Prophetic Leadership and Visionary Hope: New Essays on the Work of Cornel West

In 1993, Cornel West's book "Race Matters" became a bestseller. Thirty years later, his book remains relevant to American culture, particularly in the context of contemporary racial justice movements like Black Lives Matter, prison justice, and police reform. "Prophetic Leadership and Visionary Hope," an edited volume of essays by leading scholars in Black studies, religious studies, and social justice history, explores the legacy of West's book and looks forward to racial understanding and healing in the current century. The volume addresses issues such as leadership, liberal affirmative action, African American conservatism, cross-race solidarity, and black rage, which are even more marked in American society today.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Thirty years have passed since Cornel West's groundbreaking book, Race Matters, first reached the top of the bestseller lists in 1993. However, its relevance to American culture remains as profound as ever, especially in light of its influence on contemporary racial justice movements like Black Lives Matter, prison justice, and the fight for police reform. In response to Dr. West's ongoing call for us to understand our present and future by looking back, Prophetic Leadership and Visionary Hope, an edited volume of essays by esteemed scholars in Black studies, religious studies, and social justice history, delves into the original 1993 text and explores the future of racial understanding and healing in our present century.

The book offers fresh perspectives on the thorny issues that the 1993 text addressed, including the challenge of leadership in a culture shaped by white supremacy, the limitations of liberal affirmative action programs in affirming Black humanity, the dangers of African American conservatism, the complexities of cross-race solidarity and cross-religious affinity, and the importance of channeling legitimate Black rage over unjust conditions into productive opportunities and viewpoints. These issues are even more pronounced in American society today.

The voices collected in this volume are the rightful heirs of the original Race Matters. With essays spanning a wide range of topics, including history, politics, philosophy, religion, cultural studies, music, and aesthetics, Prophetic Leadership and Visionary Hope is as diverse as the issues it addresses.

By reengaging with West's seminal work at this critical juncture, the book provides new avenues for understanding and addressing the pressing racial challenges of our time. It serves as a testament to the enduring power of West's ideas and a call to action for all who seek to build a more just and equitable society.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781512824070