000.00 dollars bi-weekly cashers checks until the trial began.
I thought it was strange that not one shred of evidence was presented as proof of my brothers’ innocence. The D.A. called eight witnesses to present their case, yet there was no physical or forensic proof displayed that connected my brother in the rape case. I informed Mr. Iweanoge of some text messages on my brothers’ phone that described the accuser committing numerous infidelities. His lawyer said that it couldn’t be used in my brothers’ case. During the trial a letter was given to Mr. Iweanoge in support of my brothers’ innocence’s and it was not presented to the court.
An investigator that works with the lawyer was given funds to investigate the crime scene and interview neighbors of the accuser even he wasn’t called to the witness stand. Mr. Iweanoge put up a very unprofessional defense of my brother and I would like to file a civil suit against him for the full refund of $17000.00 dollars given to him by me. The lawyer sold my brother down the river with no boat or paddles. I am requesting that he be investigated and disciplined for ineffective counsel because it’s obvious that he had no intention of trying to win this case.
Mr. Iweanoge was late numerous of times for both bail hearings and every day of the trial and to include the day of sentencing recommendation by the jury. He hardly ever visited my brother to go over his court strategy or to monitor his welfare, in fact; Mr. Iweanoge stated that “his job is not to babysit his clients”, during this time my brothers’ life was threatened by another inmate and Mr. Iweanoge never investigated to make sure my brother was safe; my brother was and still is in protected custody. Mr. Iweanoge had the nerve to ask my brother on the first day of trial for $1000.00 while on a recess during the trial. In my opinion that was a very disrespectful act, it only displayed the greed, and lies displayed by Mr. Iweanoge since he started working on this case.
Mr. Iweanoge was overheard taking instructions from the D.A. she was heard telling him “you are calling my witness a lie, you are being too aggressive towards her, what are you doing?” “You wanna play; I’ll show you how to play this game”. From that moment on Mr. Iweanoge was passive and blatantly changed direction in his course of defending my brother his client. Even a novice such as myself knows that you must at least have a few character witnesses for your client when he has been accused of rape. In retrospect, Mr. Iweanoge never gave my brother a chance to recapture his freedom.
No witnesses were called in his defense, no motions were filed, no forensic experts were called to dispute the testimony of the oppositions experts, no documents were presented on behalf of John Hanna and not one single shred of evidence be it oral or physical was presented to help my brother prove his innocence. Mr. Iweanoge was irresponsible in his legal duties to defend my brother to the best of his ability. He violated the lawyer’s oath and at the least he should be made to return all funds that were received.
Rape is a criminal allegation that is easy to claim and increasingly difficult for a defendant to disprove. The importance of DNA evidence has grown considerably in recent years as improved technology renders more accurate results and DNA evidence is used more frequently to convict or exonerate defendants. None of John Hanna’s DNA or fingerprints was found on the victim or the alleged crime scene. Mr. Iweanoge presented no experts to make the Jury understand the importance of this fact. I am requesting that you investagate this matter further or appoint me to the appropriate individuals who can assist in obtaining legal counsel for my brother. I know that this is an innocent man.
Sincerely,
Wanda Hanna POA
4525 Davis Avenue Apt. 104
Suitland, MD 20746
John E. Hanna
Inmate # 09-00823
Manassas Detention Center
9300 Lee Avenue
Manassas, VA 20110
Dr. Cornel,
Is there a calendar available of your speaking events or appearances around the country? A friend and I would very much like to hear you in person.
Thank you,
Hello, THis is Mark Savage … You can look me up on linkedin or facebook.. I have been waiting to find a website like this! I want to know how can a be a part of BMWMB, I recently lost two friends to gun violence in philly and I am working on a documentary about it! I released a rap album last year and I am working on my second one, I am a street conscience rapper who studied 2pac, Busta Rhymes, Common, Mos Def, Jay Z.. and a few others. I believe the youth needs to be awakened and that is what I aim my music to do! I want to change the entire construct of America to empower and cater to us all! ttys…
Dr. West, I have met you, Dr, Dyson and Tavis Smiley at various events here in DC. I love you all and I am so very grateful the you were able to Speak Truth to Power about Our Beloved Michael Jackson!!!!
I feel there is an important need concerning The First Family, President Barack Obama and the First Lady. The Washington Post Newspaper seems to be blatantly rendering the President and First Lady invisible!!!! They have rarely been on the front page, since the European trip where they met Queen Elizabeth & then to France.
We need to have this addressed and insure That the truth is told concerning Michael’s demise and a thorough criminal investigation is carried out and justice prevails!
Thank You!
Hope you are doing well sir! Thanks for everything you do. I have a lot of questions? My skull get overwhelmed with question so much that it make me late for work some times! I’m glad it’s not a “coat” but rather a means to satisfy my needs! When I heard you speak on the CD in Ruminations, by KRS One, my life became at ease. I don’t know where to find people who are willing to discuss these questions that we so easily delete like a crappy e-mail. What it means to be human! WOW! That question may not mean as much to some people. But to me, that very question, made me aware that there are other people like me! Hope you are having a wonderful day or evening, when ever you read this. Peace be with you 2183 (Building a human conscience)
Dr. West,
You are a world renwoned philosopher, political activist, and educator. You are constantly educating others and providing us with a unique insight that facilitates further cogitation on other issues. When or how do you have time to educate your self?
Sincerely and Humbly,
Alvis L. Horne, Jr.
Dr. West,
I am a long time follower of your work. I am trying to complete my first book of original poems and hope to find help in that area from David Acey of the University of Memphis and others located in Memphis. I write to you in hopes that you would do me the honor of writing an introduction for my book (after you read it of course). I value your opinion and would be blessed to have you as a contributor on this project.
Thank you in advance.
Michael Parson
Dear Dr. Cornel West,
My Name is Ajay Rutledge I attend Daemen College in Amherst, NY. I am contacting you to ask a few questions for my Seminar Class on Black Political Leadership, Consciousness & Change. I wanted to get your opinion on the following two questions. I appreciate you taking the time to answer them if you can. Either way thanks alot I appreciate it.
What is your opinion on Black Leadership in America?
Whats Your Definition of Black Leadership and Consciousness in American Politics?
Sincerely,
Ajay Rutledge
Dear, Dr Cornll West
I am A Senior at Gallup High School, from New Mexico
I have been inspired by your words and work, at our high school we have a lack of peakers that give meaning to nothing in which they talk about. I am writting to you in HOPE that you would be in trested in speaking at our graduation, I would be honored, and my school would be honored if you would bless us with your presence.
Sincerly
David McKibben
Morning Dr. West,
I enjoy your work and spoking truth, myself and other on the westcoast would loved to view a leture in person. Not sure if date or event are in you future for areas on the westcoast, but please do keep me posted for anything that bring you west bound.
DR., LOVE YOUR WORK. THIS IS A NEW, MUST SEE DOCUMENTARY THAT EVERYONE IN THIS DAMNED COUNTRY NEED TO SEE. I’M WHITE, BUT I DON’T JUDGE PEOPLE BY COLOR. BUT IF YOU LOOK AT IT, HE WOULDN’T BE PREZ IF HE WEREN’T IN ‘THEIR’ POCKETS TOO. HE’S NOT WORKING FOR THE PEOPLE. I COULD GO ON AND ON, BUT PLEASE SEE THIS FILM. WE’RE ALL IN BIG TROUBLE IF WE DON’T ALL WAKE UP TO THE SCAM. EVERYONE NEEDS TO REVIEW ALEX JONES’ WORK (INFOWARS.COM). GOOD DAY TO YOU, DR.
