An Evening with Dr. Cornel West

Dr. Cornel West says his passion is to keep alive the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.-a legacy of telling the truth and bearing witness to love and justice. In addition to his posts at Harvard and Princeton, West has taught at Union Theological Seminary, Yale and the University of Paris. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard in three years and obtained his master’s and doctorate in philosophy at Princeton.
Sheryl Davis is the executive director of the San Francisco Human Rights Commission (HRC), a city agency mandated to address the causes of and problems resulting from prejudice, intolerance, bigotry and discrimination in San Francisco. Davis previously served as commissioner from 2011 to 2016, including a tenure as vice chair of the commission. Prior to her work with the HRC, she was the executive director of Collective Impact, a community-based organization in the Western Addition neighborhood of San Francisco.
In a polarized country, with issues of voter disenfranchisement, police shootings of unarmed African-Americans and discussions of reparations at the forefront, our guests will explore the possibilities for improved life outcomes and opportunities for black people, particularly in cities such as San Francisco as the wealth gap continues to swell. In commemoration of the 55th anniversary of the HRC, created in response to antiblack racism in businesses, government services and community investments, join us for a conversation with one of the nation’s most prominent and provocative civil rights champions about America’s (and San Francisco’s) present and future racial equity.
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The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum 📣, bringing together its 20,000 members for more than 400 annual events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy.
Founded in 1903 in San Francisco California 🌉, The Commonwealth Club has played host to a diverse and distinctive array of speakers, from Teddy Roosevelt in 1911 to Hillary Clinton in 2010. Along the way, Martin Luther King, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton have all given landmark speeches at the Club.

[@khubza8999]

"The condition of truth is to allow suffering to speak. "

[@3VLN]

Right. Mind blown.

[@nightoftheworld]

Indeed. Life is struggle

[@BeastmodeBeats]

Even down to your death on a dying bed, truth matters when your last words come into play while suffering..

[@appoNo1]

This guy is changing my life sentence by sentence. Thank you Joe Rogan for bringing him to my attention 👏

[@joevasquez1549]

I didn't know he was from Sacramento, CA. Wise one

[@stanchik25]

@@joevasquez1549 I didn't know that until he went on to Joe Rogan's podcast. As an immigrant that resides in Sac, I'm freaking proud!

[@plumreid]

I'm glad that you found Dr. Cornel West through Joe Rogan and simultaneously shocked. He's been one of America's most influential and beloved intellectuals for decades.

[@dylnthmsn420]

He's like a black Noam Chomsky!

[@imgayasheck595]

@@plumreid not exactly beloved, but tolerated due to Christian phrasing

[@memoriea]

I may be a woman, an atheist and so white I have to put on sunblock to go out in the full moon...but listening to Dr. West is like hearing my very soul speak to me....I feel recharged to live out my greatness even though it means facing my greatest pains, living in poverty, and dying in obscurity....Come on tomorrow. I am ready for you....

[@harrythompson9315]

I right there with you except I'm a man. I would love to hear west have a discussion with a secular humanist.

[@eval7952]

Wendy Taylor so almost like it doesn’t matter what your gender or race is! Something about humans having empathy.

[@imgayasheck595]

@@harrythompson9315... Why? What insight do you want? 'secular humanist' is pretty vacuous and worth criticism

[@helengarrett6378]

My story is the same. Pearls fall from Doctor West's mouth. He young people are not having the nonsense any more. They are our hope and our future. They are listening.

[@harrythompson9315]

@@imgayasheck595 ok, what is secular humanism and what criticisms do you have? What sort of moral/ethical system would be superior and how/why?

[@KarlaElaine100]

I love hearing Dr. West speak! He is honest and inspiring.

[@sonnysoprano2444]

Ya don't need to be an African American or an American..Christian or otherwise to admire someone like Dr West.All ya need to be is a human. Big respect and salute to Dr West from Singapore.

[@kaffekaffekaffe5225]

This man is a legend. He’s speaking so much truth. I’m proud to be his vanilla sister.

[@dudeman5303]

@Valerie Mc Phail as in the term vanilla offends white people in South Africa?

[@vigadotibrand1677]

We need to honor this living legend. One of the greatest minds in the 21st Century.

