Book Review: The Future Of The Race

The Future Of The Race

Stars: 5/5

I recommend that if you are planning to read, or have recently read, W.E.B. Du Bois's 1903 essay `The Talented Tenth', that you also follow through and read `The Future Of The Race'. I, myself, landed on this book after reading The Talented Tenth (Illustrated). `The Future Of The Race', published in 1996, is a collection of essays by two of the foremost leading black public intellectuals: Henry Louis Gates, Jr. and Cornel West. The compositions by Gates and West specifically address W.E.B. Du Bois and `The Talented Tenth' and offer a more contemporary perspective on Du Bois's call for Black intelligentsia to be the leaders of the race. Dr. West would probably state that his critique of Du Bois at the turn of the 20th Century is out of respect, admiration and love; however, he does not hesitate in underscoring the areas where Du Bois is lacking:

"The grand example of Du Bois remains problematic principally owing to his inadequate interpretation of the human condition and his inability to immerse himself fully in the rich cultural currents of black everyday life." (p. 55)

In the essay, `The Parable of the Talents', Gates interjects his own collegiate life experiences to provide the framework to the notion that so much diversity (socioeconomic, cultural, class, etc...) exists within African-American community that just the intelligent tenth of same group would find it difficult to satisfy Du Bois's request to `save the Negro race':

"As economic differences increase, the need to maintain the appearance of cultural and ideological conformity also increases. But it is these fake masks of conformity that disguise how very vast black class differentials really are. And no amount of kinte cloth or Kwanzaa celebrations will change this." (p. 37).

For convenience and reference, both 'The Talented Tenth' and Du Bois's own critique some 45 years later, `The Talented Tenth Memorial Address', is located in the book's appendix. A great all-in-one book for readers.


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Book Review: Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir

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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Book Review: Democracy Matters

"Democracy is more a verb than a noun" (pg. 68)

Stars: 4/5

Dr. West, once again, wants you to think critically about the societal ills of today and how we, as a populace, can arm ourselves with the necessary knowledge to rectify the situation. In Democracy Matters, he describes three prevailing trends in today's world that threaten democracy: free market fundamentalism, aggressive militarism and escalating authoritarianism. Upon further reading, you will be hard-put in countering his rational for these trends.

Dr. West contends that the "..insidious growth..." of nihilism has been "... suffocating the democratic energies of America" and offers three compelling antidotes to restore that deep democratic energy: Socratic questioning, Prophetic witness and Tragicomic hope. You will find these themes run throughout the text including chapters on Christian identity in America and engaging America's youth.

Dr. West suggests that in the tradition of Emerson, Baldwin, Melville and Morrison, visionaries who possessed democratic acuity, we re-energize ourselves, move collectively against the antidemocratic dogmas, question motives of the corporate elite, and not acquiescence in the face of the status quo.

I believe Democracy Matters is worthy of at least four stars despite the fact that, in the chapter regarding the engagement of America's youth, Dr West digresses by reviewing the ordeal that transpired between himself and Harvard president, Larry Summers. All in all, Dr. West's discourse on democracy is relevant, insightful and thought-provoking.

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Book Review: Hope on a Tightrope

The Cornel West Reference

Stars: 4/5

Before I state what Hope On A Tightrope: Words and Wisdom by Dr. Cornel West is, let me begin by stating what it is not. Although this book has 12 chapters, titles ranging from Courage, Philosophy, Family to Music, Freedom and Wisdom, to name a few, this is not a book in the traditional sense; certainly not like Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism or Race Matters. It reads, as the subtitle alludes, as though one is reading excerpts from Dr. West's speeches. Having seen and heard Dr. West on a number of occasions, I recognize the many Westian core concepts included in this book and it may seem all too familiar to you as well.

That said, Dr. West is still an educator and a leading authority on faith, freedom and justice, particularly as it relates to the African-American community. His insights are, as usual, critical, coherent and profound. Anyone who has not had the opportunity to partake in any his words of wisdom would find this book enlightening.

A couple of final thoughts: This book was released on Nov. 1st, 2008 and in it there are references to Barack Obama as a candidate for President of the United States. I believe better timing of the book's release (delaying to a later date) and having Dr. West speaking from the view point of Barack Obama winning the general election would have been worthwhile. Secondly, the companion CD which contains an interview facilitated by Tavis Smiley along with couple of musical selections from Dr. West's ventures in spoken word, seems by itself worthy of the book's retail price. The fact that the CD is included with the book is a bonus.

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N.B.A.F. 2008 - Atlanta, GA.

I was fortunate enough (again!) to attend two events this evening as a part of the opening weekend of The National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, GA.

Creatively Speaking: Dr. Cornel West & Wynton Marsalis with Carrie Mae Weems moderated by Ms. Baraka Sele.


Baraka Sele, Wynton Marsalis, Cornel West, Carrie Mae Weems

Truly inspiring and memorable - I was sitting literally two rows behind Dr. West before he took the stage. The philosophical debate between Dr. West and Wynton Marsalis was most memorable: Wynton's belief that what has transpired thus far: abolition of slavery, civil rights, first legitimate African-American Presidental candidate, etc... could not have occurred without the aid and support of White America, that there is no 'We' vs. 'Them', it's just one Nation & that's why he loves America juxtaposed against Dr. West claim that, as a Christian, his love of humanity supercedes his love of nation. My recollection here probably does more harm than good, but rest assured it was classic Dr. West.

The Voice of Alice Walker


Alice Walker, Pearl Cleage

The parade of venerators paying tribute to Alice Walker by reading selections from her work was something very special indeed. By the time Ms. Walker spoke and read from her own work, Possessing the Secret of Joy, there was no time remaining in the schedule to include: "A Conversation between Alice Walker and Pearl Cleage." After what I just experienced, I wasn't going to complain.

For more information about the National Black Arts Festival, Atlanta, GA visit: www.nbaf.org

Tavis S. & Cornel W. on the Today show

Reaction to Don Imus, a syndicated radio talk show host, and the racially insensitive comments he made about the Rutgers Women's Basketball Team.
Video: Tavis S. & Cornel W. on the Today show