“The Evolution of Street Knowledge: Hip Hop’s Influence on Law and Culture”
Part of the WVU College of Law Sports and Entertainment Law Society’s Symposium on The Evolution of Street Knowledge
Cornel West – praised by The New York Times for his “ferocious moral vision” – has been a champion for racial justice since childhood.
Currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his best-selling book, “Race Matters,” an analysis of racism in American democracy. “Race Matters” has become a contemporary classic, selling more than a half a million copies to date.
West earned two bachelor’s degrees from Harvard in three years. After receiving a doctorate from 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.
In addition to publishing about 20 books, he has produced three albums. His latest CD, “Never Forget: A Journey of Revelations,” is a collection of socially conscious music featuring collaborations with Prince, Outkast and others. West also offers commentary weekly on “The Tavis Smiley Show” from PRI.
West was an influential force in developing the story line 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.