POTSDAM -- In celebration of International Day of Peace, professor, philosopher and intellectual Cornel West will speak at Clarkson University's Cheel Arena at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 21 on “Poverty as a Moral and Material Obstacle to True and Lasting Peace.”

Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for college students (with ID) and children, available at the Cheel Box Office Monday-Friday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Professor in Princeton University’s Center for African American Studies, West has an astute intellect and ferocious moral vision, continuously challenging modern thought.

One of America's most provocative public intellectuals, West has been a champion of racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz.

West was an influential force in developing the storyline for the popular Matrix movie trilogy.

He has published 20 books and has edited 13 texts. He also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show on PRI (Public Radio International).

He appears frequently on the Bill Maher Show, Colbert Report, CNN and C-Span, as well as on Tavis Smiley's PBS TV Show. He also has appeared in more than 25 documentaries and films, including Examined Life, Call & Response, Sidewalk and Stand.