Dr. Cornel West lecture

Renowned author, activist and philosopher Cornel West, P.hD. will be speaking at Humboldt State University as part of the campus’ Black Liberation Month events on Feb. 8 in the John Van Duzer Theatre at 8 p.m.

A graduate of both Harvard and Princeton, West has been a public intellectual figure discussing Black and African American relations in the United States from a political, social and economic standpoint.

West was invited to be a keynote speaker thanks to a collaboration from the African American Center for Academic Excellence (AACAE) to speak about topics from his 1993 book ‘Race Matters.’ The book, a collection of essays focusing on a range of topics from the Rodney King riots in Los Angeles, leadership amongst Black communities and civil rights leader Malcom X.

AACAE Coordinator Douglas Smith said that the opportunity presented by West’s presentation was something that would be enlightening to all students.

“Dr. West speaks to these issues and makes connections that cut through the noise of some of the discourse that takes place in our society and in the world,” said Smith.

“It’s important to me personally, because it is a really important perspective for students to have access to,” Smith said. “He is a leading figure on these topics. There is a lot of misinformation that exists in our society these days. His voice, and the way he makes connections between our day to day actions as individuals and society, ties us all together.”Free copies of ‘Race Matters’ will be handed out to the first 100 people in attendance of the event, which has already sold out. Additional copies, and other works by West, can be bought at Northtown Books, located at 957 H St. in Arcata.