April 11th 2024.
It was a monumental moment in the presidential race as independent candidate Cornel West announced his running mate on The Tavis Smiley Radio Show on April 11. Dr. Melina Abdullah, a prominent Black Lives Matter activist and professor, was chosen by West to join him in his campaign. This partnership was seen as a significant step towards their shared mission of fighting for justice, equality, and the empowerment of marginalized communities.
In his announcement, West expressed his reasoning for choosing Abdullah as his running mate, stating that he wanted someone who shared his dedication to uplifting the poor and working class, regardless of their race. He praised Abdullah for her unwavering commitment to the cause and her history of activism. Abdullah, a 51-year-old professor of Pan-African studies at California State University, is also a founding member of the Black Lives Matter movement and the director of Black Lives Matter Grassroots. Her strong advocacy for systemic change and her focus on education and political organization have earned her recognition as a highly respected community organizer.
Abdullah took to Twitter to share her excitement about the new role, stating that her spirit was soaring. She expressed her deep honor and gratitude to be chosen as West's vice presidential candidate and declared her readiness to work alongside him in their campaign.
During the announcement on the radio show, Abdullah joined West in the studio and expressed her admiration for him, calling him one of the most brilliant people she had ever encountered. She shared how she was initially drawn to his candidacy and immediately said yes when he and his wife, Annahita, asked her to join them. She even shouted her response in excitement.
Abdullah also reflected on her first encounter with West as an undergraduate student at Howard University and how she later reconnected with him at a Black Lives Matter event. In a press release on West's campaign website, she expressed her deep honor and humility to work with him and described their campaign as offering a vision that goes against oppressive forces and upholds the principles of truth, justice, and love.
Aside from her work as an activist and professor, Abdullah is known for using her platform to criticize cultural symbols and institutions that she believes perpetuate oppression. She has been vocal about her disapproval of the American flag and controversial organizations like the New York Police Department. In the past, she has even compared the NYPD to the KKK, stating that they are one and the same. She has also spoken out against Beyoncé's use of the American flag in her album cover, citing its history of representing the genocide of Indigenous people and the exploitation of Black people.
However, Abdullah clarified that her critiques should not be seen as hate, but rather as important and healthy discussions. She emphasized the importance of addressing issues and using one's voice to bring about change and progress. With West by her side, Abdullah is ready to continue using her voice and her platform to advocate for justice and equality for all.
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