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Southern Illinois University Carbondale has invited Cornel West to meet and speak with students, faculty and guests for free at the Shryock Auditorium on Thursday, April 17. Student Programming Council Lectures Committee helped bring in West to share his knowledge on political problem-solving In an modern era.

His latest project features the past 50 years on the civil rights movement. Build a better understanding of his unique perspective on social activism. He may touch on the current state of the Obama administration and show new light on dark corners of the political underbelly.

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Background history

West earned two bachelor’s degrees from Harvard in three years, magna cum laude. Martin Kilson, one of his professors there, describes West as “the most intellectually aggressive and highly cerebral student I have taught.” After earning his Ph.D. at Princeton, he became a professor of religion and director of the Afro-American Studies program there. West has also taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale, Harvard, and the University of Paris.

He also has produced 3 albums his latest CD, Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations is a collection of socially conscience music featuring collaborations with Prince, Outkast, Jill Scott, Talib Kweli and KRS-ONE. West also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI.

West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy and has served as its official spokesperson, as well as playing a recurring role in the final two films.