Dr. Cornel West speaks on Democracy and What it Means to Be Human

The audience provided a standing ovation as the keynote speaker took the stage. “I hope I say something about democracy that unsettles you,” he said, dressed in his signature black and white suit with a scarf.

Dr. Cornel West spoke at the Charles E. Smith Center on Thursday for the University Writing Program’s forum on democracy and public argument. The forum was created to “contribute to a broader conversation for public debate on global society,” said Derek Malone-France, the executive director of the University Writing Program.

West’s lecture focused on the question ‘What does it mean to be human?’ and referred to many subjects, such as poetry, the Occupy Movement, Socrates and the upcoming presidential elections.

Referring to what society teaches youth about success, West commented that the primary goals seem to be “material toys, social status, a trophy husband or wife and to be well adjusted to injustice.” He proceeded to explain the importance of seeking the truth and paying attention to those who are suffering.

Defining poetry, he said that real poets “use critical imagination to try to make the world a better place.”

West emphasized how crucial it is to focus on the impact your life has on others.

Engaging with an audience diverse in age, gender, and ethnicity, West described the economy and the government as “survival of the slickest.” He called the recent bank bail out “hypocrisy” due to the discrepancy between the elite and the poor in the US. 

“How many Wall Street employees have been investigated and arrested. Zero. How many Jamals and Latishas have been incarcerated. Hundreds and hundreds.”

As members of the audience roared with laughter and exclamations of agreement, West clarified his position. “I’m not anti-American. I’m anti-injustice in America,” he said.

The University Writings Program decided to organize the question and answer segment by randomly selecting audience members. A number of post cards with a pen were attached to the bottom of selected seats in the Smith Center. Those who had the lucky seat could write their question and pass the post card to an usher.

Responding to a question about the predominately white participants in the Occupy Movement, West described the movement as “magnificent and desperate.” He then explained that “40% of black children are poor and 15% of blacks are underemployed.” Due to this reality, West commented that “it is hard to find time to sleep in tents.” However, he explained that if blacks are asked about the concerns the Occupy Movement is raising, they think very highly of it. He added that the lack of participation also “signifies relative failure of black leadership who are not focused on poverty but obsessed with getting elected.”

“Last thing I want to see is a take over of the White House by mediocre, mean-spirited individuals,” said West responding to a question about supporting President Obama’s re-election. “I don’t support candidates, I support principles.” 

Mentioning Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s portrait in the Oval Office, West said Obama must be authentic to what he is talking about if he wishes to uphold Dr. King’s legacy. “Respect, protect, but also correct,” he said.

West concluded his lecture with the last question, which referred to the contradiction within people who do not realize they are the problem. West explained that “all of us are part of the solution and the problem,” but it is up to us to choose which side we contribute more to. “Wrestling with the contradiction with us, the only thing that breaks it is the love of wisdom and justice.”

Obama, Bono, Alicia Keys on Campus for AIDS Event

President Obama speaking at GW's Jack Morton Auditorium

President Barack Obama introduced new goals for the worldwide fight against HIV and AIDS at the Jack Morton Auditorium Thursday morning as part of "The Beginning to End AIDS" event.

Reassuring those in the audience and those watching live via YouTube of the country's devotion to the worldwide fight, President Obama set a new target for the treatment of HIV and AIDS and further monetary contribution on World AIDS Day 2011. With an original goal to provide treatment to 4 million people, President Obama raised the number to 6 million and committed a $50 million increase towards the treatment for HIV and AIDS

President Obama urged the support of the global community. "Make a pledge" he said to those countries who have not yet committed, and for those who did commit, "Donate the money you promised."

He also called for countries like China, who were once receiving donations to fight HIV and AIDS, but are now in a position to give back, to switch roles at the global level.

"To all Americans, we got to keep fighting," Obama stated.

Other notable speakers such as former President George W. Bush, Senator Marco Rubio, R-Fla., and Congresswoman Barbara Lee, D-Calif., all resonated that where much is granted, much is expected.

