FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Sunday, May 5, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Edinburgh, Scotland] – Dr. Cornel West, esteemed philosopher, author, and independent presidential candidate for the United States of America, will be delivering the prestigious Gifford Lectures at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. This series of six thought-provoking talks will take place from Monday, May 6th to Thursday, May 16th. The Gifford Lectures, often likened to the Nobel Prize for philosophers, have a distinguished history of hosting some of the world's most influential thinkers.

Brother West's lectures promise to explore pressing philosophical inquiries, including themes of justice, morality, and societal transformation. With his unparalleled insight and passionate advocacy for social justice, Dr. West's contributions to the Gifford Lecture series are anticipated to be both enlightening and inspiring.

In addition to his academic engagements, Dr. West will also demonstrate his commitment to truth, justice and love by joining the new student encampment at the Edinburgh Old College in solidarity for the genocide in Gaza. This act of solidarity reflects Dr. West's dedication to lending a voice for the voiceless, and advocating for marginalized communities both at home and abroad.

To learn more about Dr. Cornel West's Gifford Lectures at the University of Edinburgh and watch the livestream, please visit this link to the Gifford Lectures website.

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 will deliver 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

Dr. Melina Abdullah is a Professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, where she has also served as Department Chair. A respected scholar and dedicated activist, Dr. Abdullah is deeply involved in organized labor and social justice movements, holding roles such as the Chair of the Council for Racial and Social Justice with the California Faculty Association’s Los Angeles Chapter. She has been a lifelong union organizer and a delegate to the County Federation of Labor, melding her academic expertise with grassroots activism to champion causes such as the "Cops Off Campus" campaign and the establishment of Ethnic Studies in educational curricula.

A founding organizer of Black Lives Matter, Dr. Abdullah continues to lead the Los Angeles chapter and serves as Director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, driving local and national initiatives that aim to dismantle systemic racism. Her leadership has been pivotal in various campaigns for justice and equity, including #BlackWomenAreDivine and #EndPoliceAssociations. Dr. Abdullah's commitment to social change is also evident through her role in media, where she produces and hosts "Move the Crowd" on 90.7FM KPFK, furthering public political education.

Beyond her professional and activist roles, Dr. Abdullah is a devoted mother and a champion of community engagement and empowerment. Raised in Oakland, California, by a family of union workers, she embodies the values instilled by her ancestors and strives to pass on a legacy of resilience and advocacy to her three children and her community in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District. Her extensive contributions to social justice have earned her numerous accolades, including the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance “Champion of Change” Award and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from Loyola Marymount University.

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].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 30, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Boulder, Colorado] – In an uplifting development for democracy, the Cornel West for President 2024 Campaign today announced that Drs. Cornel West and Melina Abdullah have successfully secured ballot access in Colorado via nomination of the Unity Party of Colorado. This achievement is a key component of the campaign's comprehensive 50-state strategy, designed to broaden voter choice and challenge the entrenched power structures at a critical juncture in the movement to recenter people-powered governance.

"Our campaign's presence on the Colorado ballot is a triumph for voter independence from the destructive and outdated false choices presented by the corporate duopoly—and a testament to the indomitable spirit of the people within this ‘moment in a movement,’” Dr. Cornel West remarked, “Colorado has expressed the nation’s growing demand for leadership that truly represents the principles of truth, justice, and love. Our ballot access mission is central to reinvigorating the heart and soul of our democracy."

Eric Bodenstab, Treasurer of the Party, shared his thoughts on the coalition: “On April 13th, Dr. Cornel West was nominated by the Unity Party of Colorado to be the next President of the United States. It represented the confluence of a developing organization and the unifying campaign of a unique candidate. Dr. West received near unanimous support, as he is now the Uniter-in-Chief of the Party. We look forward to his expanding the Party's vision to more people and more states, and challenging the status quo. We are confident that he will surprise many this election year and be the overdue voice for truth, love and justice.”

Every state requires independent candidates to meet unique requirements to be allowed alongside the corporate duopoly party candidates on the state election ballot. As a result, Dr. West’s campaign has implemented a variety of strategies to secure ballot access in all 50 states, either standing as the chosen candidate of like minded independent parties, as the candidate of his newly-formed Justice for All Party, or as an independent candidate via petition signatures or state-required fees. 

