Tavis Smiley, noted broadcaster and creator of the America I AM: The African American Imprint exhibit on display at Cincinnati Museum Center, and Dr. Cornel West, professor at Princeton University, exhibit advisor and one of America’s most provocative public intellectuals, were together here July 31 to celebrate African Americans’ undeniable imprint on America’s history. Prior to two public conversations - one about the impact of African American history at Cincinnati Museum Center and the other about the impact of African American music at the Freedom Center - Smiley and West installed the only touring print of the Declaration of Independence dating back to July 4, 1776, into the America I AM exhibit.

Princeton professor and author Dr. Cornel West makes a point in discussing the impact of Black history on America at Cincinnati Museum Center. Photo by Dan Yount Smiley said West - who he talks with nightly – has a “useable intellect.’’ He added that he and West made a pact to tell the truth about our people and to talk about putting principles above interests. “If Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X had put their personal interest above their principles. We would not be where we are today.’’

He said the first Black President was not someone who was just created overnight, but that there is a 400-year-old “back story that made this possible, and America I AM celebrates that bridge we walk over.’’

West added that the civil rights leaders realized that the present is history, that if they did not do something today in their lives, there would be no history to celebrate. “They were ordinary people who did extraordinary things,’’ he said. “They had to courage, conviction and commitment to outlive their own lives.’’ He noted that King was unpopular in speaking out against the Vietnam War, and Muhammad Ali gave his championship belt back because young Black men were not being respected. “These were men who were truly free,’’ he said. “Yes, you have to tell the truth to be free,’’ Smiley added.

Then the more familiar Cornel West then appeared in the discussion. Here are some quotes:

“This museum exhibit debunks the funk of America, the deodorized self-righteousness.’’

“The Black struggle for freedom is not just about Black people. Yes, it starts on the chocolate side of town because no one else will start it.’’

“In Matthew 25, the Lord commands that we keep track of the least of our brothers for Him, yet we have endured slavery, Jim Crow treatment and a corrupt prison concept today is disobeying that commandment.’’

“We still have a culture formed in the face of White supremacists who terrorized Black people so that they continue to defer to the powers that be today. A lot of Black folks are still walking around in that fear. But it was the promise of freedom, love and justice that kept our Black folks going, and this history is being lost on our younger people.’’

“Terrorism is not something that just happened in America on 911. Black people have been dealing with terrorism for 400 years, during 240 years of slavery and 90 years of lynching. We are a people who looked terrorism in the face, and we did not respond like thugs. We realized there are some sick White folks out there, but they are still human beings.’’ He added, the average slave just lived 26 years.

“We want to fantasize the achievements of a few Black people and over look the millions living in poverty.’’

“We never had any assets, except our voices and our bodies. We also had a lot of stirring of our souls. Today’s youth are mostly into body stimulation, not soul stirring.’’

“If White folks were going to jail as much as Black folks, we would be holding national conferences every week to find a solution to that problem.’’

“Many churches are into the prosperity gospel. How many Black churches have a prison ministry fund that equals their building fund?’’

“People all over are taking drugs, but why are drug laws enforced in one part of town and not the other. Why do Blacks comprise 72 percent of the convictions.’’

One of America’s most provocative public intellectuals, West has been a champion for racial justice since childhood. His writing, speaking, and teaching weave together the traditions of the Black Baptist Church, progressive politics, and jazz. The New York Times has praised his “ferocious moral vision.” West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his bestselling book, “Race Matters,’’ a searing analysis of racism in American democracy.

This print of the Declaration – one of 26 “broadside” sheets printed in Philadelphia only hours after Jefferson was finished drafting the language that are known to exist - is displayed at the Cincinnati Museum Center through Oct. 2. This print is one of only 26 known to exist. It was found in 1989 in the back of a picture frame bought for $4 at a Pennsylvania flea market and was later purchased by noted television producer Norman Lear and his wife, Lyn, for $8.1 million in 2000.