Leading presidential candidate Cornel West has nominated Melina Abdullah, a professor and one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter. as a vice presidential candidate to run for his independent presidential bid.
West announced his nomination on Wednesday’s episode of KBLA Radio’s “The Tavis Smiley Radio Show.”
“We wanted someone who was committed with all their heart, mind and soul to the empowerment of poor and working people of all colors,” West said. “Melina has a long history of fighting for heart, mind and soul.”
Cornel West leaves the Green Party.Currently running for president as an independent
Melina Abdullah is a professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter. (Irrfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
West praised Abdullah’s “unique Black analysis and witness” and “sharp intellect.”
“At this historic and pivotal moment, I am honored to stand beside my dear sister, Dr. Melina Abdullah, a fierce and tireless advocate for truth, justice, and change,” West said. he said. press release. “Sister Melina’s incredible courage, keen intellect, and deep insight have made significant contributions to the cause of liberation in both education, labor rights, and racial and gender justice.” ‘s unique Black analysis and testimony helps us confront empire, white supremacy, and our crumbling times.” To strengthen our commitment to movements for truth, justice, and love, she and We look forward to working with you. ”
“My heart was racing.”
Abdullah, a professor of Pan-African studies and former dean of Pan-African studies at California State University, said he was “thrilled” when he was approached to serve as West’s vice president.
“I understand. [West]And many of us consider him one of the best people on this planet, so I’ve been following him and working very hard on his candidacy,” Abdullah said. He spoke on the Smiley program.
“When he and his wife Annahita asked me, my heart immediately soared,” she said. “I immediately said ‘yes’. I yelled ‘yes’.”
Cornel West, a progressive political activist and philosopher, is an independent candidate running for president in 2024. (Selcuk Achar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Abdullah said he first met West when they were both undergraduates at Howard University and recently met again at a Black Lives Matter event.
islamic faith
The professor also talked about his Islamic faith in this segment and said he hopes to overcome divisions.
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“When we talk about Islam, we talk about people who follow God’s will,” Abdullah said. “If you look at Christianity, Islam, all the other faiths, and our true nature as spiritual human beings, we all agree.”
Melina Abdullah, co-founder of Black Lives Matter, led protests at last year’s Los Angeles City Council meeting. (Irrfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Abdullah has been outspoken about X, comparing the NYPD to the KKK.
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“The KKK, police and government officials are one,” she wrote in a December 2023 X post.
After release Regarding Beyoncé’s latest album, which featured an American flag, released last month, Abdullah told X: “The #AmericanFlag symbolizes the genocide of indigenous peoples, theft of land, and the enslavement, dehumanization, and exploitation of black people. Criticism of Beyoncé’s artistic choices is important and healthy, not hate.”
West’s campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