‘THE OBAMA DECEPTION’ (IN HD) BY ALEX JONES (BRAND NEW)
(http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=the+obama+deception&hl=en&emb=0&aq=0&oq=the+obama+d#q=the+obama+deception+hq&hl=en&emb=0)
Peace, Love and Blessings Dr. West,
Charlotte, NC is still abuzz over your visit in January, 2009. Hope you remember me…I am one of the poets who was blessed with the opportunity to open for you at the Neighborhood Theatre when you visited. I hope you have had a cnance to peruse my book and listen to my CD. I pray it is blessing your spirit.
God bless, and I look forward to your return visit for the Charlotte Literary Festival in September.
With love,
Marina
Dear Dr. West,
I saw you speak at Purdue University years ago, and I was wondering how I could find out about your coming speaking engagements. If there are any in my area, I would love to see and hear you speak again. It was a very moving and transformative experience for me. Thank you very much for all of the work that you do.
great job keep it up young brotha
I Love you Brotha…Never stop creating!!!!
Dear sir,
i have yet read any of your books or class lectures. i bought rumenations and a cd with you speaking answered a lot of my questions and then it only made me yearn for more questions. i purchased bmwmb, because of that one particular artist. sir i am so confused. what’s the cost of me? i study for, it seems to be an endless q&a! we are suppose to see the human in it’s raw form and interpret the actions, but the dice game is making me well, for lack of a better thought crazy! i humbly request your intellect. i am known as 2 1 8 3 (building a human conscience) as my teacher/mentor i thank you. peace be with you. 2 1 8 3
First Mr. West, please let me tell you how much of an honor it is to have the opportunity to dialogue with you. The reason that I am writing is to extend an invitation to be the cover for an online magazine that I and a few conscious folks are publishing. We truly believe that you are the movement personified and would like to highlight you. Please contact me to let me know if this is possible, or even if you can do a telephone interview. I would like to tell you more about our mag. Thanks and forever indebted to your contribution to the human movement – Kameisha Jenkins (704) 819-2057
Hello
Please allow me to introduce myself…my name is Ann-Belinda Honablez: I live in the city of Sacramento.
I know your grandmother Rose. She told me that you would be arriving soon.
The purpose of this note is perhaps we can meet for coffee and discuss some of your writings because there are a lot of questions I have for you. You may reach me by telephone at 916-483-6325.
Thank you.
Dear Dr. West, I am a student and we are reading your book “Democracy Matters” Over the past weekend we wer assigned to read Chapter 6. During discussion in class on Monday 12/8 we read in the Sunday Times that our President Elect as appointed Lawrence Sumner as Economic Advisor. What do you think of this appointment? If you could answer this question it would mean the world to me. I need to bring this to class on Monday 12/15 for extra credit.
Thank you,
Winclette Wright
When you get a chance can you remove my comment that way my comment isn’t posted for everyone to view. Thanks
am a victim of gang-stalking in Tennessee. this started with the University of Tennessee. I have visual evidence of them emitting smoke or fumes into my home, office at work and even my daughters dorm room at college. I want this violence against me to stop. I have had my video camera SD cards stolen, my house broken into and gang-stalked on a daily basis. My ex-husband who is in support of the University are backing this daily stalking of me in my home. I can send you video evidence of actions taken against me. Everyone seems to be supporting their gang stalking efforts against me, at least in the caucasion community. I have so much evidence of their stalking or targeted behavior against me, that the only way out of this harasment is to declare me mentally ill. Which they are working very hard to do at this point, by emitting substances into my home. My husband is going along with the plan due to them already gone to far with their antics and emission of fumes in my home would be considred a felony, and he could lose his job. I have attached one photo for your review of fumes emission into my office, please pay close attention to the center of the room, along with the picture and candy bowel. I also have several pictures of fumes being administered into my home. Fumes administered into my bedroom, please pay attention to the upper part of the doorway. Please help me for I have nowhere to turn. Please go to the web and download VLC media player, if you can’t view the files. Rhonda Jones731-267-9191
Hello Dr. Cornel West,
My name is cherrice Fletcher and I am sixteen years old. I am an african American and I am writing a persuasive paper on affirmative action as an AP English assigment. (i attend an all white private school). I personally support affirmative action until playing fields for african Americans are equal, but since they are not i continue to support it. I was wondering what you though about affirmative action do you support it, if so why or why not. If you could answer this question for mean it would really mean the world to me.
thank you,
cherrice fletcher
(i)
The Mechanics of the Rhyme
Author Bio
About Me:
Asirus Ma’at El a transplanted New Yorker is currently a resident of Lefrak City Queens, New York. By way of New York City, Harlem, Brooklyn, Bronx, Wilmington Del. Loving and Dedicated Father – of two suns and a daughter – also, a husband of fifteen years. Studied musical engineering, at the City University of New York, and the Center for the Media Arts, NYC. Also, studied – at the Frederick Douglas Creative Writers Workshop; under the late, great, Fred Hudson – Harlem’s Frank Silvera Writers Workshop, Mr. Garland Thomson:
And the – New Federal Theater; under Woody King Jr. founder: Mr. Mario
Van Peebles Jr. and Sr. Resident Instructor. And Harlem’s National Black Theater:
2a
Condolences – to the family of Barbara Ann Teer – Founder and Resident Instructor.
Founder: Key Two Life Publications: Activist, Song Writer, Poet, Recording Artist, Producer, Author, Publisher, Actor, and play write. “Shades of a Harlem Poet.” Composer of two Compact Disk ‘Lyradiction’ History Book – Music Heritage Audio Series Recordings: Featured in Two theatricals – Raison, At the New Federal Theater, NYC: Worked with the Rev. Al Sharp ton, – Composed the Theme – In honor of his – Keepers of the Dream, mobilization in Washington D.C. Active member of Harlem’s – National Action Network. Among other things.
A Poet, who write, record, and produce, socially conscience – Artist; activist, and other forms of musical expression. A historian, philosopher, who writes – humor, and different styles of musical expression, Spoken Word Artist. Making public appearances with Temple University Professor – Malofi Ashanti, Nasir Jones, Gil Scot Heron, Mos Def, the late, great, John Herrick Clark, NYC Schools Chancellor A. Sanford, and the Rev. Al Sharp ton, See Keepers of the Dream. Spoken Word Artist, have two complete volumes of poetry, and two complete musical Compact Disk, Lyradiction! Featuring the self titled track; and (Prop’s 2 Hip’ Hop).
Mr. West, just a note to let you Know how much high respect I have for you, and the the work youare doing.
And also to bring your attention to a powerful New Book and Two compact disk – entitled: The Mechanics of the Rhyme: History Book / Music Heritage: As a Spoken Word Artist I would like to work with you at some point in time: I listened to your stuff on hidden beach, I was blown away; Your passion for the liberation of “our people and all people” Reminds me of – my Passion. I am writing because I want more people to know about my Books and Music: I am currently in the Studio. I do hope you reply to this message Mr. West, I can complement your musical brilliance in so many ways. “Original Verse From (Props to Hip Hop)” Put my skillz 2 tha test / laid down with Substance/Grit, Style and Finessed / as I blessed the Mic / when I write and Recite – my verse/ I seldom curse…Original Verse (They say the Lagecy of Kemet is like a Sacred Exotic Virgin-Every one lay claim 2 her/ profess fame for Her/ Spit game for Her But’/ Who Does she Belong?) (Children of the World Listen up / if you don’t Apply / Heritage Knowledge / It Won’t Fly / But if you dare Try / You will concur the sky) Mr. West, Below are some Excerpts from my Book: The Mechanics of the Rhyme: Phone me Mr. West, I have no Doubt, that we can reach a broader audience in these most Historic time, We are truly destined for Something Powerful and Compelling. Check Below: Respectfully Asirus Ma’at El Key Two Life Publications
347-848-7085
The Mechanics of the Rhyme
How did Africa get Her Name?