“Our work to successfully navigate each state’s complexities and the broken two-party system will now provide Colorado's voters a unique opportunity to choose a candidate who places human dignity above destructive corporate interests and compassion over division,” VP Candidate Dr. Melina Abdullah affirmed. “Dr. West's message of collective solidarity and human empowerment is resonating deeply with disillusioned voters across the nation, directly confronting the suppression of diverse voices in our political discourse and championing approaches that uplift the marginalized and promote unity at all levels of society.”

The campaign urges supporters to maintain this momentum by engaging in local advocacy, participating in dialogues, volunteering their time, and contributing to further ballot access initiatives. Every action taken strengthens the people’s collective pursuit of a more just, loving, and inclusive society that truly reflects the will and wisdom of its people.

About the Unity Party of Colorado

The Unity Party of Colorado was established with the vision of creating a balanced path forward for American politics. The party upholds a commitment to pragmatic and centrist solutions that prioritize the welfare of all citizens. Among its key platforms, the Unity Party of Colorado aligns with the West-Abdullah campaign on several vital issues including the urgent need for climate action, healthcare for all, and financial reforms aimed at reducing inequality. By championing balanced budget amendments and seeking to remove undue influence from politics, the Unity Party of Colorado shares a common goal with the West-Abdullah campaign: to transform and uplift American politics by focusing on transparency, integrity, and policies that serve the public interest.

Key Points

1. Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Melina Abdullah have secured ballot access in Colorado, advancing their 50-state campaign to offer an independent choice that disrupts the entrenched two-party system. The campaign is currently on the ballot in the states of Alaska, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Colorado.
2. The campaign creates community coalitions with like-minded parties such as the Unity Party of Colorado to gain ballot access, as every state has unique requirements to allow independents on the ballot alongside duopoly candidates.
3. The West-Abdullah ticket embodies truth, justice, and love, placing people and planet before profits, starkly contrasting with the divisive and violent agendas of corporate-backed political systems which do not serve the people.
4. The campaign’s fight for independent ballot access stands as a vanguard on voter independence from false and destructive choices, empowering people to instead prioritize human dignity and compassion, again come to value their vote, and collectively act to dismiss the duopoly.
5. Renowned philosopher and activist Dr. Cornel West, alongside distinguished scholar and justice advocate Dr. Melina Abdullah approach this presidential campaign in the spirit of service and solidarity, with the election itself a “moment in a movement” as we work together collectively long-term on behalf of the marginalized and poor everywhere to dismantle harmful systems at the grassroots level. 

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 will deliver 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

Dr. Melina Abdullah is a Professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, where she has also served as Department Chair. A respected scholar and dedicated activist, Dr. Abdullah is deeply involved in organized labor and social justice movements, holding roles such as the Chair of the Council for Racial and Social Justice with the California Faculty Association’s Los Angeles Chapter. She has been a lifelong union organizer and a delegate to the County Federation of Labor, melding her academic expertise with grassroots activism to champion causes such as the "Cops Off Campus" campaign and the establishment of Ethnic Studies in educational curricula.

A founding organizer of Black Lives Matter, Dr. Abdullah continues to lead the Los Angeles chapter and serves as Director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, driving local and national initiatives that aim to dismantle systemic racism. Her leadership has been pivotal in various campaigns for justice and equity, including #BlackWomenAreDivine and #EndPoliceAssociations. Dr. Abdullah's commitment to social change is also evident through her role in media, where she produces and hosts "Move the Crowd" on 90.7FM KPFK, furthering public political education.

Beyond her professional and activist roles, Dr. Abdullah is a devoted mother and a champion of community engagement and empowerment. Raised in Oakland, California, by a family of union workers, she embodies the values instilled by her ancestors and strives to pass on a legacy of resilience and advocacy to her three children and her community in Los Angeles’ Crenshaw District. Her extensive contributions to social justice have earned her numerous accolades, including the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance “Champion of Change” Award and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Award from Loyola Marymount University.

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].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, April 5, 2024

Cornel West for President

[email protected] 

Press RSVP link for the rally at Hotel Vegas

Press RSVP link for the roundtable at Carver Museum 

Austin, TX – In an event poised to resonate through the heart of Austin's vibrant music scene, Dr. Cornel West, Independent Presidential Candidate, extends a warm invitation to the local community for an afternoon of critical dialogue and cultural celebration. Set against the backdrop of the George Washington Carver Museum, a beacon of culture and history in East Austin, this roundtable discussion, titled 'The State of the Music Industry,' will address the pressing issues facing Austin's music community after a rally at Hotel Vegas from 12-2.

