Happy birthday! Cornel West turns 72 today

Cornel West is celebrating his 72nd birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, he is one of the most acclaimed philosophers of his generation.

Popular philosopher-activist-politician Cornel West has always liked to keep a bit of himself hidden from view. At 72nd birthday, he remains a man of many facets.

West, a cultural icon

Born Cornel Ronald West in Tulsa on June 2, 1953, his career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. West's not just a great philosopher, he's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business man. At this point in his career, there seems to be little Cornel hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Cornel West as he promises more to come. After all, he's only 72.

Happy Birthday, Cornel, you're the best!

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