The student body of Bowling Green State University is set to hear a speech from author, academic and social activist Cornel West this evening in the campus’ Lenhart Grand Ballroom in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union.

Mr. West is speaking in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at 6:30 p.m. Prior to his speech he told The Blade he is addressing a deeper side to who the civil rights leader was aside from political aspect, as well as the direction of the cultural age during a “spiritual blackout.”

“One of the ways in which you can motivate people is to provide concrete examples they can identify themselves with,” Mr. West said.

He said people can identify with many people who have emerged out of civilization exemplary on different reasons, including Martin Luther King Jr.

“Martin Luther King is not first and foremost political, but spiritual more of a man, and I think young people need to hear that over and over again,” Mr. West said. “Let’s get to the substance of the man.

How did he live in the face of death threats? How did he live when someone bombed his house and he didn’t retaliate? How did he live and had to deal with four young girls who were killed in a church and he refused to hate? Those are not political questions.”

While the event is free and open to the public, there are overflow seating available in the Bowen-Thompson Student Union Theater with a live stream of the event on the big screen.

Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and Mr. West is scheduled to begin speaking at 6:30 p.m.

“I think all of us, especially young people, understand that when you’re living in a state of cultural age of spiritual blackout that the real thing, in terms of integrity and honesty, becomes something that you yearn for,” Mr. West said.

Contact Geoff Burns at: gburns@theblade.com or 419-724-6110.

First Published January 19, 2017, 10:46 p.m.