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Dr. Cornel West Secures Ballot Access in Washington State with Justice For All Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 16, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Olympia, Washington] – The West/Abdullah campaign announces that the Justice For All Party (JFA) has successfully secured a spot on the Washington State ballot for the 2024 presidential election. This significant achievement comes through the tireless efforts of dedicated volunteers and strong community support.

"Securing a place on the ballot in Washington is not just a victory for this campaign but a victory for democracy," stated Dr. Cornel West, independent presidential candidate nominated by the Justice For All Party. "This enables the campaign to address critical issues facing Washington—from environmental challenges and economic disparities to championing social justice."

Lead volunteers CJ Tonnes, Ashton Beavers, and Laura Fielding led the signature collection efforts, demonstrating the community’s enthusiasm for significant political change and empowerment. "The conversations on the ground show a profound commitment to our collective future," remarked CJ Tonnes.

This victory for JFA not only impacts this election but also establishes a lasting legacy, ensuring ballot access in future election cycles - including local and state elections - thus contributing to a more diverse and representative political discourse in Washington and beyond.

Laura Fielding discussed the impact of ballot access on the party's ability to support the community: "Furthermore, ballot access enhances the JFA’s capacity for fundraising for mutual aid efforts and community support initiatives. With this achievement, the campaign can amplify efforts to provide tangible aid and support to local communities, reinforcing the commitment to serve and uplift every citizen." As the 2024 presidential election approaches, the West/Abdullah campaign is more motivated than ever to promote a platform of justice, equity, and community support.

The West/Abdullah campaign has the signatures and minor party nominations it needs to get on the ballot in 17 states. This includes 7 of the battleground states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina. For more info, see our ballot access map.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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.

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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Justice For All Party Triumphs in Court, Secures Place on North Carolina Ballot

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Raleigh, North Carolina] – In a landmark victory for democracy, the Justice For All Party (JFA) has successfully challenged the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) and secured its rightful place on the 2024 general election ballot. This triumph not only signifies a win for JFA but also sets a powerful precedent for all future third-party candidates in North Carolina.

The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina ruled in favor of JFA, highlighting that the Board’s refusal to certify the party despite it meeting all legal signature requirements was a violation of the First and Fourteenth Amendments. This decision affirms the fundamental rights of voters to associate freely and ensures their voices are heard through the candidates they wish to support.

"This is a monumental day for our party and for all supporters of a diverse political representation," stated Italo Medelius, co-chair for the state JFA party. "The court's decision to allow our candidates on the ballot is not just a win for JFA but a victory for every North Carolinian who believes in the power of choice and the strength of democracy."

The court also issued an injunction against the NCSBE, instructing them not to enforce the standard candidate nomination deadlines against JFA. This measure ensures that JFA’s candidates will appear on the ballot, maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and supporting democratic principles. "We fought hard against what we perceived as an unjust barrier to our participation in the democratic process, set by a partisan board. Today, we celebrate not only our victory but the preservation of democracy," added Medelius.

This ruling is particularly significant as it paves the way for future third-party and independent candidates running for office in North Carolina, ensuring that the electoral system is fair and equitable. Campaigns will be able to reference this lawsuit if the NCSBE attempts to violate their freedom of speech through ballot access. It is one of the many legacies of this campaign.

The West/Abdullah campaign extends its deepest gratitude to the volunteers and countless supporters who have stood by the party throughout this legal battle. In addition, a special thanks to Oliver Hall and his team at the Center for Competitive Democracy, who took the lead on litigating this case. Recognized as the best election law litigator in the country today, the People of North Carolina were indeed fortunate to have Hall leading this fight. Looking ahead, JFA is more motivated than ever and is gearing up for a vigorous campaign leading up to the 2024 general election. "We are excited to bring our platform to the voters and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of our state and country," concluded Dr. West.

The West/Abdullah campaign has the signatures and minor party nominations it needs to get on the ballot in 16 states. This includes 7 of the battleground states: Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, Florida, Wisconsin and North Carolina. For more info, see our ballot access map.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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.

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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Dr. Cornel West's Campaign Joins Lawsuit Against North Carolina Board of Elections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, August 2, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Raleigh, North Carolina] – In light of recent discoveries during the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearings of the North Carolina General Assembly, the campaign of Dr. Cornel West will join a new, separate lawsuit initiated by an independent group of North Carolina voters. This decision follows the revelation that the North Carolina Board of Elections received undue influence from the Democratic Party and their allies, resulting in significant procedural failures during the signature verification process for the Justice for All Party's ballot access efforts.