There has been much speculation – as to how Africa got her name. One mythical theory – is that the name was conferred on a Caucasian explorer – as an honor, who had allegedly defeated Hannibal – who Napoleon Bonaparte described as – (quote): “The most audacious African warrior – he has ever seen.” (End of quote) – Hannibal and his Moorish comrades – were instrumental in the Roman Empires demise – and he also coined the phrase – “Beyond the Swiss Alps – lye Italy.” Napoleon Bonaparte was greatly obsessed with the Kemetic, African treasures – Statue / Khufu – the great Sphinx – and subsequently tried to destroy ‘the original facial features’ (Michael Jacksons change – was no accident): of this great monument – and also plundered, and plagiarized Kemet, Egypt’s great legacy. Note: Did you know the great Pyramids and Sphinx, are the only remaining seventh wonders of the world? The rest have been destroyed through earth quakes, and natural disasters. Did you know that these were ancient African cities? Names have a very unique place in history. Pythagoras – was credited with the discovering of geometry. But he didn’t discover geometry, he studied in Kemet / Egypt, for 22 years, to be exact, under Kemetic high priest, and returned to Athens Greece – with this newly learned theory, part of his name was conferred on geometry; The pyi –theory – Pythagorean theorem.
Fact: Africa is the only continent that ever named it self.
Fact: The original name for Africa – is an Egyptian word, Afro – ika – pronounced: Afro – e – ka, which means – beginning. The Romans changed it to Africa.
Fact: Europe didn’t name itself. Europe comes from an African princess by the name of Eu-ro-pa.
Kemet: Land of the Blacks
Egypt: Greek word burnt face
Dr. West, I undestand that you are going to be in Charlotte, NC in two weeks? We want to see you. Exactly when and where. Thanks
{Simulations of Reality}
If I ever fall victim to these streets
My soul will stand as a legend
As long as I breathe on this earth
I’m still perceived as a felon
From ovaries & seeds
Conceived in a blessing
Life’s a long evolution
Forever changing with lessons
Societies of Secrecies they delude the perception
Religions waging wars use their Gods as a weapon
Set free physically, but yet were locked in a cell
In a search for higher knowledge
In a quest for The Grail
& I’m still chasing theories from the winds of Katrina
In the mist of these conspiracies are the faces F.E.M.A.
Every leader for the movement of our people was silenced
Consumed in the bliss of White Americas Violence
Reaganomics waged a war on urban soil with the crack
These simulations of reality fit snugly when your BLACK
10 gun salute to all the soldiers who were slain in IRAQ
In the wake of 9/11 was the GOVERNMENTS trap.
I can’t understand
Why the world’s blood is so frigid
Still divided by race, color, & religion
How the streets could turn a dove into a weakened pigeon
I’m still viewed and ridiculed for my wrong decisions
I’m unforgiven
And my spirit feels out of place
I’ve seen a city on Mars with a structured face
Images of HIS holy grace seed the human race
With HIS DNA encoded in our carnal shapes
Life embraced
In these realms where our souls bleed
Suppression in the quest for the souls needs
Deception is a weapon so our souls grieve
Tightly squeezed & out of tone with its frequencies
Would you believe?
In the Cap of our nations land
The street plans intersect into pentagrams
Where street cams surveil & police
Our freedom decreased
The fallen star shall return with the mark of the beast
Copyright ©2007 Audley Dennis Feemster
audlaya@yahoo.com
Good day to you Dr.West
On the eve of our 2008 presidential election…reflect with me for a moment….
me being an American Negro of African decent, I see it as most befitting and totally (what’s the word I want here: ironic
or iconic?) that the next president of the USA is of African decent! Not of the lost generation of American Negroes whose lineage can only be traced back a couple of generations back to a plantation down south. What I’ve come to realize is that B. Obama is the most complete man I know of , meaning he knows who he is, he knows from which he came. If only my dad would have lived to see this new day coming (RIP 1/20/08) He was 84 yrs old and talked of this day being a possibility all my life.
And for all American Negroes of African decent,I think that on Wednesday, November,5,2008, it will be a new day in America, the trilogy of slavery will have ended and the shackles of bondage will forever have been broken, when the son of an African man is president of the good ole u.s.a….. not a Black man, not a Negro man, not a Colored man…….
an African ……….I feel as though we’ve come full circle.
Free at last…..Free at last…………thank God almighty
Hi Dr. West:
I admire all the great things you are doing and have done and it is greatly appreciated by me as well as others. What our people have to remember is that we all have differences of opinions, come from different backgrounds, different educational levels and different experiences. Let’s disagree to agree but in the end it’s still out of love and respect. Come on family we have to stop this madness and stop being too critical. History is in the making. Dr. West keep being lifted in your progresses and through all the controversies and triumphs. You are loved for your courage, honesty, faithfulness and service to your community. Peace, Blessings and Prosperity.
Dr. West,
Any time I catch you on CSPAN, PBS or on network TV, I stop what I am doing & turn up the volume. You are an incredibly articulate individual, and your delivery is captivating. Thank you for providing an intellectual presence, reference and balance out there amidst the plethora of misinformation, ignorant opinion and stunted/disenfranchised & reactionary reasoning. Your wisdom is a corrective and rectifying force. Carry on!
Regards,
~D
hello dr. west, Please take a look at this website. http://www.justiceforwandaspann.com Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter. ps. anyone that read these letters please take a look at this website, thank you, http://www.justiceforwandaspann.com
Oct, 4, 08
Dr. Cornel West
My name is Emily Ramseur write you about my son and nethew. We life in the west district of North Carolina. They have the two in jail for a something that didn’t do. They is trying to hang both of them. My son got life and my nethew 33 yr and more pending. Please call me at 704-492-8386.
Thank You for your time
Dr. West, I have much love and respect for you and many of our brothers and sisters who are a positive influence to our younger black generation. However, some of that respect started to fade when I watched a videos of you talking negitive about Senator Obama. The video I am refering to is The State of the Black America. Senator Obama, GOD willing, is about to become our first black president of the these United States of America. We have been praying for 45 years for this dream to come true. White America has already stereotyped us as always bringing each other down. We don’t like to see our own succeed. You have a powerful voice in black america, use it to speak to our 8 million black american still not registered to vote. Let them know, part of Dr. Kings dream was for us to have the right to vote. Their ancestors fought for them to be able to vote. Use your powerful voice to help get Senator Obama in the White House, so he can REALLY help black america, instead of giving white america another reason to confirm their stereotype about us.
Thanks – Have a blessed day.
Dr. West,
I want to send you a note to say your comments on the Colbert show this week were timely, accurate and inspirational. I follow your work and watch you on public access and other shows you’re on as a guest. I’m a Special Operations Fire Captain who is a married Father of three. Also as a small business owner, I have firsthand experience on how many are having issues with basic social needs such as healthcare, education, employment and inflation. Many of the social issues you discuss we also discuss in our home. It is important to identify what is best for humanity and not always for profit.
I look forward to reading your book. If you have the opportunity to come to California, I would enjoy meeting you and having a discussion on the vision of society. This seems to be the issue as we look at many issues. If one looks at where we what to be 50-100 years from now, if we put the needs of society first and not profit or greed, then one can overcome.
