February 2008 E-Newsletter 

Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education
3401 Brook Road
Richmond, VA 23227

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Glenn Birch
Phone: 804.278.4306
FAX: 804.355.5648
E-mail: gbirch@union-psce.edu

Cornel West Speaks April 23

Richmond, VA — February 15, 2008 — One of America's most gifted, provocative, and important public intellectuals, Dr. Cornel West, will give a public lecture at Union Theological Seminary & Presbyterian School of Christian Education at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2008.
 
West is an honored member of the faculty at Princeton University. He is known for writing, speaking, and teaching that weaves together the American traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz.
 
West is the author of more than 17 books. A recipient of the American Book Award for the best-selling Race Matters (1993), he has been praised by The New York Times for his "ferocious moral vision," and speaks with a distinctive voice about the thorniest social and political issues of our day, bridging the gap between black and white opinion.
 
West earned the Ph.D. from Princeton University in 1980. From 1988 - 1994, he was director of the University's Program in African American Studies.
 
West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy. He appeared in a recurring role in the final two films.
 
Union-PSCE, located at 3401 Brook Road, Richmond, Virginia, is co-sponsoring the event with partners at Virginia Commonwealth University, Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, the School of Theology at Virginia Union University, the University of Richmond, Randolph-Macon College, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College, and other institutions in the Richmond area.
 
For students at Union-PSCE, Professor Katie Geneva Cannon is organizing a series of discussions focused on Cornel West's published works in the weeks leading up to the lecture. Cannon, a member of the faculty of Union-PSCE since 2001, is the first African American woman ordained in the Presbyterian Church.
 
The event will be free and open to the public, and a large crowd is expected. Seating is limited. Tickets will be available by calling (804) 278-4223 after April 1, 2008.