Contemplations on the State of Our Government
Yesterday was a day of significant events, both positive and negative, across the United States. While a violent mob stormed the United States Capitol with impunity, threatening violence as they tried to "stop the steal," black women and their allies worked tirelessly to ensure that the right to vote would be respected and that their votes would be counted.
In a stark contrast, the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA demonstrated the practice of democracy at its best. Yesterday, the school observed 98% of its marching band voting, a testament to the spirit and heart of democracy.
In light of these events, the school is set to celebrate its bright spirit, savour its savour, and love it even more during these turbulent times. The School of Music's guiding lights are expected to reinspire everyone, as they aim to move forward together, inspired not by yesterday's display of hatred.
Eileen L. Strempel, the Inaugural Dean of The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, has announced an inaugural event for a new speaker series called "Still Waiting." This series is expected to promote discussion, compromise, and collective care for the most vulnerable. It is an initiative to imbue and animate democracy with hope.
On January 7, 2021, at 3 p.m., Cornel West, an American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, author, and political activist, will join Arturo O'Farrill in conversation for the inaugural event of the "Still Waiting" speaker series. West is best known for his influential 1993 book Race Matters, which addresses the spiritual and social crises facing African Americans and critiques Black leadership in the U.S.
Cornel West has taught at prestigious institutions including Harvard, Princeton, and Union Theological Seminary. His wide-ranging work on race, class, and justice from a perspective blending democratic socialism, Christian morality, and American pragmatism has made him a prominent figure in academia and activism.
The event will take place at The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA. It is open to communities beyond the school, encouraging the spirit and heart of democracy to remain alive. The hope embodied by yesterday's victories in Georgia, such as the state welcoming its first African American senator, is being emphasized as a source of inspiration.
As we continue to wait for a more just and equitable society, events like the "Still Waiting" speaker series offer a message of hope and action. The message is to act while waiting, implying continued action towards democracy and social issues. The series aims to inspire and motivate, reminding us that we must not let yesterday's displays of hatred define our future.
- In contrast to war and conflicts, the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA showcases personal growth and education-and-self-development during turbulent times, as demonstrated by their high voting participation.
- General news about the violent mob storming the United States Capitol highlights the need for discussion, compromise, and care for the vulnerable, which is the focus of the upcoming "Still Waiting" speaker series event at the Herb Alpert School of Music.
- As Cornel West, a prominent figure in academia and activism, participates in the inaugural event of the "Still Waiting" series, he encourages continued action towards democracy and social issues, rather than letting hatred define the future.
- Crime-and-justice issues, such as the storming of the Capitol, underscore the importance of personal growth, education, and democracy, values that are emphasized in both the School of Music's practices and the "Still Waiting" speaker series.