[@louise-yo7kz]

Indeed👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@briantyson6138]

And 20th

[@samdegoeij6576]

I'm a non-religious secular white men but, I love the way Cornel West speaks haven't read any of his books yet and I hope he one day might visit my country of the Netherlands. I don't just love the way he speaks but, also his message of love and tolerance.

[@aisea9272]

Youre right sister

[@d-5037]

Dr. West represents humans and humanity at its deepest and most insightful level. Thank you.

[@paradisecaregiving7126]

Every American should hear this prophetic patriot speak. Our very own Dr. West.💜💚💙 This conversation begins and ends... and in the middle... With Love. "A love SUPREME"... Thank you Commonwealth Club for spreading the Love and allowing this Supreme message to flourish.

[@swishhhhh7048]

I'm Puerto Rican, German, Jewish, and Native American, I love hearing Dr. West speak. He touches everyone of my bloodlines.

[@belkys120]

swishhhhh : THATS IS AN AMAZING HERITAGE .!!!!!!! . WITHIN U .!!!!!!! .🙏🏾📚👍📚.....

[@swishhhhh7048]

@@belkys120 Thank you! My son, Young Maximus Swisher is all that plus Irish! I will raise him to love all people's and defend truth! Thanks and praises to Dr. West!

[@tarmorion8733]

I'm only Tar Morion, the lord of chaos and darkness. ;)

[@WilmerCook]

I feel the same way I am, native American,Portuguese, French, Spanish, Basque, Scott-Irish, Italian, Armenian, Bantu, Congolese, and Hindi. I'm also an American. I love brother West!

[@roc7880]

you are just homo sapiens. like me

[@solidaritytime3650]

His speech, his way of communicating is DAMN electrifying. Clearly one of the great academic/political minds of our times.

[@azzy1971]

Truth always destroys falsehood. This man speaks the Truth.

[@craighicksartwork]

What an absolute prophet this man is. The only awful thing is that there aren't more like him.

[@CriPPleR_HD]

This man is a natural treasure!

[@paulmartin3138]

Cornel West is as incisive and relevant as ever - a progressive voice that I can long identify with. I met him in London circa 1985 when he stayed at the Wandsworth Manse where my family and I boarded for a while with our Methodist friend, Hewie Andrew. He, Hewie and I drove to a Sunday church service where he delivered a powerful message. I was visiting for the weekend from Leicester where I studied. Hewie subsequently visited us in Jamaica. Need I say again that I've had an ear for the philosopher-activist (and a number of other aligned progressive voices) over the years. He echoes beyond US borders. - Paul E. Martin, Kingston, JA.

[@choochoose]

"This is not a military band, this is a Jazz Orchestra."

[@Hunter_Brandon2]

There aren’t too many people who I’m this excited about listening to for an hour.

[@nightoftheworld]

1:00:06 “You don’t have to agree on everything. This is not a _military band,_ this is a _jazz orchestra.”_

[@simbadraven5915]

I LOVE YOU DR. CORNEL WEST. YOU ARE PERHAPS THE GREATEST EXAMPLE OF THE BEST THAT HUMANITY HAS TO OFFER. BLESS YOUR SOUL. YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOURSELF WITH THE WORLD.

[@GankWater]

Dr. Cornel West is truly an American treasure, for someone to talk about such visceral and important topics, while still inspiring hope in 2019 is nothing short of incredible. I cant express with words how much listening to Dr. West can calm me down and make me feel sane. In a world where the majority of media is literally just a machine churning out content, trying to convert outrage into ad revenue, Im buying all of his books and flushing my phone down the toilet.

[@DaBrowns33]

Dr. West has a way of cutting against the grain that is unmatched. His brilliance can deeply expose hypocrisy but he does it in such a gentle and profound way.

[@alipq777]

You activate our social awareness brother west. Much love!

[@trevorsmith8950]

West makes me feel like I'm in church! Hallelujah.

[@chadalpha7983]

West is Best? hell yeah, Brother Cornel is a national treasure.

[@AlternativeBrew]

I beg to differ, This Dr West is a treasure for the whole world. 😅😍. Been listening to him for the last three years here in South Africa and I have learnt a lot.

