Cornel
West is an African-American scholar and intellectual whose best-selling 1993 book,
Race Matters, helped to reshape the course of dialogue on race, justice
and democracy in America. Currently a professor of Religion and African American
Studies at Princeton University, Dr. West has won numerous awards, including the
American Book Award as well as over 20 honorary degrees. His
other important works helping to advance the cause of a more socially just nation
include, The African-American Century: How Black Americans Have Shaped Our
Century and The Future of American Progressivism. He has worked with
many political and social organizations, including co-chairing the Task Force
on Parent Empowerment with the National Parenting Organization and was an integral
part of President Clinton’s National Conversation on Race.
Cornel West was also influential in developing the philosophic ideas behind the
storyline of the box-office hit Matrix movies, and appeared in a recurring
role in the final two movies of the trilogy.