Speaking Freely with Dr. Cornel West

Speaking Freely with Dr. Cornel West

Date: February 6, 2025

Keynote and discussion

EVENT TIME
12 pm

EVENT LOCATION
The University Union Ballroom

ADMISSION
Free with RSVP
Ticket information to come

DESCRIPTION
Sacramento State University is set to host a momentous event featuring the renowned philosopher, academic, and public intellectual Dr. Cornel West. Best known for his profound insights on justice, love, and democracy, Dr. West will deliver a keynote address titled "Speaking Freely with Dr. Cornel West" on Thursday, February 6, 2025, in the University Union Ballroom. The event, free of charge, begins at 12:00 p.m. and promises an afternoon of intellectual enrichment and engaging dialogue.

Dr. West, affectionately known as "Brother West," currently holds the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary, where he teaches courses that span a vast range of disciplines, from philosophy and religion to African American critical thought. A champion of justice and truth, Dr. West has dedicated his life to keeping alive the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. — a legacy rooted in truth-telling and bearing witness to love and justice.
A graduate of Harvard University, where he earned his degree magna cum laude in just three years, and Princeton University, where he completed his M.A. and Ph.D. in Philosophy, Dr. West is an accomplished scholar and author. His seminal works, including Race Matters and Democracy Matters, have profoundly shaped public discourse on race, politics, and society. His most recent book, Black Prophetic Fire, delves into the visionary legacies of African American leaders from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

In addition to his prolific writing, Dr. West has extended his teachings to a broader audience through MasterClass, where he collaborates on courses that explore empathy, Black history, and the enduring quest for justice. His engaging and accessible style has made him a beloved figure among students, activists, and scholars alike.

Dr. West’s keynote at Sacramento State will focus on the theme of free speech and freedom of expression, topics that are as urgent as they are timeless. Following his address, Dr. West will join Sacramento State President Luke Wood on stage at 1:00 p.m. for a moderated discussion. This conversation will further explore the intersections of free speech, equity, and education, offering attendees a unique opportunity to witness the exchange of ideas between two transformative leaders.

This event is co-sponsored by UNIQUE Programs, the University Union, the Dean of Students, Student Affairs, the Office of the President, Black Honors College and the Humanities & Religious Studies Department. Admission is free, but RSVP is required. Interested attendees can secure their spot by visiting SacStateUNIQUE.com.

Dr. Cornel West’s visit to Sacramento State is more than an academic occasion; it is an invitation to engage with pressing societal issues through the lens of one of our era’s most compelling thinkers. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to experience an afternoon of enlightenment and inspiration. Mark your calendar and join the Sacramento State community in celebrating the power of dialogue and the enduring pursuit of justice.

All ages permitted. No alcohol sold or permitted at venue. Open to the general public.
 

SPONSORED BY
UNIQUE Programs
The University Union
Dean of Students
Student Affairs
Office of the President
Humanities & Religious Studies Department
Black Honors College

PARKING INFORMATION
A Sac State parking permit is required to be displayed while parked on campus. You may only parking student parking spaces. To purchase a $8 daily (or $4 two-hour) parking permit:
•    Sign up for a PayByPhone account and download the app. When you arrive on campus, enter location number "5115" into the app to pay your parking fee.
•    When you arrive on campus, pay with cash or credit at any permit machine located in all student parking lots/structures. View the campus map for permit machine locations.

Your parking permit is only valid in student parking spaces. The closest parking to the University Union is Parking Structure II. Please view driving to campus and campus map for directions. A printable campus map is also available.

SPECIAL ACCOMMODATIONS
Individuals needing reasonable accommodations must contact us within 5 business days of the event at UNIQUEPrograms@SacStateUNIQUE.com or (916) 278-3928.

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