Join Dr. Cornel West on April 16, from 3 PM to 5 PM CT, along with a panel organized by Austin Texas Musicians including City Councilmember Natasha Harper-Madison, musician Ray Price, musician Courtney Santana, venue owner Pedro Carvalho, and organizers with UAW YouTube Music as they delve into the unique challenges of affordability, labor concerns, and the broader implications for music industry workers in Austin. In a city known as the "Live Music Capital of the World," this conversation is both timely and essential. Bill Callahan will join Brother West and perform for the community. Prior to the roundtable, Dr. West will also appear at a rally at Hotel Vegas from 12 PM to 2 PM CT.

As Brother Cornel West has profoundly stated, “Music is the language of the soul, the sound of the collective heart beating together.”' This roundtable is a testament to the campaign’s belief in the transformative power of art, music, and the collective vote in bringing about systemic change.

Event Highlights:

Insightful Discussion: Explore the intersection of music, culture, and socio-economic challenges in Austin.

Q&A Session: A rare opportunity for audience engagement with Dr. West and panelists, fostering community dialogue.

Special Performance: Anticipate a soul-stirring performance by Bill Callahan, subject to final confirmation, adding a memorable musical layer to the event.

Event Details:

Date: April 16, 2024

Rally for Truth, Justice & Love: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CT at Hotel Vegas, 1502 E 6th St, Austin, TX 78702

Music Industry Roundtable: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM CT at George Washington Carver Museum, 1165 Angelina Street, Austin, TX 78702

Link to watch the livestream via Youtube HERE.

In keeping with Austin's commitment to sustainability, attendees are encouraged to consider eco-friendly transportation options. The museum's location in the historic East Austin neighborhood underscores the event's dedication to community and cultural heritage.

For more information and to join the conversation, visit https://www.cornelwest2024.com/museum and use #CornelWest2024 and #TruthJusticeLove on social media. Together, let's harness the power of music and dialogue to envision a more just, equitable, and vibrant future for Austin and beyond.

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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].

-

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, April 10th, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Los Angeles, California] – Dr. Cornel West, Independent Presidential Candidate, introduced Dr. Melina Abdullah as his choice for Vice President in the 2024 presidential election. The announcement of his running mate was made on The Tavis Smiley Show and marked a significant milestone in the campaign's commitment to fighting for a society and world based on justice, equality, and the empowerment of poor and working class people of all colors. 

"At this historic and pivotal moment, it is my profound honor to stand alongside my dear sister, Dr. Melina Abdullah, a fierce and tireless advocate for truth, justice, and transformative change,” Dr. West proudly announced. “Sister Melina’s incredible courage, keen intellect, and deep vision have greatly served the cause of liberation in education, worker rights, and both racial and gender justice. Her unique Black analysis and witness helps us confront our crumbling era of empire, white supremacy, and patriarchy. I look forward to working with her as we strengthen our commitment in our campaign for truth, justice and love!"

Melina Abdullah is a revered Professor of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles, and a long-time celebrated community organizer. She is known for her work as a union mobilizer, a founding member of the Black Lives Matter movement and Director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots, and an advocate for systemic change through educational, community, and political organizing.

“I am deeply honored and humbled to join Dr. Cornel West as his Vice Presidential candidate at this critical moment as we work together for transformative change. This campaign offers a real vision for the world that stands in opposition to oppressive forces and holds fast to the universal principles of truth, justice, and love. 

As we work arm-in-arm with justice-loving people everywhere, we reimagine and work to build a world that chooses goodwill over greed, courage over cowardice, and liberation over exploitation. Together, we are igniting a movement to not only dismantle harmful systems, but establish the firm foundations of a just, nurturing, and free world."

Dr. Abdullah’s academic and activist work profoundly aligns particularly with the Cornel West campaign’s Gender, Transformative, Racial, Worker and Education Justice Pillars:

• Transformative Justice: Her leadership in the Black Lives Matter movement and initiatives such as the #PeoplesBudget and #BlackXmas showcase her commitment to policy changes that seek to fundamentally reshape society to uplift those at the margins.
• Gender Justice: Abdullah has been a vanguard in advocating for the rights and recognition of women, particularly Black women, within both the academic and broader social ecosystems.
• Racial Justice: As a founder of the Black Lives Matter chapter in Los Angeles and an outspoken advocate for police reform and community empowerment, Abdullah's work has been pivotal in addressing systemic racial inequities.
• Worker Justice: With years of experience as a union leader, Abdullah has fought tirelessly for the rights of workers, advocating for fair conditions, equitable pay, and a voice for faculty and staff in the university system.
• Education Justice: Her efforts were instrumental in making Ethnic Studies a requirement in the Los Angeles Unified School District and the California State University system, ensuring future generations understand the diverse histories and contributions of all peoples.