During the House Oversight and Reform Committee hearings last week, it was disclosed that the Board of Elections in North Carolina was called before the legislature and rigorously questioned due to their mistreatment of the Justice for All Party, which was founded by presidential hopeful Dr. Cornel West. Allegations were made by Democrat operatives claiming that out of North Carolina's 100 counties, 78 had failed to check signatures on petitions at the county level before sending them to the state. However, the state's investigation revealed that only four counties had not properly checked the signatures or could not confirm that they had done so.

"The discrepancy between the alleged number of 78 counties, and actual number of counties in violation - four - highlights the baseless nature of the accusations. The claim that three-quarters of the counties failed to verify signatures is demonstrably false. The weakness of these accusations is evident and underscores the lack of a substantial case against us. While these allegations are frustrating, they are ultimately encouraging as they reflect the desperate attempts to undermine our efforts," said West campaign spokesperson Edwin DeJesus.

This situation is further compounded by the historical context provided by the Democratic National Committee's ongoing efforts to impede third-party and independent candidates. According to NBC News’ March 14, 2024 article - Democrats Prepare to Go to War Against Third-Party Candidates, the DNC promised to create a task force specifically aimed at obstructing the ballot access of third-party candidates. This is exemplified by their hiring of Lis Smith and her firm, whose primary focus is to find ways to prevent third-party and independent candidates from gaining access to the ballot, thus disregarding the people's voice and upholding the two-party system.

The impact of these actions is not only procedural but deeply personal. Frankie Gist, a candidate for Mayor running under the Justice for All Party, has been unable to move forward in his campaign due to the actions of the Board of Elections. Frankie Gist stated, "My dad always told me growing up, 'In order to get something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.' But he also said when you start doing things differently and not like the way others want it done, they will try to do everything in their power to hinder you from moving forward to your greatness and success. The Board of Elections is trying to hinder us because they see we’re doing things differently and not like the way they want us to do it. But as my grandmother used to say all the time, 'We won't be moved!' Nothing they do will stop us from winning this ballot and winning the election. We must continue to fight and work together to make change happen for all people."

Dr. Cornel West emphasized, "Our campaign stands in solidarity with the Justice for All Party and all those who seek justice and truth in the electoral process. We are committed to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our place on the ballot is secured. As we join this lawsuit, we remain focused on fighting for truth, justice, and love."

To date, the West/Abdullah campaign has secured ballot access in Wisconsin, Maine, Florida, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado, South Carolina, Utah, Oregon, Alaska and Vermont, pending finalization of certification in certain states.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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.

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].

 

-- END --

 


Dr. Cornel West Supports Justice for All Party’s Decision to File Federal Lawsuit Against North Carolina State Board of Elections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Raleigh, North Carolina] – Yesterday, the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in a decision that undermines the democratic process, has rejected the petition submitted by the Justice for All party for inclusion on the ballot. The West/Abdullah presidential campaign, while a separate entity supporting similar ideals, stands in solidarity with the Justice for All party in condemning this decision.

This rejection raises significant concerns about fairness and equal opportunity in the political arena, especially given the approval of petitions from other third-party entities. The Board's decision to deny the Justice for All party, known for its progressive and inclusive policies, appears to be a targeted action that restricts voter choice and suppresses diverse political representation.

"The campaign and the party, although operating independently, share a common vision for justice and equality," stated Dr. Cornel West. "Today’s decision by the North Carolina State Board of Elections not only harms the Justice for All party’s efforts but also signals a broader threat to the principles of open democratic participation."

In response to this setback, the Justice for All party is actively assessing its options and plans to respond in the coming days. The campaign supports the party’s commitment to fighting for its rightful place on the ballot and ensuring that every voice has the opportunity to be heard in the electoral process.

We call on the North Carolina State Board of Elections to reconsider its decision and act in the interest of all North Carolinians and the fundamental rights enshrined in our Constitution," added Dr. West.

To date, the West/Abdullah campaign has secured ballot access in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, Colorado, South Carolina, Utah, Oregon, Alaska, and Vermont, pending finalization of certification in certain states.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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.

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].

