Contemplations on the State of Our Democratic System
In the midst of challenging times, the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA is looking to reinspire everyone with its bright spirit. This spirit will be celebrated, savored, and loved during these turbulent times, as the School of Music continues to stand as a beacon of democracy.
Yesterday, the state of Georgia made history by welcoming its first African American senator. To celebrate this momentous occasion, peaches—a symbol of Georgia—were planned to be sent to friends. The hope embodied by these victories in Georgia serves as a source of inspiration for many.
In line with this, the School of Music is launching the Still Waiting speaker series. The inaugural event will feature a conversation between Eileen L. Strempel, the Inaugural Dean of The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, and two esteemed figures: Cornel West and Arturo O'Farrill.
Cornel West, an American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist, is renowned for his work on race, class, and justice. West's academic and public intellectual career includes teaching at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary. His philosophical approach incorporates democratic socialism, Christian ethics, and American pragmatism.
Arturo O'Farrill, a musician known for socially conscious work, will join West in conversation on January 7, 2021, at 3 p.m. at The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA. Although the specific context and themes of their dialogue are not yet fully disclosed, such conversations typically focus on cultural, social, and political themes, often relating to music, social justice, and activism. For more details, it is recommended to check UCLA's Herb Alpert School of Music official announcements or event pages.
The conversation between West and O'Farrill is intended to inspire collective care for the most vulnerable among us and to keep the spirit and heart of democracy alive. This is particularly poignant following the violent mob that stormed the United States Capitol yesterday with impunity, stoked by the current president and his supporters.
Meanwhile, the practice of democracy at its best has been observed at the School of Music. In the recent election, 98% of the marching band voted, demonstrating a commitment to active participation in the democratic process. Members of the Anti-Racism Action Committee at the School of Music also devoted themselves to a voting campaign this fall.
Black women and their allies worked tirelessly to ensure votes were respected and counted, and their efforts serve as a testament to the power of collective action. Discussion, compromise, and collective care are emphasized as essential for democracy, and the events at the School of Music aim to embody these values.
The inaugural event in the Still Waiting speaker series is a call to move forward together, not be influenced by yesterday's display of hatred. It is a reminder that even in difficult times, the hope for a better future persists, and it is through collective action, dialogue, and care that we can work towards a more just and equitable society.
- The 'Still Waiting' speaker series at the Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, will delve into social and political themes, drawing from the expertise of speakers like Cornel West and Arturo O'Farrill, who, respectively, are known for their work on race, class, and justice, and socially conscious music.
- The school's commitment to active participation in democracy was evident in the recent election where 98% of the marching band voted, and members of the Anti-Racism Action Committee undertook a voting campaign.
- Awareness and action against war, conflicts, and general news-worthy events are not absent from this series, as the conversation between West and O'Farrill may likely touch upon music, social justice, and activism, considering the contemporary political climate.
- In the face of unfortunate incidents like the mob's attack on the United States Capitol, the series aims to inspire collective care for the most vulnerable, reminding everyone that hope for a better future and a more just society lies in collaborative action, open dialogue, and mutual care.
