Brother West
Stars: 4/5
‘Brother West’ is a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of America’s preeminent public intellectuals.
The memoir is a music-inspired journey, scripted with references to songs and lyrics throughout; unveiling not only Cornel West’s unyielding passion for music but also providing the reader with cultural milestones.
We learn that, at a young age, Little Ronnie [West’s middile name is Ronald] was a rebel…… but he was a rebel with a cause. He would bully the biggest boy in his class - who had lunch to spare - in order to give to the less fortunate classmate whose mother forgot to pack a lunch. His epiphany occurred when his parents, in an attempt to de-gangsterize Little Ronnie, placed him in a school for gifted students. It is probably no surprise that he became a voracious reader (and still is) and wanted to learn as much as possible.
We also discover that “Corn”, as close family and friends call him, has an unwavering faith in God; born out of the deepest of Christian family traditions. His grandfather is a Baptist minister, his brother is a deacon, and there is a generous outpouring of love and respect for everyone in the West family. Cornel’s respect and admiration for his older brother, Cliffton West, is on display on a number of occasions throughout the book. Although his relationships with women were not as successful as he would like them to be, the sincere love for the women in his life is clear and it is even more apparent for his children.
In ‘Brother West’, Cornel West shares with us his steadfast convictions, candid opinions and precious memories - a testimony to living his life ‘out loud’.
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