Can this moment sustain a grassroots momentum that truly creates a lasting shift in our social and economic priorities?

The history-making Covenant with Black America was a grand moment in the rich tradition of deep democracy in America. The effort to keep alive the great legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., contributed to the slow melting of the Ice Age of the present era—an era where it became fashionable to be indifferent to the social misery and economic anxiety of the vulnerable and vincible in American society.

Now let us not be deceived. The American historical record suggests that the black-led struggle against white supremacy—especially against racist effects in our economy, schools, healthcare, and cultural industries—is the most appropriate starting point for democratic revitalization of our society. The gifts of black folk in our time are to convince all of us to muster the courage to think critically, act compassionately, and hope unconditionally for a democratic moment, momentum, and movement that use the best of our historic roots as springboards for contemporary routes that empower everyday people to expand dignity and decency.

The upsurge of new energy in the election of 2006 may constitute a democratic awakening to the obscene wealth inequality led by unaccountable corporate elites—the new aristocracy of our economy—and the corrupt rule of incompetent politicians, the old poll-driven public officials that too often lie, spy, and authorize torture here and abroad. This black-led effort to revitalize American democracy exemplifies our present moment.

This follow-up book—THE COVENANTIn Action­—shows that millions of us are willing to fight for new democratic priorities so that this moment generates a solid momentum for progressive social change. It also reveals the moral hunger and political thirst of fellow citizens who yearn for a more fair and decent society. Our fundamental aim is to create an effective and a compassionate movement—of courageous leaders and creative organizations—that let justice run down like water that flows from a genuine love for and service to others. The sacrificial spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr., must flourish in institutional forms and individual lives. But can this moment sustain a grass-roots momentum that truly creates a lasting shift in our priorities from well-financed prisons to quality schools, extravagant CEO salaries to workers’ living wages, high-tech cosmetic surgeries to universal healthcare, and fancy strip clubs to formidable civic associations?
—Cornel West

Cornel West is a professor at Princeton University. He served as director of the Program in African American Studies from 1988 to 1994. His teaching and research interests include the philosophy of religion and cultural criticism.