But Not For Me
When his turn came to respond to the same question, West's answer got to the core of the reason why people like him are available for the enthusiastic embrace of those interested in race in America. "The reason I don't teach at a Howard or Morehouse or Spelman is because ... of the unequal distribution of resources in American higher education. Those brothers and sisters who decide to teach there teach eight courses a year. I teach four ... glad to teach four," West said.
"Those professors who are engaged in such a noble endeavor are saying I want to give up time for research. I'm going to give up time to read. I'm going to give up time to travel. I'm going to give up time to run around the country and gain access to a host of other conversations. I'm going to stay on the ground and be with those students.
"That's wonderful, but that's not for me," said West. And that's why Black scholars like Howard Political Science Professor Joseph McCormick applaud what he labels the "academic theater" provided by West, Gates and others.
"They can get around and talk and make themselves accessible. I couldn't go to see them because I had to read a graduate student's paper so he can get his degree this spring," McCormick said.
"But I don't begrudge them their time. It's part of the mandate of a Black teacher."
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