"To whom much is given, much is required, " former President Bush said alongside President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania via satellite feed.

President Obama asked Congress to continue working together on this issue and put aside party lines. In a panel alongside singer Alicia Keys, co-founder and global ambassador of Keep a Child Alive, ONE cofounder and U2 frontman Bono and Senator Rubio stated, "Our example has been as much as a source of greatness as anything else."

Lindsay Maines, of Germantown, Maryland traveled to Kenya as part of ONE Moms, a group of American mothers who meet with other mothers in HIV-stricken countries.

"I took a picture of a mother and a father with their little two year old, and they said take this to your president and tell him thank you." Maines was "very proud" with President Obama's recommitment to the global fight on HIV.

Although tickets were not made available to GW students, some tickets were given to GW administrative offices, allowing a handful of students to enter the event. One of those students was junior Brian Steele who was reinvigorated by Thursday morning's event. "I signed up for the ONE campaign a while back, actually at a U2 concert, and I've done things for them like send emails. Like they said, I let it fall off so I hope to get involved again and be a part of this movement."

The event honored those who died from the disease, but took an optimistic look toward the future.

"We are going to win this fight, but this fight is not over, not by a long shot," said President Obama.

Dr. Patricia Nkansah-Asamoah, Alicia Keys, Bono and Senator Marco Rubio

To see more pictures from the event, head to the WRGW Twitter page.

-Jorge Gadala-Maria

Chuck Todd Interview (audio)

SMPA Director Frank Sesno's November "Conversation Series" continues at 7:30 tonight with NBC News Chief White House Correspondent and Political Director Chuck Todd. Sesno and Todd will discuss the chances of President Obama and the Republican candidates in the 2012 election, as well as the 24-hour media coverage around it. The Jack Morton Auditoriun will open its doors at 7:00 pm. The event is sold out, but all unoccupied seats will be given on a first-come, first-serve basis to early comers who join the standby line. The event is free and open to the public.

Todd gave WRGW News' Jorge Gadala-Maria a live, on-air preview of tonight's event earlier this afternoon. Listen and download below.

 Chuck Todd on the GOP Primaries and 2012 Election - Nov 28th, 2011 by WRGW News

http://www.mediafire.com/?z0f30ypj0pqmsf6

J Street U and Students for Justice in Palestine Talk about the Future of Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

GW students are following the developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. On Thursday night two students groups dedicated to discussing the conflict presented two very different solutions to how the conflict should end.

J Street U, a new student organization on campus advocating for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Paletinian conflict, co-hosted an event with Students for Justice in Palestine in the Marvin Center to explore possible solutions to the conflict.

Both student groups had three of their members represent their organization. The evening was moderated by Jeff Richards, a GW student majoring in Middle Eastern Affairs. The evening began with Richards asking for people in the audience to gather in groups of three or four people, preferably with people they didn't know, and talk about why they had come to the event. 

Following the small group conversations, Richards revealed the purpose of the evening was to talk about the two-state solution that J Street U is advocating versus the one-state solution SJP is in favor of. 

Group founder Rory Silver read J Street U's opening statement. In it he said a two-state solution would return the borders of Israel to 1967 lines and would include land swaps and the sharing of Jerusalem. Silver also said that J Street's stance was that you could still support Israel overall while being critical of it at the same time.

In Rosshandler's opening statement for SJP, he spoke of a one-state solution where Palestinians and Israelis lived together in the same state under the same laws with no discrimination, "religious hierarchies" or "illegal occupations" of Palestinian communities.

From the beginning tensions in the room were high. After Silver described the event as a "discussion" in J Street's opening statement, Akkad, in his first remarks of the night for SJP, said that he disagreed with Silver's characterization that the evening was a discussion but that he believed it was a "debate." He explained this was how the event had been "presented to SJP." As Akkad said this, Silver could be seen slightly shaking his head. Silver later said that on the Facebook event page the night was described as a "discussion."

