Provocative educator and nationally prominent author Cornel West will address issues of race and democracy in America during a free talk at UNCG Friday, April 22.

The event, sponsored by the American Democracy Project, is open to the public. Doors will open at 7 p.m., and West’s talk in Cone Ballroom of Elliott University Center will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Inspired to follow an academic career after reading a biography of Teddy Roosevelt, West is the Class of 1943 University Professor of Religion at Princeton University. His writing, speaking and teaching intertwines the traditions of the Baptist Church, transcendentalism, socialism and pragmatism. He has received more than 20 honorary degrees and numerous awards, including the American Book Award.

A graduate of Harvard (B.A.) and Princeton (M.A., Ph.D.), he has authored many books, including “African-American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped our Century” (with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.), “Cornel West: A Critical Reader,” and “Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism.” In addition, he has co-authored “The Future of American Progressivism” (with Roberto Unger) and “The War Against Parents” (with Sylvia Ann Hewlett). His best-selling book of essays, “Race Matters,” has sold 400,000 copies.

A nontraditional academic, he has undertaken a variety of projects – from helping to develop the storyline for and appearing in the film trilogy “The Matrix” and recording a hip hop CD to helping organize gang summits to reduce street violence. Politically, he has been active as a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, a participant in Bill Clinton’s National Conversation on Race and as an adviser for Rev. Al Sharpton in his 2004 presidential bid.

“Dr. West is arguably this country's leading and most influential philosopher and educator. The range and depth of his scholarly and public activity in the service of promoting the core values of an inclusive democratic society warrant his being called our current national sage,” said Dr. Bennett Ramsey, campus coordinator for the American Democracy Project.

Ramsey, professor of religious studies at UNCG, worked under West during his doctoral training and taught with him at Union Theological Seminary in New York.

For more information, contact Ramsey at (336) 334-5762.