Thank you once again
Randall W. Jones
Greetings Mr. West,
First let me say, I feel privleged for the opportunity to deeply express how empowered and encouraged I feel whenever I hear you speak or read your words of wisdom. I feel that you are one of the most inspiring, educated, influential beings of our time. I often joke to me friends, saying that you are my father. I say this because if there was one person I could choose to have just one 5 minute conversation with, it would be you. Your teachings make me feel empowered to contribute to the movement. Especially here in New Haven, CT, where so many of our youth are diengaged and disconnected from educational opportunties, and role models, that hope for most of them is lost. I feel it is time to reclaim our heritage and use it as a tool to encourage our future to aspire to be more and to be great. So many negative images have our youth’s minds wrapped into the pursuit of things unnatural and things that will lead them nowhere. I feel inspiration from you and hope that it inspires others too in my age group to become leaders for our youth.
There is more that I could say, but I will keep it short and sweet.
In closing, I will say thank you for being the powerful influential being that you are.
hotep family! i run security at a couple of clubs in the city. id love to develop an effective language course for my peace keepers. any literature advise. oh and by the way, i was the only man in the movies @ 42nd street that lost his mind when i seen you in the matrix. the hood intellect came out while observing you on the panel. i love, respect, and thank you father elder!
I agree with Cassie 100 per cent. This is not 1963, and this election is about the future. Is it possible that you just don’t want to give up your righteous indignation, preferring to hold on to it on the basis of the sins of the past? What would Dr. King have said about Obama’s speech? I think you should ask yourself that. Would he have seized the moment to disparage Obama as you Dr. Malveaux did and do? I thought your comments were mean-spirited and short-sighted, to say the least. It must be hard, when you’ve made an academic career of being outraged and grieved by American history, to sing a different tune. Maybe figuring out what it means to accept responsibility for positive change is something you and Dr. Malveaux just can’t do. How very sad for both of you, and for the people you influence. If people stay home rather than vote for Obama, then you’ll have more reason to be grieved and outraged, and maybe, on some unfortunate level, that’s what you would like. It takes more courage to welcome change than to diss those who are actively bringing it about.
Dr. West,
Terribly disappointed in your reaction to Senator Obama’s speech last night. Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy will stand the test of time, however, this country is in bad shape, and only a living person can take charge now. To insinuate that he was being disrespectful for not mentioning his name a thousand times would have over shadowed his message for change now in the twenty-first century. The sixties have left the building along with the era’s way of thinking.
Wake up… where are you? You have a role and Nominee Obama has a role! You are not called to play the same role or have the same voice. God is using both of you. Stop dogging Obama because you do not agree with the way in which he delivered his speech.
Dr. West must you constantly attack Nominee Obama. I was surprised to see your name in Ebony magazine as a supporter because you really had some negative things to say about him during Mr. Smiley’s summit in 2007. I love you Dr. West but I do not agree with you! Just because you wanted him to talk about Dr. King does not mean he should have. I love what Dr. King’s Dream means to this country. Obama was speaking to all of America, him actually standing there was the manifestation of this dream. We as a community do not need to be divided we need to be unified. Your comments on Tavis Smiley’s show were disappointing. Are You Helping Obama? You have attacked him from day one. Now is not the time to rip him up. What was it that you wanted him to say? We are not all called to be you or to say what you expect. I was pleased with his speech. He needs to win the White House not appease you. If he disappointed you and Dr. Malveaux that is unfortunate but as a sister who constantly tries to live Dr. Kings dream everyday I say wake up! Now is not the time to speak division now is the time to get on board before you miss a move of God. Was God please with this speech might be the question you want to ask
Hello Dr. West, I believe this would be an excellent story because so many times the city is getting away with murder and taking advantage of people!! There is a family of six whose house caught fire. The fire department responded rather quick but with all that was going on and the family so hurt and upset of their home buring, noone realized the actual time it was taking the fire department to start putting water on the home. The unknowing wife and mother tried repeatedly to retrieve her fire report from the fire department. No matter how unsuccessful she was she still tried to get the fire report and finally about 4 months after the fire she was able to get the fire report. Wow, to her surprise, realized the fire department had equipment failure after equipment failure and a negligent fireman who never even uncapped the fire hydrant. She new then she had to pursue putting a claim to the city for negligence. She has put a claim in to the city for negligence and has been trying to find a lawyer to represent them. Wow, she found out their is a 90 day stipulation period to pursue any action toward the city. It’s a shame the city waited just over that 90 day stipulation period to give her the report knowing it would be hard for her to find a lawyer willing to take her case because it’s over the 90 days. SHE needs help their family needs help. Her fire report plainly show that due to the negligence of the fire department and their faulty equipment, is the reason the entire house was a complete loss. The fire department and city new this was their fault and they are giving her a hard time. She did get a letter from the fire chief stating they apologize for not giving the report sooner but they had problems and equipment failure within the office. Please help her. They loss so much that the insurance can’t replace. They deserve compensation for everything. She’s been taken out of work for stress and had to see someone for stress. Please help them.
Dr. West I feel as if we’re, as a country, are corroding to the point where we will all be living it huts and it’s so aggravating to see the two candidates left who in my view are going to cause harm to this country are what the people want.
I would like to say a few things first so you know where I am coming from. It wasn’t Barack Obama’s fault people didn’t have the intelligence to see what Reverend Wright was saying was actually true and it wasn’t his fault people are just that bigoted to think he was a Muslim and If he was to think that was a threat to the U.S. I don’t agree with his economic policies because I am a Libertarian but he gives a speech in front of A.I.P.A.C., a group that has had members arrested for espionage, a pro-war group, and a group that refuses to impeach this president, and a group that is for oppressing the palestinians so what am I supposed to think? Jimmy Carter, who gets a bad wrap unjustly, went to Israel to talk and two thirds of Israelis think we should negotiate with Hamas. I feel that I cannot trust Obama because he seems pro-war, even from his speeches, then proclaims that special interests groups have too much power in the country after and before sucking up to the biggest P.A.C. in the country.
Furthermore, McCain is just nuts. He wants to continue this war which is imperialist, mercantilist, unjust under the just war theory, and illegal under international law.
I am left with only one option which is to support Ron Paul’s ideology even though he is not in the Race. This is the first election where I will be voting and it blows my mind that he was literally the only who brought up books, studies, and research to back up his claims because I do respect and agree with his academic responses. He brought up the history of U.S. Iran relations as Reverend Wright has done, in a way, and it makes perfect sense why they are so hostile to the U.S. and that goes for South American regimes. You can examine how Pinochet came into power of the Sha of Iran but it really doesn’t matter. People don’t hate the U.S. because of our abundance of freedom they hate us because of what we do in the world. In my mind I think the U.S. is its own worst enemy in way and i don’t want to see that.
I also think Dennis Kucinich is an upstanding congressman because he is for impeachment which no one is currently is talking about. If we let this president get away with this unjust actions it will establish precedence for future presidents to do the same.
I was reading the other day about that Chinese man Hiu Lui Ng who was killed after being incarcerated for a year by the department of Homeland security just because of red tape. He was a family man who they let rot in a cell for over a year with a broken spine, lung cancer, and liver cancer. This was reported by Nina Bernstein, but this is what our country has degenerated into. I don’t hate this country, but I hate what it has become. It has become so much more like country it was fighting off in 1776.
I think you are one of the most brilliant minds in our society today and I have saved your appearances on Bill Maher on my You tube profile so I would appreciate your input on the matters that I have brought up because I am at a loss of what to do now. I am merely a 23 year old college student.