Both sides said that their solution would be the best one for sustaining a long-term peace in the conflict and agreed that the one- and-a-half state set-up currently in place was not acceptable. SJP, however, felt that the two-state solution was very similar to the current situation. They argued throughout the more than two hour event that the two-state solution was supported by Jews as "a last ditch effort to preserve Zionism."

SJP also argued that a two-state solution would hurt Palestine because of the geographic separation of the two Palestinian territories in a two-state solution: the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They used the unsuccessful separation of Pakistan from India into West Pakistan and East Pakistan (which later became Bangladesh) as an example.

Meanwhile, J Street U argued that a one-state solution would not work because of the built-in tensions between the two groups. They used the tensions in Belgium, a county where Dutch and Flemish people have had many conflicts over the years as an example of how a one-state solution would not be successful.

Tensions reached their peak during the Q & A session. Instead of questions, however, supporters from both sides began to comment on and question the validity of points made during the evening by the other side. Several times Richards reminded both sides to ask fair questions and to "keep it friendly" but both sides had a difficult time following this request.

Despite the tension, both organizations later commented that they hoped this was only the first of many events they would co-sponsor together to discuss solutions to the conflict.

GW School of Business Partners with DC Public Schools

The George Washington University's School of Business has partnered with local District public schools as part of a new mentor program between business students, local business professionals and students from Anacostia High School. 

Labeled the 2+2 Mentor Program, it will bring together high school students in the 10th through 12th grade and mentors to develop ideas and minds to help make an impact on their communities.

Liesl Riddle, the associate dean for MBA programs, said the plan was to focus on an area in the city challenged by unemployment.

"Dean Guthrie, Mayor Vincent Gray and the D.C. Economic Partnership have been working closely to identify ways to stimulate job growth in the District, with a particular emphasis on Ward 8," Riddle said.  "We are piloting our 2+2 mentor program concept with Anacostia this year. We are hoping to extend this model to other high schools in the District in the future."

The program will allow GW business students to apply their knowledge as co-mentors while also receiving guidance from a local business leader.

"Our innovative MBA students and alumni inspired us to initiate this program," Ridde said.  "Our MBA program focus on the positive ways business can impact society attracts a special kind of student, one who likes to give back to the community, utilizing business knowledge and skills to make a difference."

Riddle also mentioned that the business students benefit from the emotional and intellectual satisfaction of seeing how their business knowledge and skills translate into making a difference in a young person's life.

"All mentors who were selected are passionate people seeking to commit themselves to a valuable volunteer program," Riddle said.

Riddle also said that after the pilot, the business school hopes to extend the model to other District high schools in the future. The plan is to pilot the program for at least three years to give it a chance to grow.

Not Your Stereotypical Speakers featured at Hunger and Homelessness Event

Jackie Grimball has a masters degree from GW. Donald Whitehead is a published author and Emmy winner. But both are homeless.

Grimball and Whitehead were the featured speakers Tuesday at a GW College Democrats and Amnesty International co-sponsored event called, "Faces of Homelessness Panel," just one of the events and activities the University hosted in recognition of National Hunger and Homelessness Week.

According to the organizer of the event, College Democrat Community Service Director Dietra Backup, Whitehead and Grimball's stories were emblematic of a growing problem in America.

"The main point of tonight was to dispel misconceptions," Backup said, "that homeless people aren't stupid and lazy. That's something we [students at GW], being very fortunate, don't always realize."

Grimball and Whitehead spent the evening telling their life stories, including how they ended up homeless.

After a divorce, Grimball was left with three children and not a lot of money. She decided to go back to school at GW for her master's in special education.

She had never worked before in her life, but after receiving her master's she ended up working in a DC school district advocating for students with disabilities and juevenile delinquents who were in trouble with the law. Grimball's talent for advocacy led her to take a job with a private law firm while still working for the school district. Grimball began to charge steep prices for her services. Business at the law firm was going so well that she quit her job in the school district, a decision she later realized was a big mistake.