[@NikolajLRasmussen]

Agree with Avha. Watching from Scandinavia. Brother West should be translated into all the languages of the world! Especially Arabic because I know some progressive people in Gaza and the Arab Peninsula who are anti-imperialist but have a hard time selling progressive points because those are considered (Westerrn) imperialist in nature. Also him being Christian will actually help because people there in general think that people without faith are immoral.

[@eileenmc4746]

this plus Joe Rogan show with Cornel the insightful grounded brain- two in two days. whoopee.

[@nicolung]

He's getting busy!

[@TheWonderGirl23]

I needed to hear this and have the renewal of the mind. To refortify myself and replenish my spirit with optimism and joy. Between Doctor Cornell West and Fred Rogers recently I really feel better because I felt like this society was taking my joy.

[@janwag6856]

TheWonderGirl23 Replenish your soul with the the fabulous young people who are coming of age.

[@JBrumley32771]

What is so powerful about Dr. West is, yes, he just did two long interviews, but he doesn't repeat himself. He has so much wisdom stored within himself that he draws different examples to illustrate his thesis. I'm grateful that he's in this whole at this time to speak truth to power.

[@DME309]

Are you Serious, Here comes the Nazi, Communist, Zombie 🧟‍♀️, Marxist, toothless, ruthless STEPPIN Fetchit, GTFOH, sleeping on the floor in the College teaching the youth about Communism

[@georgekarasavidis1530]

One great human being

[@gzup8678]

Keep it coming Dr. West

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Dr. West is so right about musical artists. I was in college in political theory and our professor used to hand out song lyrics for our class to discuss.

[@yurik1068]

I saw Cornell West 35 years ago in Harlem loved him then, love him more every day because every time I listen to him I learn more. Mostly I love his love for humanity.

[@belkys120]

Yurik : LIFE IS ABOUT LEARNING . !!!!!!! . AND SHARE WITH OTHERS .!!!!!! . TO MAKE CHANGE .!!!!!.🙏🏾🚨🙏🏾📚📖📚🔥...

[@mcbain1969]

With me not being an American I didn't know about Dr. West at all until maybe 7months ago. Listening to him in several videos made me reconnect with a part of my humanity that was buried for too long. An amazing person, I wish him all the best.

[@SteveScottRootsMusic]

Witnessing a great truth teller....

[@caniican]

hands down the smartest man alive. you light me up every time I hear you speak with such class such Clarity such passion knowledge. never been more impressed with another person cuz I feel he has the power to change this world if only the higher-ups in our government will listen to him!

[@thalgott3]

#Bernie2020 is listening. Dr. West is campaigning with Bernie as time allows.

[@maggazilla]

He is a global resource for a better tomorrow for all human beings!

[@ggeorgeherny]

Thank you for bringing back to reality. Words of Wisdom to stir the soul.

[@edwinsellas3960]

I am sorry for not having had the good fortune of sitting in one of his classes. He is inspiring and a very fine intellect, of the finest caliber. Hearing him speak has brought tears to my eyes, and has reawakened the passion in my heart..

[@roc7880]

I hate those bastards at Princeton going to his classes. can you imagine having your essay corrected by him? I would frame them

[@ghamdios]

We always under value and sometimes we ignore pioneers and legends of our time; but once, they are gone, we blame ourselves so hard for not capitalizing their presence at that time. Dr. West is one of the very very very few people WHO REALLY care and I am saying that although I am not an American because America can do MUCH better than being an imprelastic state.

[@johnnyblaze2620]

What America NEEDS IS A PRESIDENT LIKE DR. CORNEL WEST!!!! A MAN OF INTEGRITY!!!

[@akkdl5pau]

"It's got everything to do with putting you up, in this society, where the systems, the structures are geared and designed to put you down. Here's some self-respect, here's some self-determination, here's some self-love, that is a counter voice against what is in place."

[@blackbuddha8167]

The knowledge and the love that comes from this man is amazing

[@jeromehammond]

Sheryl did a superb job as host, interviewer, conversation guide, and amen-corner. The perfect choice to accompany Dr. West.

[@DearProfessorRF]

“In war truth is the first casualty…” What a monumental TRUTH!

[@cruze_missile3362]

Much respect for Cornell West...”light in the darkness “.

