Contemplations Regarding Our Political System
In these challenging times, the spirit of the Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA will be celebrated, savoured, and loved as the community comes together to discuss the importance of democracy. The event, part of the Still Waiting speaker series, is set to take place on January 7, 2021, at 3 p.m.
The speaker series is hosted by The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, under the guidance of its inaugural dean, Eileen L. Strempel. The inaugural event will feature renowned public intellectual Cornel West in conversation with Arturo O'Farrill, a Grammy-winning composer and pianist.
The event aims to keep the spirit and heart of democracy alive, encouraging discussion, compromise, and collective care for the most vulnerable among us. This conversation is intended to move forward together, inspired not by yesterday's display of hatred, but by the hope embodied by yesterday's victories in Georgia.
Yesterday, the state of Georgia welcomed its first African American senator, a significant step forward for racial equality in the United States. However, the day was marred by procedural chaos at the United States Capitol, where a violent mob stormed the building with impunity. A white protester's assault against our shared democracy was witnessed by many, but so was the resilience of Black women and their allies who worked tirelessly to ensure the right to vote was respected.
The School of Music has demonstrated the practice of democracy at its best. Members of its Anti-Racism Action Committee devoted themselves to a campaign focused on inspiring colleagues to vote this fall. Yesterday, 98% of the School of Music's marching band voted, setting an inspiring example for the community.
The event invites communities at The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, and beyond to participate. As we navigate these uncertain times, the spirit of democracy remains crucial for our future. This conversation promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the role of democracy in our society, and we encourage everyone to join the discussion.
- The Herb Alpert School of Music at UCLA, through its Education-and-self-development initiative and Anti-Racism Action Committee, has shown a commitment to Personal-growth and collective care, exemplifying democracy in action by encouraging voter participation and fostering dialogue.
- While war-and-conflicts sadly marred the joy of yesterday's political victory in Georgia, with a violent mob storming the U.S. Capitol, the resilience of Black women and their allies in ensuring the right to vote was a beacon of hope, symbolizing the struggle for Onward personal growth and racial equality.
- In these challenging times, this event focusing on General-news, Crime-and-justice, Politics, and Personal-growth offers an opportunity for communities at The Herb Alpert School of Music, UCLA, and beyond to engage in meaningful discourse and explore the importance of Democracy in shaping our future.
