Jonathan L. Walton - On Cornel West

The speaker reflects on the significant influence of mentors, particularly Professor Cornell West, during their academic journey. They discuss the impact of the African American preaching tradition on their intellectual development and how Professor West helped them overcome writing insecurities by embracing their unique voice. The speaker emphasizes the importance of affirming students' diverse backgrounds and unlocking their potential.

Who was the professor that significantly influenced the speaker during their graduate studies?

• Professor Stuart Hall

• Professor Cornell West

• Professor Jonathan

• Professor Aristotle

What tradition did the speaker mention as their first intellectual influence?

• Greek Philosophy

• European Enlightenment

• African American preaching tradition

• Asian Philosophical Traditions

What was the speaker's main concern about their writing during graduate school?

• It was too concise

• It lacked originality

• It was a poor imitation of others

• It was too poetic

How did Professor West help the speaker with their writing?

• By rewriting their paper

• By helping them find their own voice

• By encouraging them to imitate others

• By suggesting they change their tradition

What does the speaker emphasize about student backgrounds?

• They should be standardized

• They should be affirmed and recognized

• They are irrelevant to success

• They should be ignored