FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, September 18, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Los Angeles, California] – As part of the "Lead with Love" initiative, the Cornel West presidential campaign is honored to announce a collaboration with Pastor Cue, leader of The Row LA "The Church Without Walls," and Erik Hardeman, founder of Public Statement Apparel (PSA). Together, they will provide donated clothing to members of the houseless community in Los Angeles through Pastor Cue's impactful ministry.

Pastor Cue, a long-standing advocate for justice and compassion, addressed the deeper issues underlying the homelessness crisis:
"Since our houseless problem is due to housing unaffordability and housing unavailability, we could have solved our homelessness problem a long time ago. It's not that we cannot solve the problem; it's that we refuse to solve it. If you change the problem of 'homelessness' and replace it with 'war' in Ukraine or Israel, we would've written a check with bipartisan support a long time ago, even if it cost trillions."

Public Statement Apparel, a small business led by Erik Hardeman in Los Angeles, will produce the clothing line. Hardeman shared the PSA mission:
“At PSA, our mission goes beyond creating clothing. We are committed to fostering community involvement, empowerment, and continual improvement. Through collaborations with independent artists and organizations, we amplify voices and support meaningful causes, making a positive impact one pop-up at a time. From design to production, every piece of PSA merchandise is crafted in-house with passion and purpose. Our aim? To share knowledge, ignite empowerment, and drive forward progressive action in the fight against systemic injustices faced by people of color worldwide. This isn’t just a moment—it’s a movement fueled by awareness and action. And you can be a part of it. By supporting small businesses like ours, wearing your statement proudly, and standing up for what you believe in, you're joining us on the journey toward change. Together, we can make a difference, one statement at a time.”

Dr. Cornel West emphasized the importance of this collaboration:
"This is about love made manifest in real ways. Pastor Cue and Erik are living examples of what it means to love thy neighbor, especially those who have been neglected by society. We’re not just providing clothes—we’re sending a message of dignity, care, and solidarity."

The "Lead with Love" initiative is a key part of the campaign’s broader commitment to truth, justice, and love, focusing on uplifting marginalized communities. The clothing will be produced and distributed directly to those in need, offering tangible support and building deeper community connections. The West/Abdullah 2024 campaign store is now available at https://www.CornelWest2024.com/shop.

About Dr. Cornel West

Dr. West, affectionately known to many as Brother West, is the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary.

Dr. West is the former University Professor at Harvard University, Professor Emeritus at Princeton University and the first Black person to receive a Ph.D. In Philosophy from Princeton University. He has written 20 books and he is best known for his classics, Race Matters and Democracy Matters, and for his memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud. He delivered the historic Gifford lectures at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in Spring 2024.

Dr. West enters the 2024 Presidential contest at a time in which he describes a national crisis of moral bankruptcy and spiritual obscenity driven by a derelict duopoly of both major parties that equally places profits over people and the planet. West asserts that running as an Independent candidate affords him the opportunity and duty to deliver policy prescriptions incorporated by and for the people, instead of political parties beholden to corporations and special interest groups who feel no solidarity with poor and working-class people of all races, gender identities, and age groups.

The Cornel West Campaign to empower poor and working people everywhere stands at a pivotal moment in history, committed to being a true campaign for people around the globe. Our aim is and will always be to unite in solidarity with movements of truth and justice, who seek a choice beyond empire, white supremacy, capitalism, patriarchy, and the confines of the corporate-dominated two-party system.

About Dr. Melina Abdullah

Melina Abdullah is Professor of Pan-African Studies at Cal State LA’s College of Ethnic Studies, Co-Founder of Black Lives Matter - Los Ángeles and Black Lives Matter Grassroots, where she is also Director. She is a leader in the California Faculty Association (the faculty union), both locally and statewide, and mama of three. Dr. Abdullah earned her Ph.D. from University of Southern California in Political Science and her B.A. from Howard University in African American Studies. Abdullah has authored numerous articles and book chapters. Known by the moniker, Doc Melly Mel, she is creator, host, and producer of the radio programs Move the Crowd on KPFK 90.7 FM and This Is Not a Drill! on KBLA Talk 1580, and is a recognized expert on race, gender, class, and social movements. In April 2024, Abdullah was announced as vice-presidential pick for Dr. Cornel West in his run for president of the United States on a platform of “Truth, Justice, and Love.” She is the first Muslim to run for the vice-presidency.

About Pastor Cue and The Church Without Walls

Pastor Cue is a respected leader in the Skid Row community, providing spiritual guidance, advocacy, and essential services to those experiencing homelessness. His ministry, The Row LA "The Church Without Walls," operates with a mission of love and compassion, serving the most vulnerable residents of Los Angeles.

About Public Statement Apparel

Public Statement Apparel, founded by Erik Hardeman, is a Los Angeles-based small business dedicated to producing high-quality, ethically-made clothing that promotes social justice and community empowerment.

Learn more about Cornel West at CornelWest2024.com. 

Learn more about Dr. West’s Policy Pillars at CornelWest2024.com/Platform.

For more details and press inquiries, please contact [email protected].