Contemplations Regarding Our Political System
Yesterday, the nation witnessed a shocking assault against its most foundational institutions, as a mob stormed the United States Capitol with impunity. Amidst this chaos, a glimmer of hope emerged from Georgia, where the results of the senate elections marked a historic moment. Georgia welcomed its first African American senator, and the celebration extended to the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA.
In a show of democracy at its best, 98% of the school's marching band exercised their right to vote. Members of the School of Music's Anti-Racism Action Committee dedicated themselves to a campaign focused on inspiring colleagues to vote. The spirit and heart of democracy were also kept alive through the school's inaugural event in its speaker series, titled "Still Waiting."
Scheduled for January 7, 2021, at 3 p.m., the event will take place at The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA. The series aims to encourage discussion, compromise, and collective care for the most vulnerable among us. The first event in the series features Cornel West, an American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, author, and political activist.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1953, West is known for his work on race, justice, and democracy. He has taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard and Princeton, and is the author of influential books such as Race Matters. For this event, West will join associate dean and colleague Arturo O'Farrill in conversation.
The "Still Waiting" speaker series is a platform for engaging conversations, likely focusing on themes related to social justice, culture, and music. The series aligns with West's well-known role as a public intellectual who addresses power, justice, and democracy through lectures and discussions.
The hope embodied by yesterday's victories in Georgia serves as a source of inspiration for moving forward. As we wait for change, it is emphasized that we must act. The Herb Alert School of Music, UCLA, is open to communities beyond the school, inviting all to join in the conversation.
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cornel_West [2] https://www.britannica.com/biography/Cornel-West [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/28/arts/music/cornel-west-arturo-ofarrill-book.html [4] https://www.ucla.music.ucla.edu/people/eileen-l-strempel [5] https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/258258/race-matters-by-cornel-west/
- The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, through its speaker series titled "Still Waiting," encourages dialogue on social justice, culture, and music, providing a platform for intellectual figures like Cornel West, who have made significant contributions to education and self-development, personal growth, and politics, particularly in discussions about race, justice, and democracy.
- Amidst the turbulence of war and conflicts, political upheavals, and crimes, it is essential to focus on personal growth and education-and-self-development, as embodied by the Herb Alpert School of Music's Anti-Racism Action Committee, which strives for collective change and engagement in democratic processes.
- In the pursuit of general news and staying informed, attending events such as the "Still Waiting" speaker series at the Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, provides opportunities for personal development and growth, as well as engagement with influential figures in politics, culture, and justice, like Cornel West.
