Michelle Obama, Sarah Palin, and Franklin Graham have all visited Haiti, encouraging Americans to continue supporting it. But is Haiti just another fleeting humanitarian campaign? Or is it possible to respond to suffering and injustice in a way that is meaningful and sustainable? Join us as professor, public intellectual and activist Cornel West shares his own experience with fighting injustice and gives insight into how we can engage in activism that is characterized by faith, perseverance, courage and hope. Find more talks at www.veritas.org.
In the discussion, moderated by SIPA student Gabrielle Apollon, we will explore the following: Three months after the earthquake, Haiti has disappeared from the news. How do we become the activists that persevere, maintain hope, even after it is no longer in the headlines? Given the 21st century "soundbite" culture in America, could there be another movement as large-scale and influential as the Civil Rights Movement? How do you combat cynicism and discouragement in the face of overwhelming injustice and tragedy, and what does it mean to have true hope? What kind of activism truly makes a difference? Also featuring a performance by Kayte Grace!