The Cornel West campaign invites all to join the growing groundswell of radical, people-powered change galvanizing a nation growing weary of equally destructive false “choices.” With this announcement, the campaign is currently pursuing an aggressive 50-state strategy to gain independent ballot access for every voter in the upcoming presidential election, encouraging every citizen to value their vote and dismantle the corporate-backed duopoly.

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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].

To subscribe to Dr. West's YouTube channel, please go to youtube.com/@CornelWest24.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 9th, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Los Angeles, California] – Join Brother Cornel West, Independent Presidential Candidate, on The Tavis Smiley Show this Wednesday, April 10th at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET for a landmark announcement of his 2024 Vice Presidential running mate. The announcement comes on the heels of Dr. West recently gaining ballot access in several states as part of a 50-state strategy to offer voters independent options beyond what Dr. West calls “the false choices, violence, and division of the corporate-backed duopoly.” 

“On Wednesday, we will joyfully open a new chapter in this ‘moment in a movement,’ by announcing a committed candidate for Vice President who stands in solidarity with poor, oppressed and forgotten people everywhere. Together we will call upon the collective courage of every individual to value their vote and choose to stand with us to utterly dismiss the division, greed, and violence of the corporate-owned duopoly. We invite all to abandon these tired false choices and stand on the ‘side’ of humanity itself.”

Every state requires independents to meet unique rules to be allowed alongside corporate duopoly party candidates on state election ballots. As a result, Dr. West will either stand as the candidate of like minded independent parties, as the candidate of his newly-formed Justice for All Party, or as an independent candidate via required petition signatures—depending on each state's regulations. 

In recent months, the campaign has galvanized a people-powered movement rooted in the universal principles of truth, justice, and love. With a vision far beyond this election cycle, the campaign seeks to radically raise the public view to put people and planet over profits, from the local to national level. Refusing corporate donations and super PAC funding, Dr. West relies on personal donations and his fast-growing groundswell of volunteers to fight for independent ballot access and campaign visibility across the nation. 

Wednesday’s announcement of Dr. West’s vice presidential candidate will allow the campaign to further progress in additional key states which require a VP candidate to obtain ballot access and give voters an independent choice alongside the duopoly candidates.  

Tune into The Tavis Smiley Show this Wednesday, April 10th at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET to welcome Dr. West and meet his running mate as they outline their vision for a presidency that represents all, not only the few, as we collectively uplift our vision toward a more equitable and compassionate society.

The announcement can be watched live or on-demand via YouTube (@KBLA1580), Facebook (@drcornelwest and @therealtavissmiley), Twitter/X (@cornelwest and @tavissmiley), Instagram (@brothercornelwest and @therealtavissmiley), and TikTok (@brothercornelwest); listened to live via TheTavisSmileyShow.com or TuneIn (tunein.com/radio/KBLA-1580AM-s31755/); or downloaded on-demand via The Tavis Smiley Show on major podcast platforms.

Follow the conversation on Social Media: #CornelWest2024 #TruthLoveJustice. 

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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]. 

About The Tavis Smiley Show

The nationally syndicated “Tavis Smiley” show airs weekdays at 9AM-12N/9PM-12M PT on KBLA Talk 1580 AM. The show features insightful conversations with thought leaders, opinion makers, celebrities, authors and artists. Plus, socially conscious commentary that challenges listeners to re-examine the assumptions they hold, and expand their inventory of ideas. 

One of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Influential People In The World,” Smiley has interviewed a veritable who’s who list of influencers, has penned multiple New York Times Bestselling books, and has already been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For more information visit KBLA1580.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 9th, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

PRESS RSVP LINK

[Boulder, Colorado] – Join the Cornel West campaign as we galvanize supporters for a transformative evening of dialogue and inspiration at the 'Rally for Truth, Justice, and Love', hosted at Naropa University on April 12, 2024, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM MT.