Shortly thereafter, the law firm began to see less cases and decided to pay her less as a result. Grimball suddenly wasn't able to pay her rent and was kicked out of her apartment. She lived an anxiety-filled ten days on the streets, sleeping on a park bench, before finding another job at a home for the mentally ill, where she was the only caretaker employed but not paid the amount she had been promised. She decided to leave the poor working conditions in April 2010, but that meant she was once again homeless.

She finally found the courage to tell her now adult children her predicament. However, she did not receive the help and support from them she expected. They were "ashamed" that their mother had become homeless and upset she was hurting the "family's name," she said.

At this point, Grimball decided to go to a shelter, despite her past reluctance. From that day in April 2010 until the present day she has been living at the Open Door Emergency Shelter for Women in DC. At the shelter, Grimball has met many different women from all different backgrounds.

"It has been enlightening and it's been wonderful, as weird as that sounds," Grimball commented.

Grimball said she has found the love and support at the shelter that she did not receive from her children, adding that it built up her character.

Grimball quickly discovered that telling potential employers that she was homeless was not a good job strategy. This past summer, she found a job as a DC-appointed advocate for the mentally ill. She said she's glad to be back in the court room, but still cannot afford to rent or own a home and remains at the shelter.

Donald Whitehead grew up a straight-A student in Cincinnati, Ohio. Throughout his early education, and then at the University of Cincinnati, Whitehead continued to be kicked out of school due to an addiction illness. His addiction then led to him living under bridges. Whitehead learned about homeless shelters and soup kitchens from a couple of other homeless men.

The worst part about being homeless is that "no one would look you in the eye or say your name," Whitehead said. "It becomes very lonely when no one calls your name."

Whitehead's life turned around after he was named the outreach coordinator at the Cincinnati shelter where he was staying. From there, he became the director of the Cincinnati Coalition of the Homeless, and later the national chapter, before his current position working for a non-profit program in Orlando that works with homeless Veterans.

Whitehead also wrote a book based on his life story called "Most Unlikely to Succeed," and received a regional Emmy for his performance in the Showtime movie "Open The Sky."

Despite his success, Whitehead never forgot about the tough times he once had.

Whitehead demonstrated a penchant for theatrics. He started his speech wearing a black winter coat which was unzipped revealing a yellow plaid shirt and blue jeans. He wore dark black sun glasses and some black rags around his neck, accenting his long black hair. At the beginning of his presentation he only introduced himself as "Donald" and spoke in a very quiet voice that made the audience lean forward in their seats to hear him.

As the presentation went on, though, Whitehead's voice became increasingly louder as he told the part where his life improved at a shelter in Cincinnati. He took off his jacket to reveal the plaid shirt. Later, as he began to tell the audience that he had been the director of the National Coalition for the Homeless, he took off his jeans and plaid shirt to reveal that he was wearing a suit, followed by removing the sunglasses, rags and wig, revealing his true bald self. Whitehead told the audience that besides his affinity for acting, he "dressed-up" like a stereotypical homeless person to show how he looked when he was homeless and that anybody, even those who are smart, can become homeless.

GW Professor Wins Prestigious Research Prize

GW Political Communications Professor Robert Entman

Once again, GW faculty are leading the University's push into a new generation of research. This past week, Professor Robert Entman received the the Alexander von Humbolt Research Award for his research and contributions to the field of political communication. Professor Entman, who serves as the Shapiro Professor of Media and Public Affairs and as a professor of international affairs at the Elliot School, is the first recipient of the prize in his field and now holds the distinction of being the world's first political communications scholar.

“I am delighted to be the first Humboldt Award recipient recognized for contributions to political communication scholarship,” said Dr. Entman. “I appreciate this acknowledgment of the media’s fundamental role in shaping politics and democracy.

The award is given to a researcher for “discoveries that have a serious impact on their profession,” according to the Humbolt Award website. Given the vast application of the award across a variety of fields, Professor Entman’s honor is very distinguished. He will spend the next year at the Free University of Berlin researching the effects of the media on social inequality in Europe, and how it consequently contrasts with that of the United States.

