Cornel Ronald West is an American philosopher, theologian, political activist, social critic, actor, and public intellectual. The grandson of a Baptist minister, West's primary philosophy focuses on the roles of race, gender, and class struggle in American society. A socialist, West draws intellectual contributions from multiple traditions, including Christianity, the black church, democratic socialism, left-wing populism, neopragmatism, and transcendentalism. Among his most influential books are Race Matters (1993) and Democracy Matters (2004).
West in 2018
West (left) with Robert P. George (right) in 2018
West in January 2016
Nina Turner and West campaigning for Sanders in 2020
The black church is the faith and body of Christian denominations and congregations in the United States that predominantly minister to, and are also led by African Americans, as well as these churches' collective traditions and members. The term "black church" may also refer to individual congregations, including in traditionally white-led denominations.
Bethel AME Church in Palatka, Florida.
African American Baptist Church, Silver Hill Plantation, Georgetown County, South Carolina
"Wade in the water." A postcard of a river baptism in New Bern, North Carolina, around 1900.
Outside of a black church in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1935.