City-County Human Relations Commission to Hold Annual Dinner Keynote Speaker – Dr. Cornel West

Evansville, IN) – The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Human Relations Commission will hold its Annual Dinner on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at The Centre. The keynote speaker will be public intellectual and Princeton Professor, Dr. Cornel West.

Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel will also present the 2010 Mayor’s Celebration of Diversity Awards at the Annual Dinner. The awards recognize businesses, organizations, and individuals that embrace and celebrate diversity. To make a nomination, please go to www.evansvillegov.org/diversityawards or contact the City-County Human Relations Commission at (812) 436-4927.

One of America’s most provocative public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.” Dr. West is currently the Class of 1943 University Professor in the Center for African American Studies at Princeton. West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his best-selling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, selling more than half a million copies to date.

In his long awaited life story, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, A Memoir, Dr. Cornel West offers a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind. Themes include faith, family, philosophy, love, and service. Dr. West has published 17 other books and has edited 13 texts. He also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI (Public Radio International). Dr. West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy and has served as its official spokesperson, as well as playing a recurring role in the final two films. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and has a Ph.D. from Princeton.

Dr. West’s CD’s, Sketches of My Culture and Street Knowledge, highlight his belief that growing divisions in our society foster the despair and distrust that undermines our democratic process. By working to create an ongoing dialogue between the myriad of voices in our culture, Dr. West is vigilant in his efforts to restore hope to America.

His latest collaboration on Raheem DeVaughn’s CD, The Love & War MasterPeace, is a tale of two tales through love and war, while taking us on a journey through today’s social and political issues. Dr. West is a mesmerizing speaker, dynamic philosopher, and enlightened activist. With astute intellect and ferocious moral vision, Dr. West continuously challenges modern thought with great efficacy.

Tickets donations are $35.00 per person. Corporate sponsorships are also available. Please contact the Human Relations Commission at (812) 436-4927 before September 10th to make a reservation.