“Inequality hasn’t been on the agenda” he said regarding U.S politics and media coverage. Professor Entman went on to state that the decline of workers unions and the rise of globalization are two possible factors for the disparity in inequality in the Untied States as opposed to those of Europe.

Professor Entman began his career in media research while writing for his student newspaper at Duke University, where he received his B.A. in political science. He stated that this experience allowed him to see the large affect that media had on politics, leading him to develop interest in what is now the field of political communication.

For those who are prospectively looking to devote their lives to research as he did, Professor Entman gave this advice: One must be “fascinated by the human purpose” and “making the world better.”

Students Pitch Business Ideas in an Elevator

A bright idea, two thousand dollars and an elevator. These are the integral parts that made up the fourth annual Pitch George Competition this Saturday. The competition was open to all graduate, undergraduate and even high school students.

The competitors started the primary portion of the competition by pitching their business idea to a room filled with judges and fellow competitors. They had to support their idea with market statistics and demonstrate a legitimate demand or use for their product or service. After they had finished, the competitors received some constructive criticism from the judges.

The event also served as a networking luncheon, giving competitors the chance to exchange business cards with the judges and fellow contestants.

The final round featured five contestants pitching their plans in an elevator which included a three-minute pitch in an elevator.

Prizes for the top three places were awarded in each age division. College students received $2,000 for first place, $1,500 for second and $1,000 for third. High school winners received $750, $500 and $250 respectively.

In addition, all of the finalists received prizes such as legal assistance setting up their businesses.

Pitch George is just the first major competition of the year. In January GW will hold their Business Plan competition with more than $50,000 in prizes up for grabs. For more information on the competition or if you're interested in entrepreneurship visit GW's Office of Entrepreneurship.

Breaking: White House Shooting Suspect Arrested

A suspect in Friday's White House shooting is now in police custody.

Police arrested Oscar Ramiro Ortega-Hernandez, 21, this afternoon in connection to the shooting. Two bullets struck the White House, one cracking a window in the Obama family living quarters, the Secret Service said Tuesday.

President Obama was traveling to a summit in Hawaii at the time. No injuries have been reported.

The Secret Service discovered an assault rifle registered to Ortega-Henandez on Friday, minutes after hearing shots fired near the White House. ABC7/TBD reports that Ortega's family in Idaho Falls, Idaho reported him missing on Oct. 31. He has an arrest record in three states, according to U.S. Park Police.

GW Soccer Reaches A-10 Championship

For the first time since 1992, GW’s Varsity Men’s Soccer team will play in the Atlantic-Ten Conference Championship. Last Sunday saw the team continue its undefeated home record, securing a 1-0 victory over Duquesne. The finals of the A-10 Conference, to be held this weekend, will be the last shot for Coach George Lidster, who is retiring after 24 years the University, to win a championship.

Senior Yoni Berhanu scored Sunday’s crucial goal, a 25-yard free kick in the 72^nd minute that earned Coach Lidster his 200^th win. Yoni has scored 3 out of 4 goals in GW’s last few matches, adding to his impressive record within the A-10 [10 goals and 23 points] and his overall career record [19 goals and 52 points] that places him just outside the programs overall top-10.

Berhanu and Coach Lidster have both received recognition within the Atlantic-10 Conference, securing both the 2011 Atlantic-10 Men’s Soccer Coach of the Year and Midfielder of the Week award this season. This is the third-such award for Berhanu, who in 2008, was named the conference’s Rookie of the Year.

The defeat against Duquesne marked a considerable turnaround for GW men’s soccer; the team began the soccer pre-season ranked 13 out of 14, but is now ranked the number two seed at this weekend’s championship. Seniors Berhanu, Mike Burke, Brice Carr and Jake Davis had a similar experience their freshman year, having to win one of the last games in order to qualify for the A-10s and hope to bring home the championship title in their final year.

A link to a free live video streaming of Friday's match can be found at GWsports.com. Weather permitting all five matches will also be streamed through the A-10's online home.

--Alida Wuenscher