Sincerely,
Christopher Thomas
Dr.West, I am a GOD fearing man. I have been save now for two yrs. now the lord has recent gave me a vision to preach the good news (Gospel) to the poor; He has sent me to announce release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind,to send forth and delivered those who are oppressed {Who are downtrodden bruised crushed, and broken down by calamity} Extreme misfortune. Luke ch4v18,19.Jesus is the way out of our misfortune. He has gave GOD fearing men the power to defeat the evil one. thank you for your ear. And be own the look out for GOD SON .peace,love,knowledge,wisdom, understanding.
Dr. West,
I am one of the million single mothers raising a black young man on her own. My son is now 20 years old as of July 30th and has a his brush with the law. It seems that having your court date set and your felony conviction is a rite of passage into manhood for these young men. I am blessed to have a family who helped me raise my son and I truly believe it is this very fact that he did not get pulled into the streets any deeper than he did.
But I must tell you I am feeling frustrated and angry at what is happening to our young men. My son has one brush with the law, carrying a concealed weapon, and he can’t get a job anywhere. He is about 2 years removed from this incident and has turned himself completely around. He mentors other young men in a program here in Ohio, tutors in Spanish in an inner city high school and gets paid for none of it. Yet he can’t get a job at anywhere. What do I tell my son to keep his head up and keep him out of the streets.
He wrote a paper on you when he was in 8th grade and respects you so much. He very rarely will sit and listen to comentary on type shows but he does sit and listen when he catches you on TV “State of Black America” etc.
What do I tell this young man? help me. Maybe you can write Shawyn and that will be enough to keep him going. shawynjones@yahoo.com or myself and I will forward to him, andrea.pannellll@yahoo.com
Thank you and God Bless,
Andrea Pannell
Struggling to keep a black mans head up.
I didn’t realize how fresh this still is for me. Looking at 9/11 is rather painful. I appreciate it, but it still hurts. My best friend Denise walked out of the 2nd towers moments before it collapsed. I thought she was invincible. She graduated from Northwestern with her Masters in journalism at the top of her class at 21. When they wrote nigger on her dorm door she never let it phase her. And by the way, she was a few years older than me and this wasn’t that long ago. Even being 6′2 she had the nerve to wear heels almost every day. I promised I would take care of my 2 godchildren, but it’s hard some times. She lost her battle with breast cancer on Feb. 14, 2008. Every now and then God blesses you with a friend that becomes your family. Thankful for it. But I still miss her.
Dr. West,
I tried to write an e-mail to you about 2 hours ago, honestly you would have gotten a lot out of it… I’m a young blood with a body of work which historically will be seen as at least equal to our partner Kweli… I sent one of my books into Third World Press, they accept submissions this month, and I asked if they accept you be contacted regarding forwarding my manuscript which I believe only the greatest of minds like yours are capable of putting it into proper societal context…
I didn’t send my previous e-mail because it was so heartfelt that honestly if you didn’t respond to such an e-mail which your schedule may or may not allow, my heart be broken…
I’m a 23 year old cat… I can’t expect that you will do something with my work without knowing me, but hopefully Third World Press will be impressed and as I told them “Dr. West forwarding my manuscript would give me one of my ultimate dreams.” I pray it works out, my text is called “The Street Bible”, my pen name is SaMiR Allah… Interesting right?
I’ve written four other books, and am currently working on translating Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart into poetry, I’ve already brilliantly finishing Chapter one[BOOK ONE]…
I’m not gonna ask that you do something with my work, but I ask that you read my soul… As a young blood far ahead of his time I pray you see it as due…
I’ll start off with a poem dedicated to you from my book which is called “Inhuman Bondage of time and thought”…
Humbly of the beloved Black Jesus,
A Palestinian resonance of Muslim respect of loving
the concrete of crucial response to preservere supremely against inferior fears and strengths, without the intercommunal international diligence of Cornel West we are without the mobilization of the embrace of our ancestry, to be critical of our essential journeys in a revelation with an exhibit of thorough African revolution, a leopard like diaspora felt through a tide of a new African constitution upon a land formely known as the United States, this is our true name, our true significance, our inevitable inception of rightful history and divine awknowledgment upon all sinews of the world to embrace our masquilinity, our feminism, our prophetic education of undying resilience upon our contemporary rise to the most traditional vessel of self… Praise be to the legacy we will gain from our universal and inevitably authentic virtue, collectively enriching each wing of working class polarization… INHUMAN BONDAGE OF TIME AND THOUGHT…
Far from my best poem but it’s for you… I’m not sending my best poems, I’m sending acouple of my latest…
Here’s something else you should appreciate…
“As in the old days, for our newest ancient testament, the world awaits a prophet dressed of rags, with eyes burning seemingly deeper than the sun, with a history of pure steel and gold, a teacher of the unspoken mast of the stars, melodic with a hide signifying the most ancient of winds, knowing the beast and it’s root, and moving with an intensity far beyond the dimension of the inferior mystics, that prophet is whom the tiger speaks of with it’s eyes, this prophet each cricket mimocks upon their fields kissed by the naked finger of the night, this prophet reads the scroll of our whispering veins and is aligned with the deepest of complexities… All await the prophet dressed of rags…”
Yeah homie, I’m 23… I have written about 10,000 poems…
Life is hard homie… Nobody wants to help… I’ve written a tribute to Amiri Baraka “Preface to a twenty volume suicide note”, his was one page, and mine 17, and the basis of my work is Huey P. Newton’s theory of revolutionary suicide…
I’ve written the books “The Street Bible”, “Seeds of Nefertiti”, “Street Life”, “Me and Fatema”, “Campfire”, and 6 children’s books… Yeah homie, I’m 23…
I have a history which would inspire you heavily, I’ve delt with people high up in many industries, and gotten much rude rejection… I won’t share my history with you, because if I do I’ll feel like I would really want a response… As this e-mail is I don’t need one…
Wish me luck if you want partner… One day or another we’ll meet at the top… One love…
SaMiR Allah…
Dear Dr. West ,
I enjoyed the track meet we met at years ago. You might remember me as Dwight Crocker’s wife. I found your Black Men Who Mean Business myspace page & would love to break bread with you as a friend. Please stop by my page and enjoy my artwork. Tell Cliff I said hello.
Continue to be a Blessing!
Jayne
Sacramento, CA
Dear Dr West:
It would be amazing if you answer this letter.
I would like to meet you in person.
You are a great inspiration and you express yourself well.
Decided to write because I was made aware you are one of my son’s favorite speaker and writer.
If you would grant us an opportunity to meet you in person it would a honor.
Dr C Peters
Good day Dr. West,
I must say it is a pleasure and honor to be writing you. I truly appreciate your food for thought, mind, and spirit. You bring it like no other…..
I wanted to know if you had any verbal blessings, or powerful references to pieces in your books, that could provide positive sustainment to issues I am currently experiencing. Issues such as staying on the fulfilling yet misunderstood/frustrating/political path in educational administration (middle school ass. principal); finding that impetus to stay in the business truly for the sake of the kids-even though some parents, political “bs”,or continual lack of appreciation seem to make you question from time to time your true value. Also, where might I look to find your upcoming schedule of speaking engagements? And lastly, what does one have to do if interested in having you to speak at a function?