[@grmpEqweer]

I love the heck out of this man.

[@Marxist2]

Always a pleasre to hear & see the wisdom that Dr. West brings to the world.

[@memoriea]

What is the source of my enduring joy?...I recently came face to face with it...My source of joy is being a source of unconditional maternal love, holding space for people allowing them to find their power and stitch together their shattered souls... or allowing a child to discover their inner strength...or finding the options that allow an individual to tare down the walls that imprison them....there is no greater joy then watching the butterfly dry its wings and fly away....It is not in the thanks, it is not about earning points...It is a pure joy, a reaffirmation of the oneness of humanity, I get so much and give so little because giving love grows love it does not diminish it...in the end I feel more that I owe them a dept, a dept I can only repay by my undying faith in them even as I know I will never see them again....that is my enduring joy...without wich my fleeting comforts would turn to ash in my mouth...

[@helengarrett6378]

Eell, i hate to pop your poetry. My path is pragmatic. My love for Dr. West is every day problem solving and doing as little harm as possible while lifting up as many as possible. Also, trying not to lose my temper with the mass idiocy this Trumpist era brings out of me.

[@billiebleach7889]

I could listen all night to Sheryl Davis saying “Mmmm well”

[@tanyalake9152]

I am binging-watching Dr./Philosopher Cronel West today. He makes me cry because he touches on person issues/strugles that I am still going through. I love that he is also a great listener, comprehends, and pay attention. Not too many people have those attributes/characteristics/qualities when it comes to the less fortunate, marginalized groups or people. Majority of society are still brainwashed sheeple, and don't realize it nor care to.

[@robertyw2842]

I like how Sheryl kept on reminding brother West of the context of her question by keep on asking him: Who? Who?.... It's kind of funny; but certainly one great attribute of an excellent interviewer/host.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

Dr. West is my intellectual along with Dr. Noam Chomsky. Read and act even small acts great things will and do happen. I believe in small acts building larger ones.

[@lumpyloks]

Political courage and integrity should still be aspiring qualities in the USA. Dr. West does not want us to forget that.

[@rendellbarnes2569]

" The last thing we need is a black person....who loves everything but black people "

[@anthonysmith8624]

That's black truth. I love it. Dr. Cornel West is a national treasure.

[@belkys120]

THE GREAT THING ABOUT , DR. WEST , [. HE IS NOT POLITICAL CORRECT ] !!!!!!! . . HE SAYS HIS MIND AND EXPERIENCE .!!!! . THATS MISSING , IN MOST POLITICIANS AND PASTORS .!!!!!! . SOME CALL IT HONESTY !!!! ....THANK YOU .!!!!!!! ..... 🙏🏾📚🙏🏾👍❤️.....

[@hemispace641]

Dr. Cornel West quotes Edward F. Adams at his 1st presentation at the Common Wealth Club in 1903: "We want to find the truth and set it loose in the world..." I just had to stop what I was doing and thinking, pause the video, and think about that quote. Then write this comment... Time to un-pause the video and listen closely.

[@mr.inspire6469]

Inspirational Intellect and Insight from a Love Warrior🔥

[@yaphetbruce9321]

Always love brother West! Truth to power.

[@princeblizzard3077]

AWESOME DISPLAY OF KNOWLEDGE OF THE HUMAN CONDITIONS.....

[@guidocasero1178]

Dr. West is a good man I like to hear him talk funny at times but really enjoy it.

[@lenabena492]

May God continue to bless him!!! #truth

[@stephenrooney8442]

Fantastic 👌🏻 what a human being

[@elianeaguiar4489]

Love this man!!!

[@scientifico]

Of all the things Cornel is, he's also entertaining!

[@rogercole2106]

Dr. Cornel West is an inspiration, he is an international leader. As an Irish Republican, I know all about Imperialism, including the over 3 million US troops that and in Shannon Airport on their ways to the perpetual wars of the US Empire.

[@nkululekonazo5755]

I just love how he tied up music 🎶 Jazz especially with politics...that Miles Davis and John Coltrane annology was got...the Boyonce being part of the great traditional after Aretha Franklin.🖤👑❤️

[@nkululekonazo5755]

Beyonce

[@murphinski]

This is Coronel West at his best!!!

