The featured keynote speaker, Dr. Cornel West, is one of America’s most provocative public intellectuals. A champion for racial justice since childhood, Dr. West’s writing, speaking and teachings weave together the traditions of the black Baptist Church, progressive politics and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.â€
Currently the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his bestselling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Dr. West graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a Ph. D. from Princeton. He offers weekly commentary on The Tavis Smiley Show, was an influential force in the development of the storyline for the Matrix movie trilogy, and has released two CDs highlighting his belief that growing divisions in our society foster despair and distrust.
His new book, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir, is a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind; and like its author, it is brilliant, unapologetic, full of passion, yet cool. This poignant memoir traces West’s transformation from a schoolyard Robin Hood into a progressive cultural icon.
In addition to the rousing keynote presentation by Dr. West, Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel presented the following 2010 Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards at this evening’s event:
• Workforce Diversity Award – Old National Bank
Awarded to a business or organization that has been successful in achieving a diverse workforce.
• Development (Willie Effie Thomas Award) – Sylvia Weinzapfel, Executive Director, YWCA
Awarded to an individual who has successfully implemented diversity education and communication in an organization, business or the community.
• Community Relations (Sue Woodson Award) – Rev. Adrian M. Brooks, I
Awarded to an individual, business or organization that has achieved exceptional success in developing diversity activities which encourage and support success in the area of community relations.
• Leadership Award – Youth Build, George Flowers, Executive Director
Awarded to a business or organization that has developed supportive diversity strategies throughout a business, organization or community.
• Sadelle Berger Award – Jamil Wali (Posthumous)
This top award honors the tireless work of an individual, organization or business that promotes fairness, inclusion and respect for all in the community, and has made a significant impact.