Again, it is a pleasure writing this to you. Peace and blessings. Stay golden. Quincy
Dear Dr. West,
I am in desperate need of the first CD that you did with BMWMB, Street Knowledge. I am assuming that it was taken off the market once you got with Hidden Beach but I am in serious need of it because I used it to teach my after-school group. The 1st track was awesome because I used that as the blue print on teaching the evolution of OUR music. With each segway I would break off with the different genre’s. The 1st year I did it, we actually did a performance with it using my K-2nd grade boys. It was a major hit. A loaned the CD to someone and no one seems to have it. I would say, I’ll just take the one cut, but there was to much meat on the bone to just get a slice.
klp
I’m from Nashville, TN……………
Mr. West , its an honor to have the opp to communicate with you. My whole life I’ve seen things differently than than the masses in which I grew up. I now why that is, GOD has kept his grace upon me through my life and allowed me to see things clearly early in life. My mind and heart are the way they are for no accident. I was born to make a difference. I want to be able to make a difference and help you in this MOVEMENT in any way I can. I Know I am supposed to be in a position to do more, for the world. Because I feel that we can set the tone for the world, so LET ME HELP……..
Lamont
I am a local publisher, but just before the birth of my daughter, I had stop producing my free monthly publication. I’ve been asked to bring it back by so many friends, co-workers, and random people from the community and I’m working hard to do so in October. However, I also need content that would engage our Black American, amongst other, readers, even if it’s not the most current of content. If it’s useful, it’s usable! Basically, we are in need of writers…
Urban Literature Magazine (Everything Hiphop From A Grown-Up’s Perspective) is my way of giving back to my community and I’d like your help if possible. I can send you a few copies if your interested to review!!! ?
jOseph (JAWilkerson3rd@mac.com)
Good Morning Dr West,
My name is David Pearson I’m a 23 year old black male looking to help people, but I’m not sure how I can be effective. I recently decided to join the Air Force, seeking the GI bill so that I can go to school. My sister, a Howard grad, encourages me to get my education mainly for financial reasons. My interest is in computers, but my passion would be community service. I see a lot of the people my age not really doing anything with their lives. Living pay check to pay check, hanging out, going to jail, not doing anything constructive. Although I am not involved in any illegal activity, I feel the same way about myself. I feel that I can be doing much more to help my community.
I recently helped make calls for the Obama campaign. I feel that I could be doing more. I once thought of going into politics myself, but I look at how dirty the political world is, and how it forces a person to conform to the Washington political machine, and I decided not to do that. I know that in order to make an impact, a person must have power. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the only way to obtain power is to obtain wealth. As of today, I have neither power or wealth. I am currently in between jobs. My working experience is all dealing with customer service. My Air Force recruiter has not given me a date that I will go to basic training, but we expect it to be sometime this fall. So for the summer, I am working with a temp agency. On one hand, I feel that I need to work to pay for my apartment and other utilities. On the other hand I feel like I should devote my entire summer to a cause. The problem is I don’t know what cause. I am very familiar with poverty. My father is a minister in NC, when I was in high school we (my father, brother and I) stayed with his deacon and his family (his wife, 3 sons, and a few other guests) in his single-wide trailer. I’d say there were about 9 of us living there at any given time. I used that as inspiration just to get through high school. Even then I knew that I wanted to help others who were situations worse than mine, but I wasn’t sure how.
My question to you is, what can/should I do? What would you recommend that someone in my situation do?
Thank you,
David Pearson ( d.nice.21@hotmail.com)
Dear Dr. West,
I just read your book “Democracy Matters” half-way through, and I’m stunned! My parents were very active in the pro-democracy underground movement in the former eastern Germany, which brought down the wall in 1989. (I know, various historical conditions lead there, but there would not have been a peaceful revolution had there not been a movement behind it.) Your description of the essence of democracy as socratic questioning, prophetic witness and tragicomic hope fits with the stories I heard from my parents and relatives. I found it astounding to be remembered by your book of how I came to live in a democracy – which without any doubts has its failures but still is a big advancement over what my parents lived in for 40 years. Your cultural background and life experience is very different to mine, and so too is your view of the world. And even so I certainly don’t understand every reference and hint in your book (partly because my english is not perfect and partly because I know very little about black Americas history and similar topics) I can draw a direct line from my personal historical background to your vision of true democracy and the struggle of the black people. I would very much like to talk with you about this a lot more – is there a chance you meight come to Germany sometime?
Dear Dr. West:
I am currently reading the Cornel West Reader, it is amazing. Your words are inspiring and true. Your writing has altered the way I think and approach life. I too believe in being Socratic, unsettled and unhoused. I incorporate your philosophical ideals within my own work so as to reach my students at a deeper level. I want them to understand what it really means to be a human being.
Watching you speak is beyond anything I have ever seen. You have heart, soul and love. It is these qualities that make you wonderful public speaker and a brilliant academian. The students of Princeton are lucky to have you!
Have a wonderful summer!
G
Just wanted to let you know you are my idol.
Dr. West,
I am a member of the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated at the University of Kentucky. We would love for you to come and speak during our IMPACT week. IMPACT stands for I Made Progress and Change Today. We are looking to hold this week at the end of September or Early November. If there is anyway you could come to speak it would be greatly appreciated. We can find the funding to host you here at our University. We feel you would leave a great IMPACT on the Lexington Community as well as the Community at the University of Kentucky as well.
Dr. West,
I first heard of you on the show Real Time with Bill Maher, where you stood out due to your views on class-struggle. After that I started reading more about the subject of Liberation Theology and came to the conclusion that it, or rather, the political activity and consciousness which is brought forth by it, should be supported by Marxists.
I heard Reverend Wright saying that he is unashamedly black and unapologetically Christian. I am unashamedly and unapologetically Marxist. If I were black I would have added that I was unashamedly black as well, as I’m sure the Black Panthers would have done to describe themselves.
You clearly are influenced by Marxism, but sadly you do not take those views to their logical conclusion. I read that you are a member of the SPUSA, which is certainly more progressive than the Democratic Party, but the history of the SPUSA and its international tendency must not be forgotten. Was the Second International – the historical tradition of the current SPUSA and its International – not the organization which betrayed the working-class and voted for war credits during World War 1?
This was the “original sin” of Social-Democracy, but it certainly was not limited to that. No, the sins of Social-Democracy have accumulated to such an extent that no Priest, Rabbi or Mullah would forgive them.
You are on the side of the working-class. You acknowledge the existence of class-struggle. You are opposed to oppression and exploitation of all kinds, whether it is that of a slave-owner oppressing and exploiting the slave, or the capitalist oppressing and exploiting the wage-slave.
You are not alone with these views in academia today. Michael Parenti and Howard Zinn come to mind, and I hope that many many more will follow their (and your) example.
FUTURE SHOCK!!!
I SENT THIS YESTERDAY TO A FEW OF MY FRIENDS AND TODAY “THEY”ARE REALLY MESSING WITH MY PC SO I HOPE YOU GET THIS TOO. FROM NOW ON WHEN WE REFER TO THIS, IT WILL BE CALLED “FUTURE SHOCK”…..PLEASE PASS IT ON!!!
WE ARE GOING TO HAVE A DAY WITHOUT BLACKS. WE WILL NOT GO TO WORK, SCHOOL OR BUY ANYTHING EXCEPT FROM OURSELVES. WE WILL GATHER WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO CELEBRATE OURSELVES AND GOD. WE WILL PRAY, PRAISE,, DANCE AND MEDITATE ON GODS INTERVENTION. THIS MUST BE NATIONAL AND IT WILL BE AFTER THE NY SHUTDOWN. WE WILL TURN THIS FROM DIVIDE AND CONQUER TO DIVINE AND CONQUER!. I LUV YOU BROTHER/SISTER, WE NEED YOUR HELP, YOUR INPUT SO WE CAN GET THIS DONE TO SEND A STRONG MESSAGE TO THE NATION. WE ARE THE CHANGE WE ARE LOOKING FOR. LETS STAY IN TOUCH, NETWORK AND GET THIS BLESSED THING DONE.
