Philosopher, political activist, author, and public intellectual Cornel West concluded a series of month-long events for Black Heritage Month At Long Beach City College with a webinar.
During the webinar, West discussed what his Black heritage meant to him, the people who have motivated him, and the tough circumstances Black people had to endure.
“We the quick, we the living, we the breathing must never forget those who came before who sacrificed so much for us. We are who we are because someone loved us.” West said.
West discussed how although Black individuals have dealt with hatred for over 400 years, every generation has produced individuals who have contributed in many ways to Black heritage.
He cites abolitionist Harriet Tubman as a warrior because of how she “went back into the belly of the beast” to rescue enslaved African Americans and bring them to the north.
As well as Frederick Douglass, who was one of the finest orators of his day despite the fact he never went to college.
He believes that one of the lessons of Black history is that you don’t respond to trauma by being a wounded hunter, but rather by being a wounded healer.
West considers his parents Clifton L. West and Irene B. West, as well as his brother Clifton West to have made a major influence and impact on his life’s choices.
He emphasizes how it is impossible for him to consider anyone outside of his family to be a major influence.
West also feels he will never be the human his brother or parents are, but considers himself lucky to be more visible and to be able to share some wisdom.
“The ways in which no one of us is self made, not one of us gave birth to ourselves, our loved ones were already there to help shape us which is what makes it hard for me to look outside the family,” West said.
West advises young activists to always think about exactly what their calling is before thinking about how to act on it.
According to him, a calling happens when someone has been touched in such a way that they’re willing to move in any direction necessary, not just in the name of popularity. A calling is not about popularity, but about integrity.
Jerome Hunt, host of the zoom concluded the event by thanking Cornel West for
closing out Black Heritage Month with the webinar.
“Thank you very much, Dr. West for honoring the late Bell Hooks and sharing your profile,wisdom, and experiences with our students,” Hunt said.