 

-- END --

 


Dr. Cornel West’s Campaign Addresses Voter Registration Discrepancies in California

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, July 15, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Sacramento, California] – The West/Abdullah 2024 campaign has been alerted to multiple reports from California voters regarding discrepancies in their voter registration records. Specifically, numerous voters who registered with the "Justice for All Party" have found their records incorrectly labeled as "No Party Preference" (NPP).

While this issue involves the Justice for All Party, the West/Abdullah campaign is committed to ensuring that every voter's registration accurately reflects their chosen party affiliation. This concern is vital to maintaining voter confidence and the integrity of the electoral process. We are working hard to alert state and local officials so that they can identify and correct these errors promptly. It is statutory that the "Justice for All Party" be correctly listed on voter registration cards. Having at least one-third of one percent of registered voters in California registered as Justice for All Party allows the political body to qualify as a political party and nominate a candidate for president during the 2024 presidential election.

Rev. Richard Rose, Chair of the California chapter of Justice For All, stated “We believe that county officials have failed to properly register voters as affiliated with JFA, and because we believe that we have been unreasonably deprived of information that would have enabled JFA to, among other things, identify counties where failure to properly register our supporters has been occurring, so that such issues could be addressed a reasonable time prior to the qualifying deadline, we contend that the state’s actions have impermissibly burdened and obstructed JFA’s constitutionally protected organizing efforts and the associational rights of an as-yet-undetermined number of California voters."

All California voters are encouraged to verify their current voter registration status by visiting the California Secretary of State’s website. If discrepancies are found, voters should report them immediately to the Secretary of State's office. Be sure to keep records of the error (i.e.: a photo of the erroneous registration card and your voter registration receipt, if available). If necessary, voters should re-register with the correct party affiliation.

The West/Abdullah campaign is dedicated to protecting the rights of voters and ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process. We also encourage supporters who encounter discrepancies to share their experiences on social media by tagging @CornelWest @DocMellyMel and @JusticeforAllPartyCalifornia.

To date, the West/Abdullah campaign has secured ballot access in Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Michigan, North Carolina, Colorado, South Carolina, Utah, Oregon, Alaska, and Vermont, pending finalization of certification in certain states.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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.

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].

 

-- END --

 


Dr. Cornel West's Campaign Calls Out Democratic Obstruction in North Carolina Ballot Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Thursday, June 27, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Raleigh, North Carolina] – In a clear display of anti-democratic tactics, the North Carolina Board of Elections, controlled by its Democratic members, has unjustifiably denied ballot access to Justice For All (JFA) and two other organizations. Despite each group presenting the requisite number of petition signatures, all submitted on time, the Board voted along partisan lines—3 to 2 against certification.

While there are legitimate inquiries regarding a small number of signatures and an independent circulator, for which JFA has cooperated fully with the Board's investigation, there is no evidence to suggest that such issues are extensive enough to deem the entire petition effort invalid. Nonetheless, the Democrats on the Board have prolonged the investigation under the guise of legality. This unwarranted scrutiny comes after a sufficient three-week review period, suggesting a deliberate stalling tactic rather than any genuine need for further validation.

This suppression of voter choice is a transparent attempt by the Democratic Board members to protect their interests, as their presumptive nominee continues to demonstrate a lack of popularity and alignment with the working class’s needs. By obstructing legitimate candidates from appearing on the ballot, the Democrats are undermining the foundational principles of our electoral system.

"The actions of the Democratic members of the Board reflect a disturbing trend of putting partisan gain over democratic values," said Dr. Cornel West, commenting on the situation. "It is hypocritical and antithetical to everything our democracy stands for. The people deserve the right to choose, not to have their options limited by a party fearful of competition."

Moreover, the Board lacks both the practical means and the legal authority to conduct an exhaustive investigation into the intentions of each person who circulated or signed JFA's petitions, making their actions not only legally questionable but fundamentally inappropriate. In 2022, a federal court sanctioned this same Board of Elections for engaging in similar frivolous abuses. It is evident that lessons have not been learned, as the Board’s Democrats continue to flout the law and the constitution, prioritizing their electoral security over the democratic process.

Dr. West's campaign supports the Justice for All party as it demands an immediate cessation of these obstructionist tactics and calls for a fair, transparent, and swift resolution to this matter, ensuring that all voices can be heard in the upcoming elections.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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

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].