In a time of great division, Dr. Cornel West, Independent candidate for President, extends an open invitation to students, alumni, local community members, and engaged citizens nationwide to unite for an honest conversation about the future of our nation. Emphasizing the pressing need for a radical shift towards policies that reflect the collective will of the people, Dr. West will articulate his revolutionary vision for a government deeply rooted in empathy and fairness.

"Justice is what love looks like in public," Dr. West has said, and his campaign is a testament to these words. The rally will serve as a potent reminder that the values of truth, justice, and love are not merely abstract concepts but actionable principles that must underpin our policies and political discourse.

As the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Professor of Philosophy and Christian Practice at Union Theological Seminary and Professor Emeritus at Princeton University, Dr. West's academic brilliance is matched only by his profound civic commitment. His policy platform emerges from a rich intellectual, artistic, and spiritual tradition, driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and a deep commitment to democratic engagement.

This event promises to be more than a political rally; it is an invitation to partake in a movement that seeks to elevate our national consciousness and reaffirm our commitment to each other as human beings. It will feature discussions, student addresses, and a keynote speech from Dr. West himself.

Attendees are encouraged to prioritize sustainable transportation options due to limited parking at the Nalanda campus. Please consider carpooling, biking, or using the RTD bus service, which conveniently stops at Arapahoe Ave and 63rd street, directly in front of the campus.

Event Details:

RALLY FOR TRUTH, JUSTICE, AND LOVE

Date: April 12th, 2024

Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM MT

Location: 6287 Arapahoe Ave
Boulder, CO 80301

Link to watch live: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9mNutGDbKg

For more information, visit www.cornelwest2024.com/naropa and join the conversation using #CornelWest2024 and #TruthJusticeLove on social media.

Together, let's rally for a future informed by compassion and guided by the collective wisdom of all citizens.

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, March 15, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Salt Lake City, Utah] – The Cornel West for President 2024 Campaign is proud to announce its successful attainment of ballot access in Utah as part of the campaign’s 50-state strategy to expand voter choice at a historical moment in our nation’s history. This landmark achievement marks a significant step forward in our movement, emphasizing our dedication to offering voters a meaningful alternative beyond the corporate duopoly, with Dr. Cornel West standing as an independent candidate on Utah’s state election ballot.

Reflecting on this milestone, Dr. Cornel West shared, "The growing momentum of our movement and the achievement of ballot access in Utah should stand as a beacon of hope in a dark time in our country. It underscores the critical importance of ensuring that all states offer voters the opportunity to choose leaders who represent the values of truth, justice, and love. This is not only a victory for independent voices or this presidential campaign—it's a victory for the heart and soul of our democracy."

The campaign asserts that this significant stride towards a more inclusive political landscape that now allows Utah voters the opportunity to support a candidate who prioritizes people over profit and love over fear. Dr. West's campaign, resonating across the United States, challenges voter choice suppression while empowering individuals with a vision dedicated to uplifting the marginalized and fostering solidarity at every level of governance.

Interested voters are encouraged to continue building momentum across the nation by signing petitions, spreading the word, volunteering, and supporting ballot access efforts through donations. Public engagement is pivotal in shaping a future where independent voices enrich our democratic dialogue, standing shoulder to shoulder with those from traditional parties.

Dr. West is pleased to celebrate this historic movement in Utah as we unite in solidarity for a more just, loving, and democratic society that truly reflects the will of the people.

Why Support Ballot Access?

Supporting ballot access means advocating for a democracy where diverse voices and ideas can flourish, leading to more robust solutions and a more stable future for all. The Cornel West Campaign calls on voters to reject the cynicism of the status quo and embrace the possibility of a more inclusive, cooperative, and civil democracy.

Regardless of your candidate preference, we urge you to use your voice today to say YES to more options on the ballot. Support democracy, support humanity, and let’s ensure that independent candidates like Dr. West are represented in our electoral choices.

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, February 22nd, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected] 

[Winnsboro, SC] – In a significant stride towards championing democracy and offering voters a choice beyond the entrenched corporate duopoly, the Cornel West for President Campaign is poised to announce its successful bid for ballot access in South Carolina during a press conference at 9AM ET at Speak to My Heart Ministries - 253 Courtney Road, Winnsboro, South Carolina 20180 - on February 24. This press conference will be livestreamed via YouTube - https://youtube.com/live/U0FAw42Zpkw - to share the milestone with the community. This announcement will underscore the campaign's unwavering commitment to ensuring voters are free to choose leaders who prioritize people over party politics in the 2024 presidential election. 

