West presented this keynote address at the University of Southern Indiana on October 12, 2016 as the culmination of the University's Mandela Social Justice Day.
Beloved fellow citizens of this shared planet, Today, we gather not as separate nations but as one human family, bound by the collective dream for a world where the winds of change carry the promise of justice, equality, and freedom for all. In the echoes of Bob Dylan's timeless question, we find ourselves pondering how many roads must be traversed before we can truly claim to have overcome the barriers that divide us. The answers, like the winds, may be elusive, but the inquiry remains an urgent call to action. We stand at a crossroads, where the harmonies of empathy and understanding must drown out the discord of discrimination. Imagine a world, as John Lennon envisioned, where there are no boundaries to inhibit our shared humanity. Picture a realm where the colors of our diversity paint a tapestry of unity, and the collective heartbeat of compassion guides our journey. Let us cast aside the shackles of prejudice and envision a future where the dreams we hold in common are more potent than the differences that set us apart. In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s resounding dream, let us not judge one another by the color of our skin, our gender, or the circumstances of our birth. Instead, let us be measured by the content of our character and the compassion we extend to those who have been marginalized by the shadows of oppression. Nelson Mandela, who stood before a courtroom with unwavering courage, spoke of a commitment to a struggle against all forms of domination. He spoke of a vision where individuals, regardless of their background, could bask in the sunlight of freedom and equality. It is a vision that echoes in our hearts today, a vision we must collectively breathe life into. As we stand on the precipice of change, let this be a call to action for each one of us. The time has come for us to break the chains that bind our brothers and sisters, to dismantle the walls that separate us. Let the winds of change carry our collective voice, a voice that demands justice, equality, and dignity for every soul, in every corner of the globe. Let us heed the lessons of Gandhi, a man who proved that the power of love and truth can overcome even the mightiest obstacles. His words echo through time, urging us to be the change we wish to see in the world. Together, let us build a world where the dreams of Dylan, Lennon, King, Mandela and Gandhi converge into a symphony of hope-a world where the winds of change blow not only through the leaves of progress but through the hearts and minds of every person, kindling the flame of a brighter, more inclusive future. Every human being around this dear earth is seeking dignity and freedom. All are worthy of loving kind compassion. Thank you, and may the Great Spirit of our ever evolving human consciousness light our way.
One thing I've always noticed in the ego-mania that is academia, is everyone wanting to speak The man doesn't need 3 introductions from 3 different people. Let the man speak.
Thank U. U right. This major man gave me the greatest compliment ever, after this speech at USI. (If I could handle the net, I'd like to approach him more directly.)
Dr West, I am very concerned that you become aware of Dr Stephan Greer and his recent forum at the Wshingto DC Press Club on the information shared about Black-Ops military tpwards the UAV programs and highly illegal operations they are engaginh in including chilld trsfficking snd human slavery. zi am a jazz msician and artist in New Orleans and I am your biggest fan and backer. I am in accord with all your aims and ideas. I am from Fresno CA, and so, your home boy as well.
Cornel is probably most brilliant human on Earth in 2020 ...nothing makes people more polite than a good ass whooping ..sometimes it's needed ..keep the baby from touching the hot stove
2006neram lol. I asked myself the same question... "i thought this was about NM?" But in his defense, we are seeking his perspective of intelligence &i rwally enjoyed this
Yes he does because we need to be reminded what our ancestors went through for us to be here to day let's get real for real have lost their desire for justice so I'm happy that he is speaking about it so we will never forget especially with the time that we're living in today's integrity and justice less and less each day I miss our younger generation that needs to this every color not just the blacks
Lets be honest: if there weren't big bucks to be made, the Wests and Mandelas wouldn't have bothered that much. If the slave trade, for instance, was to be pinned on the Jews and Arabs for their role, just imagine how little satisfaction West would've received?!
Tobias Louw i dnt follow jews/arab part. But def everyone is tryongvto get paid. Alas, if we revamp the system (rebellion) we could be free from this monetary [literal] mess
So you're saying if there wasnt injustice against blacks borne from white supremacy blacks wouldn't have to speak against it? What is beyond this stupid and obvious point?
I love this man. He is a beautiful human being. He is reminding us to treat each other with care and respect in order to remain human.
Dr. West is a profound and impactful intellectual. I hope he returns to Baltimore, MD, and soon, for one of his critical speeches.
Brilliant talk; the world needs more voices like yours Cornell.
Cornel is THE MAN!!
Bethany Hunt khj
Beloved fellow citizens of this shared planet,
Today, we gather not as separate nations but as one human family, bound by the collective dream for a world where the winds of change carry the promise of justice, equality, and freedom for all.
In the echoes of Bob Dylan's timeless question, we find ourselves pondering how many roads must be traversed before we can truly claim to have overcome the barriers that divide us. The answers, like the winds, may be elusive, but the inquiry remains an urgent call to action. We stand at a crossroads, where the harmonies of empathy and understanding must drown out the discord of discrimination.