[@indigoroots]

He really speaks with a lot of passion in this venue, compared to other interviews.

[@neonvandal8770]

The spiritual rays of this man - blinding! 🔥🔥🔥

[@mpahou1]

Dr. West, I hope the rules will be fair in your lifetime.

[@emilypotato9495]

Thank you so much,Dr. West. I intend to” find “ my own voice and to use it in the service of all.

[@roc7880]

justice is what love looks in public. i hate public spaces without love

[@adams6782]

That was beautiful

[@senavicente]

Here's a man who can "tell it like it is" without being hateful, derogatory, and bigoted. Unlike our current president. God bless our country with Dr. West.

[@carlkaufman2429]

Dr. West is great to listen to. She needs to stop "hmmm" 'ing. Driving me crazy.

[@louise-yo7kz]

Very distracting

[@rachelsc1]

I wonder if she realizes how often she does it

[@carlkaufman2429]

@@rachelsc1 It's her attempt at active listening. Someone needs to give her some constructive criticism.

[@Psychoclaw]

"If you gave birth to yourself, please stand up" dead, this is all so wonderful

[@lyvonrodgers8846]

ONE DAY , TRUTH SHALL PREVAIL !!!!! DON'T WAIT !!! PRACTICE !!!

[@suzushiEitan]

Preach!

[@gogadgetgo3125]

Real poetic, having willie brown given an earful, a righteous earful at that, by the dear brother Dr. Cornell West, lol.

[@cecilepovich3861]

Oh I love substance.This man,oh my G.

[@stevej.7926]

The Rosetta Stone of Truth for the 20th and 21st centuries.

[@tigerstyle4505]

"Learning to live means learning how to die!" The host/interviewer seemed to enjoy the talk as much as anybody lol I dig it. ✊👊✌♥ (A)///(E)

[@BeastmodeBeats]

So much game, so much truth!

[@CARLOSEZETA1]

Dr. West was simply brilliant.

[@m.c.soldiersoldier1419]

Amen this brother is on point and when he said your fake your fake and i love that hes Christian and he walks and operates in love.And he aint got room for no haters drunk on Poision he talks about the Barrio hes on point he says Gangster and now we know who stold the whole world.

[@anthonyvaughan6470]

BIG UP RESPECT !

[@susanmadison6466]

This brother on some powerful stuff!!!!!! Militant- Spiritualist rare combination.

[@slowbaker]

Best jazz concert ever!!

[@roc7880]

If you like this you should read Jazz novel by Toni M. I could not read more than one page at a time without crying

[@dyvonnegunn6661]

Coltrane is on the stage, sound the trumpet...

[@metalfacedoom71]

I do love me some Doctor Cornel West - thank you brother

[@commonwealthclubworldaffairs]

Thanks for listening

[@briantyson6138]

Anyone who does not recognize his brilliance is a real dum-dum.

[@juliespencer1587]

Right On Brother!!

[@lasha4585]

And a Black baby has the same right to life as all other babies!!!

[@thalgott3]

@Commonwealth Club you need to re-upload this video un-edited. None of this great man's words should be cut from his thoughts. If he curses, then it is being done for a purpose. *Do not censor Dr. Cornel West!*

[@justinbustin677]

This human is on point.

[@asarhadar1863]

I think the military spending is going to keep growing as long as some elements remain privatized. If those contract soldiers don't get theirs. There's no telling what country they will sign a contract with.

[@mongoharry]

We need a hundred more like him. I mean, not just believers in equality, but believers with GIANT MEGAPHONES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@henrywatts7033]

Also read: What It Takes by Schwarzman

[@MentalPolution]

Ashford & Simpson - Send It

[@louise-yo7kz]

ALL forms of weaponry.

[@TheCaptainblaubeere]

dr cornel west is the goat !

[@Zxx459]

Truth....can he run for president??? " if you are successful and want to be great, you better have a quality of service connected to your success! COLTRANE LIVES,THX CORNELL 🙏

[@pamelahall857]

We should have evolved as a people at this point in time where we can now look around and recognize only one race _______The Human Race !!!!

[@jthomas2341]

Amen! What kind of fruit are you bearing?