 

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Dr. Cornel West's Justice for All Party Addresses Misleading Attacks by the Democratic Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Friday, June 7, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

 

[Raleigh, North Carolina] – The independent presidential campaign of Dr. Cornel West faces unfounded legal challenges and misinformation from the Democratic Party. The Justice for All Party (JFA) has complied fully with every state law requirement, leaving no legal or factual basis for these challenges. Assertions made by the Democratic Party misrepresent our party’s adherence to the law and our dedication to principled, progressive policies.

Dr. West stated, “The Democratic Party's challenges to both North Carolina Justice For All and We The People Party (founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.) disrespect the tens of thousands of North Carolinians who have engaged with and supported these initiatives. These attacks infringe upon the constitutional rights of voters seeking to forge new political paths that offer genuine alternatives in the upcoming elections. Our campaign shall uphold these rights and ensure that every voice is heard this November.”

Moreover, recent communications from the Democratic Party to our North Carolina supporters contain misleading claims that distort our campaign's goals and principles. Contrary to their portrayals, our movement is staunchly dedicated to universal healthcare, ending perpetual wars, and advocating for a free Palestine—issues the Democratic Party has often sidestepped or insufficiently addressed.

Italo Medelius-Marsano, a co-chair of the state Justice for All Party of North Carolina, said “by attempting to discredit our party, the Democratic Party not only underestimates the intelligence of North Carolina’s voters but also engages in tactics aimed at stifling democratic choice and diversity in political representation. It is disheartening to witness such maneuvers intended to manipulate public opinion and influence the electoral process adversely.”

The West campaign is confident that the people of North Carolina, and indeed all Americans, are discerning enough to see through these tactics. The spread of misinformation only reflects the established parties' fear of a movement that champions the interests of the working class and challenges the entrenched political status quo.

Under Dr. West and Dr. Abdullah's leadership, this campaign is committed to more than just electoral success - we are building a long-term movement dedicated to mutual aid, local empowerment, and true representation of the people’s interests. Accusations that Justice for All lacks substantive policy initiatives reflect a broader failure of the Democratic Party to engage with the critical issues facing our nation today.

In conclusion, the actions of the Democratic Party reveal a deep-seated unease with the growing support for our transformative agenda. Dr. Cornel West’s independent campaign will persist in advocating for real change, combating misinformation, and championing the democratic rights of all workers.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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

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].

 

-- END --

 


Dr. Cornel West Surpasses Ballot Access Threshold in North Carolina, Signaling Major Strides for Independent Presidential Campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, May 20, 2024
Cornel West for President
[email protected]

[Raleigh, North Carolina] - In a significant victory for independent politics, the West-Abdullah presidential campaign announces today that it has successfully surpassed the required ballot access threshold in North Carolina. As verified by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Dr. West's campaign has collected more than 17,385 valid signatures, exceeding the requisite 13,865 signatures needed to secure a spot on the ballot.

This achievement marks a historic moment for a third-party campaign, demonstrating that it is possible to gain significant ground without aligning solely with minor parties nationwide. North Carolina, known for its substantial independent voter base, is a pivotal battleground state, making this accomplishment even more consequential for the upcoming presidential election.

"Surpassing the ballot access threshold in North Carolina is a clear indicator that our message resonates deeply with Americans who are eager for change," stated Dr. West. "This is not just a victory for our campaign but for every American who believes in the power of independent, transformative politics." Dr. West added. "We look forward to bringing our message of justice, equality, and peace to other key battleground states across the country."

Dr. West's campaign has demonstrated considerable momentum, rivaling that of established candidates and positioning Dr. West as a formidable contender against incumbent Presidents Donald Trump and Joe Biden, and paralleling the ballot access achievements of candidates like Kennedy.

"By achieving over 2% of the general election vote in November, Dr. West's campaign will also secure ballot access for future election cycles, posing a formidable challenge to the traditional party structures, particularly the North Carolina Democratic Party machine" said Italo Medelius, chair of the newly formed Justice for All state party started by the Cornel West campaign.

The official verification of the ballot access can be viewed at the North Carolina State Board of Elections website here.

About the Justice for All Party

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. JFA 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 California, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, New Mexico, North Carolina, Washington and the District of Columbia.

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

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].

 

-- END --

 


Dr. Cornel West Announces the Formation of the Justice for All Party as Part of His 2024 Presidential Campaign and Beyond

 

 

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].

– END –