A learned discussion with the always deep brother Cornel West about Ida B Wells, Ella Baker, W.E.B. Du Bois, Malcolm X, MLK, Fredrick Douglass, and the deep need for continued black prophetic fire. We must carry the cross for the people instead of carrying the flag for power. He compares the lesson ...more
What does a prominent American, black, male activist and theological professor have in common with a German, white, female professor of sociology? On the surface, not a great deal. However, their passion for historical social context, the lives of great black prophetic voices, examination of justice ...more
Fascinating and challenging book which features 6 conversations (about W.E.B. Dubois, Frederick Douglass, MLK, Jr, Ella Baker, Malcom X, and Ida B. Wells) between Cornel West and German scholar Christa Buschendorf. It was over my head at times (Cornel West REALLY likes to throw around names), but ra ...more
Really engaging. I think Christa Bushendorf was an interesting conversation partner and I loved how she constantly kept the topic/person central when it seemed like the digressions were going for too long. I wasn't feeling her introduction so much. But besides those things, I enjoyed the reading. Th ...more
What does it profit a people for a symbolic figure to gain presidential power if we turn our backs from the suffering of poor and working people, and thereby lose our souls? The Black prophetic tradition has tried to redeem the soul of our fragile democratic experiment. Is it redeemable? ...more
Very philosophical and it made you think how these 6 great leaders impacted the nation in their era. Plus, their lingering influences today. Dr. West and Dr. Christa Buschendorf had allowed me to become a participant in their discussions. ...more
“The Black prophetic tradition surely begins on the chocolate side of town, but like the blues and jazz, it has a universal message for all human beings concerned about justice and freedom.” Interesting read, especially regarding his critiques of Obama now that West himself is a presidential candida ...more
I requested this book as a Goodreads giveaway because I work at an HBCU and select books for our African American collection. This will definitley be added to the collection.
The subtitle identifies this as a dialogue between Cornel West and Christa Buschendorf. The dialog includes discussion of seve ...more