Long-shot presidential candidate Cornel West has chosen Melina Abdullah, a professor and co-founder of Black Lives Matter, as his running mate for his independent presidential bid. West made the announcement on the Tavis Smiley Radio Show on KBLA radio, stating that he wanted someone committed to empowering poor and working people of all colors. He commended Abdullah’s unique Black analysis and witness, as well as her keen intellect. West expressed excitement about standing alongside Abdullah in their campaign for truth, justice, and love.
Abdullah, a professor of Pan-African studies who formerly chaired the Department of Pan-African Studies at Cal State, described her excitement at being asked to be West’s vice president. She expressed admiration for West, calling him one of the most brilliant people on Earth. Abdullah and West first met when she was an undergraduate student at Howard University, and recently reconnected at a Black Lives Matter event. Abdullah shared that her Muslim faith plays a significant role in her life and hopes to bridge divisions among people of different faiths.
Abdullah has been vocal in her criticism of institutions and systems that perpetuate injustice, including the comparison of the New York Police Department to the KKK. She has called the KKK, police, and government officials as one and the same. Additionally, she has expressed her thoughts on the symbolism of the American flag in relation to systemic issues, particularly genocide of Indigenous people and exploitation of Black individuals. Abdullah’s critical analysis extends to popular culture, as she recently commented on Beyoncé’s use of the American flag in a music video.
West’s campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comments on their upcoming presidential bid. However, West has been a vocal critic of the Democratic Party, stating that they are “beyond redemption.” In his press release announcing Abdullah as his running mate, West highlighted her courageous advocacy for truth, justice, and transformative change in areas such as education, worker rights, racial justice, and gender justice. The pair aims to confront the challenges of empire, white supremacy, and patriarchy, working together to strengthen their commitment to their campaign’s values.
The decision to run as an independent candidate came after West initially aligned himself with the Green Party. West made the switch to running as an independent to further promote his vision for empowering marginalized communities and addressing systemic issues. In selecting Abdullah as his running mate, West sought someone with a long history of putting her heart, mind, and soul into the struggle for equality and justice. Abdullah’s dedication to activism and her unique Black analysis align closely with West’s beliefs and goals for their presidential bid. Together, West and Abdullah hope to inspire change and create a more just and equitable society for all.