Imagine a world, as John Lennon envisioned, where there are no boundaries to inhibit our shared humanity. Picture a realm where the colors of our diversity paint a tapestry of unity, and the collective heartbeat of compassion guides our journey. Let us cast aside the shackles of prejudice and envision a future where the dreams we hold in common are more potent than the differences that set us apart.
In the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.'s resounding dream, let us not judge one another by the color of our skin, our gender, or the circumstances of our birth. Instead, let us be measured by the content of our character and the compassion we extend to those who have been marginalized by the shadows of oppression.
Nelson Mandela, who stood before a courtroom with unwavering courage, spoke of a commitment to a struggle against all forms of domination. He spoke of a vision where individuals, regardless of their background, could bask in the sunlight of freedom and equality. It is a vision that echoes in our hearts today, a vision we must collectively breathe life into.
As we stand on the precipice of change, let this be a call to action for each one of us. The time has come for us to break the chains that bind our brothers and sisters, to dismantle the walls that separate us. Let the winds of change carry our collective voice, a voice that demands justice, equality, and dignity for every soul, in every corner of the globe.
Let us heed the lessons of Gandhi, a man who proved that the power of love and truth can overcome even the mightiest obstacles. His words echo through time, urging us to be the change we wish to see in the world.
Together, let us build a world where the dreams of Dylan, Lennon, King, Mandela and Gandhi converge into a symphony of hope-a world where the winds of change blow not only through the leaves of progress but through the hearts and minds of every person, kindling the flame of a brighter, more inclusive future. Every human being around this dear earth is seeking dignity and freedom. All are worthy of loving kind compassion.
Thank you, and may the Great Spirit of our ever evolving human consciousness light our way.
He is the original Mr. West!
One thing I've always noticed in the ego-mania that is academia, is everyone wanting to speak The man doesn't need 3 introductions from 3 different people. Let the man speak.
Brother West deserves many trumpets 🎺 🎺🎺🎺 sounds!!
Cc
Thank U. U right.
This major man gave me the greatest compliment ever, after this speech at USI.
(If I could handle the net, I'd like to approach him more directly.)
It is such a shame that Dr. West DOES NOT GET THE CREDIT THAT HE DESERVES OTHER THAN CAUCASIAN AMERICANS
Thanks for reassuring me to speak up and expose against religious terrorist and rapists,,even if that means against family
U go it. Sweetheart!
Dr West, I am very concerned that you become aware of Dr Stephan Greer and his recent forum at the Wshingto DC Press Club on the information shared about Black-Ops military tpwards the UAV programs and highly illegal operations they are engaginh in including chilld trsfficking snd human slavery. zi am a jazz msician and artist in New Orleans and I am your biggest fan and backer. I am in accord with all your aims and ideas. I am from Fresno CA, and so, your home boy as well.
Cornel is probably most brilliant human on Earth in 2020 ...nothing makes people more polite than a good ass whooping ..sometimes it's needed ..keep the baby from touching the hot stove
😂 we ain't your children we gods children the creator of the universe
Well done Dr Cornel West!!
on justice matters he is the only remaining a black prophet...my plan is to meet you someday,
Seriously....Cornel West gives the SAME speech everywhere he goes. Is this about Cornel West or Nelson Mandela? #ICant
2006neram lol. I asked myself the same question... "i thought this was about NM?" But in his defense, we are seeking his perspective of intelligence &i rwally enjoyed this
Yes he does because we need to be reminded what our ancestors went through for us to be here to day let's get real for real have lost their desire for justice so I'm happy that he is speaking about it so we will never forget especially with the time that we're living in today's integrity and justice less and less each day I miss our younger generation that needs to this every color not just the blacks
You should not serve two masters because you will mislead the flocks.
What is he saying? Does he know what he is saying? Tangential, confusing, a thistle. Surely good speeches exist. It's choked, and absent
It's pretty straightforward in concepts
How many hours have you put in studying and analyzing his rhetoric and sources and references to come to that opinion? More like freetobeignorant.
Maybe learn and get some wisdom, then comment, the reason we have people like Cornel on this earth is to challenge the ignorant like you.
@@Exzeteostffffiffffffffffirki k
Lets be honest: if there weren't big bucks to be made, the Wests and Mandelas wouldn't have bothered that much. If the slave trade, for instance, was to be pinned on the Jews and Arabs for their role, just imagine how little satisfaction West would've received?!
Tobias Louw i dnt follow jews/arab part. But def everyone is tryongvto get paid. Alas, if we revamp the system (rebellion) we could be free from this monetary [literal] mess
Tobias Louw fuck tou
@Tobias you're a little nobody that sounds jealous. An ignorant fool that benefited from white privilege.
So you're saying if there wasnt injustice against blacks borne from white supremacy blacks wouldn't have to speak against it? What is beyond this stupid and obvious point?