BLESSINGS!
POWER!!!
I live in Durham, NC and want to hear you in person. Do you have a website of upcoming appearances? Thanks for your time.
Peace,
CDM
Your work in prophetic rhyme and verse is a dream come true for me. I have long hoped that a true griot, one who’s investigation is his /her right to speak, would grace the air waves with healing knowledge. Thanks for your attempts, your failures and your successes. Fair well.
you are invited…
http://www.horsepower08.com/invite
http://www.horsepower08.com
Hello Dr. West
I’m writing this correspondence while at my job….I have been feeling like a slave and I’m planning my freedom..Filled with despair I have turned to you for some uplifting….Plenty of vidoes with you speaking words of encouragement on YouTube and it was exactly what I needed. Thank you Dr. West for the lift and now I will continue my planning of the “Freedom Project” {my own phrase to describe my binds and ties through life and it oppressions whether they are made by others or myself}.
Agape,
La Malta
Hello Dr. West,
Thank you for the great influences you are making in this world and the personal impact you have had on my son.
My son, Nathan Parker, is 29 and has been stricken with
Schizo-affective disorder since the age of 23. Today he is depressed, had a huge weight gain as a side affect to medication
and been in and out of hospitals for the last 4 years.
Five years ago my son saw you on PBS and was so impressed
that he purchased your book, “The Cornel Reader”.
(Since the age of three he aspired to win a Nobel Peace Prize, or as he called it a Nobel Suprise.)
The depression he is in now, partly medication induced, has kept him from pursuing his dreams. Could you please,write him a short letter encouraging him to dream big? His respect for you and
others that give so much to the world could be the tipping point
for his future. He loves people, peace, wildlife and knowledge
but his expression has been dampened by illness and medication.
Here is a poem he wrote in 2000 called “Peace”:
“I am the millionth ripple on the outskirts of an otherwise still forest pool.
I am the lifelight of the star and the curiosity of the wandering soul.
I am symmetry and imagination at once. I am a fire dancing in and out of your perception. Sometimes you can see me, but I always leave you with a trace of a cool stark reality.
I am a complete and magnificent beam of truth, a light to behold at the beginning and end.
I am air, the trees and hammock in the clouds.
I am what you need.”
His artwork is award winning, he’s very well read and has talents
yet to be seen. Thank you for your time and timeless contributions to our lives.
Sheila Parker
Reno, NV 89523
Dr. West
Just writing to thank you for continuing to be an inspiration. We just launched our site blackmanthinking.net to challenge folks to think again. Everything is not what it seems.
At the same time we are challenging (imploring even) Black folk to be the beautiful, brilliant, creative and forward thinking people that God made us.
Check us out at blackmanthinking.net. See you in the mix.
Thomas Owens
blackmanthinking.net
Dr. West
I just want to say what an honor it is to have such an influential black man like yourself reaching out to young African Americans. I want to thank you for all of your books because you make it easier for me to go to college everyday. You have opened my eyes and allowed me to see exactly what my purpose in life is. There is no greater joy in this world than be able to wake up proud of what I look like and who I am. I want you to know that your words reach many and what you say impacts the lives of many. I wrote a paper for my Creative Writing class about how you are able to break the barrier between the generations in the black community and speak to the youth in a way that they can understand and it was a A paper. I learned so much from you while doing my research and you are so right that African American males need more positive role models like mos def and common. They are lost in this world. I as an African American woman, I feel the pain more than anyone of not having enough strong black men to go around. I think that with more men like you changes will soon come. Thank You.
I was only three years old when you wrote your book about black intellectualism, and I am now an 18 year-old man seeking to enter Harvard University. I feel like a long-shot because although I am qualified in some respects, my resume does not compare with the steady-stream of other prospects who come from similar “Prep” schools and who happen to be more affluent. Dr. West’s ability to be accepted on scholarship to such a prestigious college was part of my reason for attempting the same.
I find that black intellectualism isn’t bougeoisie or sophisticated, but a form of realism in its purest form. If we are to get anywhere with ourselves we must grasp knowledge, one of the only truly free things in this world. Both of my parents are from the south and partially illiterate, but that did not stop me from learning at an early age. Dr. West pointed out that once you become an intellectual you place yourself inside of a minority that is looked upon with caution by their own race and other races.
Though I am not as eloquent as he is, without a doubt, it pays to not always be in the mainstream.
Dear Mr. West,
I write to you today with a tentative but burgeoning sense of hope about the nation we live in and I hope you would allow me the honor of sharing my thoughts with you.
I am a white male. I have spent the greater part of my adult life trying to understand my role in this society which has been and is defined in large part due to the apathy or fear of the white male supremacist which I know I am a part of whether I choose to be or not. I have been an activist, a mentor and an idealist in terms of envisioning what this country could become. In short I had hope. Then on 9/11/2001 my hope was knocked from me like a kick in the stomach. In what could have been the most extraordinary moment of international reconciliation in the history of the world, I watched helplessly as the opportunity was taken not towards peace and empathy but towards hate and retaliation and vengance. The great and terrible motivator fear reared its ugly head and was forced into every orifice of this nation until we all became sheep. There were dissenters like myself who begged for peace but we were in the background. The only person who was in the foreground who spoke up was the most courageous and beautiful Barbara Lee. But her small voice was drowned out in fear’s overwhelmingly loud and powerful chorus. For the next four years I fought and marched and sang and wrote. And for the next four years I watched this nation as it devolved further and further away from what it could be into what it is and with every step of that devolution my hope left me further. Finally, I gave up. I was no longer the activist or the idealist. I was the cynic. I was the very person who as Voltaire said should focus on “cultivating his own garden” and so I did. With no one to look to or look up to it seemed the best and most logical decision.
In a conversation with the indelible hero for all persons Ms. Toni Morrison in 2004, you mentioned how in your travels you were confounded in that you felt as if this country lacked great leaders although it was not lacking in great intellectuals. I too, and I think many of the people of my age, have been disappointed if not completely disenfranchised from American politics for that exact reason. And then, as if answering to the pleas of the unheard, out of the dark stepped an unknown Senator from Illinois. For the first time since 9/11, I feel as if I have breathed the air of hope for the first time. Barack Obama has inspired me. Although his ideas and policies are not as radical as mine, I would not expect anyone’s to be, he represents American anew. His message of hope resounds with all people of all ages, races and genders. The young, the old, the weak and strong have like myself been awaken by this heartbeat, not drumbeat, but the heartbeat of hope that he brings. So why write you? I write you because through the years, from the time I first read Race Matters to when I saw you speak in the mid 90’s, to watching you and your work, you have been the voice I come back to time and time again to inspire me and move me to do the most important work of self understanding and realization that one must do to go beyond one’s self and evolve. Your voice and your passion and your hope in life, albeit from a sad sole as you have said, echoes endlessly in my heart. As I watch now what is happening with the campaign, and as I see the ugly head of white supremacy raise itself once more and try to make an issue out of the non-issue of Mr. Obama’s former pastor, I truly hope that you stay at the forefront of the conversations that come from this and make your most valued voice heard. For I truly believe that you above many others have the ability to dissect what is happening and replace the rubbish with reason.
