"Cornel West's Speech for the Regents Makes a Massive Impact"
In a thought-provoking lecture at UCLA's Schoenberg Hall, renowned philosopher and social critic Dr. Cornel West emphasised the transformative power of music as a tool for social change and personal expression.
Delivering the UC Regents' Lecture on May 11, 2023, Dr. West, an American philosopher, scholar of African American studies, and political activist, shared his perspective on the "musical vocation" – a concept that views music not just as entertainment but as a powerful medium for social critique and empowerment.
Dr. West's lecture, titled "The Musical Vocation in our Bleak Times," highlighted the role of music in challenging societal norms and fostering hope in times of despair. He traced the subversive power of music back to ancient Greek philosopher Plato and through the soul music of Curtis Mayfield, demonstrating how music has been a catalyst for social change throughout history.
During the question-and-answer session, Dr. West was approached by a student in the front row who asked a question, despite the moderator attempting to wrap up the program. This interaction underscored the personal and engaging nature of Dr. West's discussions, where he encourages open dialogue and questions.
After the talk and questions, some audience members left, but others congregated in the hall and on the steps to Schoenberg Hall. Dr. West lingered in the aisles, talking with students, taking pictures with them, and hugging each of them. This display of warmth and connection underscored Dr. West's belief in the community aspect of music and the importance of authentic connections in the artistic journey.
Seychelle Gabriel, a third-year ethnomusicology student, was inspired by Dr. West's emphasis on invocation in her study of ethnomusicology. She believes that everyone has a unique musical journey and that music can be a powerful means of self-expression and personal growth.
Mikey Aboutboul, a first-year musicology student from Israel, echoed these sentiments, stating that learning about different music is a way to learn about oneself. He sees musicians as researchers of the soul, delving deep into the human condition through their art.
Dr. West stressed the universality of the musical vocation, stating that all great artists struggle with the problem of what it means to be human. He urged musicians to invoke the great musicians who have come before them, encouraging them to draw inspiration from the rich history of music and to use it as a means of challenging societal injustices.
Dr. West also emphasised that music and beauty may not overcome terror, but they exist in counterpoint with it. This perspective underscores the importance of art and music as a means of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.
In his lecture, Dr. West admonished musicians to remain true to their roots and their own artistic selves in modern America, where art is often judged in relation to its market appeal and everything is for sale. He believes that music is a vocation, not a profession, and is grounded in the spirit and truth.
Dr. Cornel West's ideas on the musical vocation and integrity continue to make a lasting impression, emphasising the transformative power of music as a tool for social change and personal expression. By emphasising the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision and using music as a critique of societal injustices, West asserts that music can be both a reflection of our collective humanity and a catalyst for challenging the status quo.
- Seychelle Gabriel, a third-year ethnomusicology student, was inspired by Dr. West's emphasis on invocation and believes that everyone has a unique musical journey, seeing it as a powerful means for personal growth and self-expression.
- Mikey Aboutboul, a first-year musicology student from Israel, echoed these sentiments, noting that learning about different music is a way to learn about oneself, deeming musicians as researchers of the soul who delve deep into the human condition through their art.
- In the world of social media, where art is often judged by its market appeal, Dr. West urged musicians to remain true to their roots and artistic selves, stressing that music is a vocation, not a profession, and is grounded in the spirit and truth.