Dr. Cornel West, the candidate at the vanguard of this historic solidarity movement, has worked alongside justice-minded independent state parties in some states to become their primary candidate, or is registering as an independent candidate in other states as part of his quickly advancing 50-state strategy, which now has Dr. West on the ballot in Alaska and Oregon. 

This approach directly challenges the ongoing suppression of voter choice while empowering voters with a collective vision that is dedicated to uplifting the marginalized while fostering solidarity and people-powered justice at all levels of governance. 

“Ballot access is the bedrock of a vibrant democracy. By securing our place on the ballot in South Carolina, we invite voters to join us in choosing a future defined by truth, justice, and love and dismiss the divisive illusions weaved by the corporate-controlled political paradigm,” stated Dr. West. “Even if I am not your candidate, supporting ballot access for independent voices stands as a powerful act of affirmation for a more equal, just, and democratic society that puts humanity first.”

In several states, the campaign has established the Justice for All Party (JFA) to open ballot access and enable voters to choose Dr. West. This newly established party aims to dismantle the barriers erected by legacy political parties that inherently limit voter choice and public participation. The JFA is a grassroots, people-powered initiative designed to facilitate a broader engagement in the political process far beyond this election cycle—working from the local to national level to support community-driven solutions. 

Dr. West further emphasizes, “On February 24, we stand ready to share with the public and the media how our groundwork in the pivotal and beautiful state of South Carolina is not just about this election, it’s about reinvigorating the collective conversation with the core human principles of truth, justice, and love of all our fellow siblings. We firmly challenge the narrative of false choices presented by the corporate duopoly and invite all to let this be the time we decide together to take the side of humanity.” 

Why Support Ballot Access?

Supporting ballot access means advocating for a democracy where diverse voices and ideas can flourish, leading to more robust solutions and a more stable future for all. The Cornel West Campaign calls on voters to reject the cynicism of the status quo and embrace the possibility of a more inclusive, cooperative, and civil democracy.

Regardless of your candidate preference, we urge you to use your voice today to say YES to more options on the ballot. Support democracy, support humanity, and let’s ensure that independent candidates like Dr. West are represented in our electoral choices.

Join us on February 24 as we reveal how we’re making history in South Carolina—and beyond.

About Cornel West For President 2024

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 will deliver 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.

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].

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 31st, 2024
Cornel West for President

[email protected] 

In an effort to directly confront the suppression of voter choice and participation by legacy political parties, Independent candidate for President of the United States, Dr. Cornel West, announced the establishment of the Justice For All Party (JFA). The party will primarily be utilized as a grassroots, people-powered vehicle to secure ballot access in specific states. Additionally, JFA will grow into a larger formation that galvanizes people-powered initiatives to promote transformational change beyond the 2024 election cycle.

Dr. West noted, “The announcement of JFA is both a celebration of the power of grassroots organizing, as well as a proclamation to the derelict duopoly that the era of corporate political parties is coming to a precipitous and welcomed end.” He added, “JFA, first and foremost, provides a mechanism for our grassroots campaign to travel a path of least resistance that will require the fewest number of signatures to attain ballot access in states like North Carolina, Florida, and Washington. The campaign acknowledges the unique political climates of each state and respects the decision-making power of the movement in guiding the party's formation. At the same time, we’re establishing a new political and organizing home for candidates running for office at all levels of government, as well as everyday folk ready to take on myriad systems of oppression that prey on the poor and working class nationwide.” 

JFA builds off the foundation and tradition of grassroots political parties like the Lowndes County Freedom Organization, founded under the leadership of Ella Baker, Kwame Ture, and John Hulett, and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party under the leadership of Civil Rights titans like Fannie Lou Hamer and the legendary Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Both were formed, in part, to confront racism, classism, and voter suppression of corporate political parties that ignored the immediate needs of poor and working class people and their calls for mutual justice. 

“We stand on the shoulders of freedom fighters like Martin Luther King, Joshua Abraham Heshcel, Dorothy Day and so many others who dared to bear witness to an iniquitous political system and directly confront it,” West emphasized. “JFA takes inspiration from these amazing souls and the sage words of Sister Ella Baker who reminded us we are not just fighting for the freedom of Black folk alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit that encompasses all of us; that is the essence of this new political formation that strives to deliver truth, love, and justice for all.”

