One of the nation's most renowned scholars in African-American studies is slated to give the keynote speech for this year's weeklong celebration of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday at UNC.
Cornel West, a professor of religion at Princeton University, will address the University community Jan. 21 during several days of events dedicated to King's remembrance.
Tickets for West's speech are free and will be available Thursday at the Carolina Union Box Office.
The scholar spent eight years at Harvard University, where he developed a doctoral program in Afro-American studies. He caught the eye of the national media last year during his public departure from Harvard over disagreements with the school's president.
But West probably is best known for his academic works, including his 1993 best-selling book "Race Matters." He also has served as a key adviser to former Sen. Bill Bradley's 2000 presidential campaign and will advise activist the Rev. Al Sharpton on his upcoming presidential bid.
West was scheduled to speak on campus at last year's celebration but had to cancel his public appearances due to illness. Former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders filled his spot, said Archie Ervin, UNC director of minority affairs.
But during planning for this year's events, West's name resurfaced as a natural choice.
Ervin, who chaired the chancellor's committee that organized the celebration in collaboration with 10 other campus organizations, said he is excited West could make it this time around.
"Dr. West is certainly an eminent academician," he said.
