Cornel West To Discuss Race Matters

February 15, 2008

ELLENSBURG, Wash.--Noted philosopher, author and professor of religion at Princeton University Dr. Cornel West will present "Does Race Still Matter?" at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2008, in the Central Washington University Student Union Ballroom. Part of the Symposium without Boundaries series, the event is free to the public. Tickets are limited to two per person and are available at the Student Union Box Office or by calling 509-963-1301. Following the presentation, at approximately 8:30 p.m., West will be available for a book signing at Gallery One, located at 408 N. Pearl in downtown Ellensburg.

West has authored numerous groundbreaking books that have changed the course of discussion on race, justice and democracy. His best-selling "Race Matters," a collection of essays analyzing racism in American democracy, sold more than a half a million copies and has become a modern day classic. In his book, "Democracy Matters," West analyzes the arrested development of democracy both in America and in the crisis-ridden Middle East. West has won numerous awards including the American Book Award and has published 16 other books and edited 13 texts.

In "The Cornel West Reader," West asserts that he's "determined to explore the intellectual sources and existential resources that feed our courage to be, courage to love, and courage to fight for democracy."

Dr. Bobby Cummings, co-director of Central's Center for the Dream and the newly proposed Africana and Black Studies program at CWU, finds inspiration in West's call to intellectual duty. "Following Dr. West's philosophy, the Central Washington University Center for the Dream invites students to engage in these actions and habits of mind in an intellectual, cultural and physical space where faculty from across the disciplines, students from diverse backgrounds, and professionals from Student Affairs come together to form a synergic hub for the study and advancement of knowledge about Black America, Africa and the Black Diaspora," Cummings said.

Continually exploring new ways to engage the American public, West has appeared in "The Matrix" sequels as an elder of Zion and served as the philosophical foundation for the films. West has also put his lyrics to music and recorded some albums. The recordings highlight his belief that growing divisions in society foster the despair and distrust that undermines the democratic process.

"Professor West is not only one of our nation's most prominent public intellectuals, but is also a mesmerizing speaker and a dynamic thinker," said Djordje Popovic, CWU Diversity Education Center program coordinator. "We are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber lead such a timely conversation about the role of race in our democracy."

Priority seating for ticket holders will be honored until 6:40 p.m. the night of the lecture, followed by open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. The Student Union Box Office is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

West's visit is sponsored by The Symposium Group at CWU. For more information or to make arrangements for disability accommodations, please call the Diversity Education Center at 509-963-1687 or (for hearing impaired) TDD 509-963-2143.

Contact:
Djordje Popovic, CWU Diversity Education Center, 509-963-1687, popovicd@cwu.edu
Teri Olin, CWU Public Relations & Marketing, olint@cwu.edu, 509-963-1416

Central Washington University is a master's degree-granting institution with approximately 10,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff. More than 160 undergraduate and master's degrees are offered. Founded in 1891, the Ellensburg campus is located in the heart of Washington State, nestled between the Cascade Mountains and the Columbia River. Since 1975, CWU has served the needs of place bound students at six university centers throughout the state. CWU is an AA/EEO Title IX Institution.