Inspired by the popular speech given by Barack Obama in March 2008, Betsy Morgan, dean of the college of arts and sciences, thought that it would be a wonderful idea to invite Dr. Cornel West for the dialogue.
Dr. West is an outspoken leader and activist against racial injustice and politics that affect the new generation of young adults. He has spoken to many schools such as Harvard and Yale about democracy and the rights of fellow Americans. A graduate of Harvard who earned his Ph.D. at Princeton, West has spread knowledge and wisdom to everyone he has encountered.
Political science professor Rosemary Cowan knows Dr. West personally and wrote a book about him entitled, Cornel West: Politics of Redemption.
“I sent an email to Dr. West asking him if he could participate in a discussion on Rosemary’s behalf, and he agreed,” Morgan said.
The 90-minute dialogue will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9, and will be held at Palmer Seminary in Laws Chapel.
“Palmer is the Main Line campus between St. Davids and Philadelphia, so we therefore wanted to have it where everyone will be able get to it,” Morgan said.
The chapel will hold 400 people, including representatives from different Eastern campuses such as Eastern in the City, Palmer Seminary and College of the Arts and Sciences. Pastors from the local area are encouraged to participate in the dialogue, but Dr. West will lead the discussion.
“President of Palmer Seminary Wallace Smith will introduce Dr. West, and from there he will answer questions already prescreened and approved,” said Vice President of Student Development Bettie Ann Brigham. “We are inviting [Philadelphia] Mayor Michael Nutter as well.”
An email was sent out to students announcing the event and stating that the first to reply would receive tickets. Those not receiving tickets will be placed on a waiting list.