A video announcing the launch of JFA can be found here. 

The Cornel West 2024 campaign will soon release a series of voter information guides to ensure voters are fully informed about the implications of JFA in specific states and how they can get involved in the new formation’s electoral and organizing initiatives. In the meantime, those interested in learning more about the campaign are encouraged to visit www.cornelwest2024.com and the campaign’s various social media handles.

About Cornel West For President 2024:

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 will deliver 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.

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].

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, January 24th, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected] 

Independent presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, in collaboration with Oregon's Progressive Party (ProgParty.org), has secured ballot access in Oregon for the 2024 US Presidential Election, marking a significant milestone in his campaign.

West stated, "We are striving for a society where the needs of the many outweigh the interests of the few, where the environment is protected, where poverty is eradicated, where foreign policy is founded on the use of diplomacy, not war, and where every voice is heard through proportional representation voting.” He added, “ It's a profound honor to be listed on Oregon's ballot for 2024 as part of the Oregon Progressive Party slate of candidates. I am deeply thankful to my Oregonian family for embracing this vision. Oregon, you are not just on the map, you are at the forefront of the struggle for truth and justice.”

In line with the Oregon Progressive Party's core values, Brother West's campaign will emphasize several key issues: establishing a state bank to support local communities and small businesses, promoting a single-payer Medicare for All system to ensure medical care for all Oregonians, with an emphasis on increasing access to and justice in healthcare, and enhancing environmental protections with a focus on sustainability as well as climate and environmental justice.

In explaining their new partnership with the Cornel West 2024 campaign, the Oregon Progressive Party proclaimed, “We are proud to support Dr. West. He embodies the principles we stand for - healthcare as a human right, free public education, environmental justice, and a peaceful approach to foreign policy.” They continued, “Oregonians have always been progressive at heart, and with Dr. West, we have a candidate who truly represents our values and vision for the future. We are confident that his candidacy will resonate with the citizens of Oregon and make a significant impact in the presidential race.”

The West campaign will collaborate closely with the Oregon Progressive Party to highlight the importance of public banking, advocating for the establishment of a state bank to support local economies and provide accessible financial services to underserved communities. This initiative aims to keep Oregon's financial resources within the state, promoting economic growth and stability while also ensuring the resources are utilized to address a growing wealth and income inequality challenge statewide.

Brother West's commitment to healthcare reform is also a cornerstone of his campaign. In alignment with the Oregon Progressive Party's position, he advocates for a single-payer healthcare system, emphasizing the need for universal access to quality and affordable healthcare. This approach aims to alleviate the burden of medical costs on individuals and families, ensuring that all Oregonians receive the care they need.

Leading national, state, and local climate and environmental justice groups have already offered high marks for Brother West’s policy pillars for environmental justice that include centering those communities most impacted by the climate crisis and legacy environmental racism, as well as measures to protect Oregon's natural beauty and resources. He calls for immediate action to combat climate change and promote sustainable practices, aligning with the party's focus on environmental stewardship and climate justice. This includes supporting renewable energy initiatives and opposing fossil fuel projects that exacerbate harms to environmental justice communities. Brother West is the only presidential candidate calling for going beyond a milquetoast version of the so-called Green New Deal and instead a global Green Reconstruction initiative that includes nationalizing the fossil fuel industry. He also promises to rescind the toxic elements of Joe Biden and the Democratic Party’s Inflation Reduction Act that’s already handed out billions of dollars to polluters who back projects like Jordan Cove, further reflecting a commitment to preserving Oregon's ecological integrity for future generations.

Reflecting on the broader implications of this partnership, Dr. West said, “Aligning with the Oregon Progressive Party is not just about being on the ballot; we are bringing our collective voices to the forefront of the national dialogue. Our shared goals - from healthcare for all, to urgent action for a growing climate crisis, and a commitment to peace - are not just Oregon's issues - they are everyone’s issues, nationwide. I am honored to join forces with them and eagerly anticipate working together to win the State of Oregon come November.”

With this significant development in Oregon, the Cornel West 2024 campaign continues to build momentum in its quest to redefine American politics, guided by the principles of truth, love and justice for all.

About Oregon Progressive Party:

The Oregon Progressive Party is a political organization committed to advancing social and economic justice, environmental sustainability, and government accountability, firmly grounded in the values of grassroots democracy and progressive change.

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

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

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