The issue of race seems to be like a spring tide in this country that is not part of the normal ebbs and flows of the major issues that are confronted and discussed daily. It is for the most part forgotten, I’m sure to the relief of a majority of my white brothers. And then Rodney King and Pastor Wright come crashing on the sands and remind us that in fact “race (still) matters” and it always has and always will in this country. The fact that is not dealt with 364 days of the year is no excuse for the argument that the 365th day should not be one of intense introspection and dialogue be it a day or a week or a month or a year. Barack Obama was a candidate that happened to be black and now because of this episode for lack of a better metaphor, is now seen more as a black candidate. What moves me is that we who support and are motivated by the Senator do not see that as a negative factor or even a factor at all, and it has not, as the polls show, in any way eroded his support. I celebrate the fact that race is once again an issue. In my meager opinion it should always be an issue in a country that was born out of racism and in many ways still exists in a perpetual state of comfortable denial about the issue.
One last comment and again I truly appreciate your patience. Although I am not a man of religion, I pray in my own way that the Senator prevails. Because if he does not, what does that say about this country? That we have given up? That we are comfortable living in fear as sheep? That the status quo no matter how vile is better than the hard work of resolution? If this is the case then were is there room for hope?
On a lighter note, if elected, if Mr. Obama does not appoint you to his cabinet I will be highly disappointed, not that you would accept such a post!
I thank you for your time. I am forever your pupil.
With the deepest respect and admiration.
Robert Karp
Baltimore, MD
Dr. West, you are such an inspiration to all people. You exemplify humanity, love, justice and equality. I reside in Atlanta, GA and I was wondering if you will be back in Atlanta, GA in 2008, and if so where will you be speaking.
Thank You Danielle.
Dr West,
I am the president of an organization called A Few Good Men. We have developed a $5,000.00 scholarship for our home town civil right leader from the past, Robert F. Williams.
I am going to make a bold request because you seem to be very down to earth and not like many celebrities. If you are in the Charlotte, NC area in 2008, will you make a personal apperance in Monroe, NC . Our little town of Monroe is twenty miles south of Charlotte. Each year, it is a challenge to raise the money for the scholarsip and I know if you come, it would be an historical event .My # is 704-882-5651
Brother Cornell, I was having a discussion with a friend yesterday. The subject of the discussion was whether blacks who are dispaired not only by their enviroments but by their ignorance and stubborness can be helped. The specific term used was the n-word. My friend cited his experiences with them and how his attempts did not work, and that they are beyond help. My objective is the opposite, my friend and I are both black males from urban environments. My question to you is not can we but how do we reach out and bring home the brothers that are so far gone that it seems their minds are in a black hole? In essence my question is not about race, it is about the the reframing of the ignorant and stubborn mind be they white or black.How does a young man like myself adress these problems? And also, I mean no offense, yet I don’t feel there is enough inclusion of the younger generations when it comes to discussions and solutions for the black community. Thank you for your time.
Hello Dr. West can’t wait to meet you Love your books and I just Love your style.
Dr West –
What do you think of Senator Obama’s speech on racism last evening? Do you feel the media made a whirl wind over Rev Jeremiah Wright’s comments?
Are you encouraged or discouraged by Obama’s plans for America? Have you endorsed, or have plans to, endorse Barack Obama for president?
Good MorningDr. West. My name is Chandra and I have recently moved to Atlanta, GA. I have a friend who attended your speech at Morehouse University and he was deeply moved by your speech. The message you delivered had a life-changing impact on him. Thank You for speaking not only to our people, but also for reaching out to our young people. I am a part of the youer generation and we need more role models like you. It is hard at times growing up in the society we live in and it’s an inspiraion to be able to look up to a well-eduacated activist, but one which whom we can relate to in race. I hope you come back to Atlanta soo. I am really looking forward to hearing one of your speeches! God Bless You and your family Dr. West. I thank the Lord everyday for people like yourself. Sincerely,
Chandra LaStrappe
Prof. West,
How is your book on Anton Chekhov and John Coltrane coming along? I’ve been waiting for it for years. Then again I’ve been waiting much longer for your book on Hume.
I hope you’ll forgive me such a question. If you think I’m trying to make a point, you’re right. Before I get to that point, however, let me say this. It’s had to overstate the influence on my decision to become an intellectual. I’ve listened to many of your speeches online, have most of your books and of all the people in the world you’re the person I would most want to sit down and have a private conversation with.
But I think the direction your career has taken has me concerned. It’s not just that with all you’re speaking engagements it’s hard to find the time to write. It’s that you’ve become the center of attention in ways that I bet you would not have expected even in 1996, when you were already well known. This makes me uncomfortable as an intellectual, and it should make you too. Public adulation — even from a oppressed part of the public — is, I think, something we ought to be suspicious of. You yourself intimated as much back in the mid-1990s.
A third point. While I appreciate the idea of a “danceable education,” I don’t think your recordings are reaching the intended audience: the people who would listen to this are not the people in need of what you’re teaching. You must know this. I therefore wonder what makes you keep recording these albums.
There is much else I could say but I’ll end there. If I am ever at Princeton for whatever reason I’ll drop in.
Dr. West
Thank you so much for coming to speak to us at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. As always I love to hear you speak, but it was a special treat for me to listen to you in person. You are a brilliant orator and a true genius. I always feel energized and inspired as a result of listening to your messages. You are one of my greatest role models and a huge inspiration in my life. Witnessing your individual success as well as your desire to educate others inspires me to reach out and do the same. As black people we have a responsibility to not just look out for self but to look out for our collective community as well. Thank you so much for being the intelligent, inspirational, proud, unapologetic and beautiful black man that you are, and for shedding light on the truth that so many of us desperately need to hear. Keep up the good work and know that you are inspiring young people all over the country like myself. God bless you.
Vanessa Sharp
Hello Dr. West…hope March finds you well and blessed…Just wanted to say hello and tell you that all the kids at Dunn say hello, esp Kyle(short brown haired student) who is reading up a storm, but still running the halls (smile)…Hope you may be able to make it to lunch with Mary Ann and I on the 24th. Take care and keep on keeping on…My prayers are always with the both of you guys..ps Mary Ann..they went with another VP candidate (even though I got almost a perfect score–), but you know me..I dont give up…God’s speed and blessings to you both…love Robin Strand
Dr. West,
Thank you for joining us at the LA County DMH African American Mental Health Conference this past week. As always, you were inspirational and thought provoking. I first had the pleasure of seeing you live at Schoenberg Hall at UCLA sometime around 1993. The next time, I didn’t actually get to hear you speak, but I saw something that was a testament to who you are. I volunteer with the Unitarian Universalist Association (and as a Black man, you can imagine that this is sometimes not so easy). I was attending meetings in and around Boston on two separate weekends around 1999, and was put up on Beacon Hill for the week instead of returning to California. I took many walking tours, one which led me past Princeton on a weekday evening around 9 pm. There was a dormitory commons area visible from the street, and a group of co-eds in pajamas all gathered around someone for what appeared to be a dynamic and intimate conversation. A few steps further, and I saw you talking with that group. To know that you are that engaged with students and are willing to give your time at such an hour was inspirational, and from what I do know about you, you would have it no other way.
Thank you for continuing to share your gifts,
James Coomes
It was a great experience to finally hear you speak in person at the State of The Black Union in New Orleans. I am a 23 year old male, recent college grad, and proud New Orleans native. Your lectures and books have had a huge impact on my young life.
hello, I’m from Tulsa, Oklahoma and you spoke at the 2003 awards cermony for Black Enterprise in Tn. and I won the Business innovator of the year award, and we brieftly meet and spoke and took pictures.
You were so proud that i won and that i was from Oklahoma and i have since went on to win many awards including 2007 Small business Person of the Year for the State of Oklahoma. First, African American woman to every win that award and i just finished a book. I would love to hear you speak live. I’ve not been able to find locations of where your speaking and i was hoping that i could get a list of your speaking that i might attend. and Personally, tell you thank you.
Colleen Payne-Nabors