Statement From Cornel West and Tavis Smiley, Co-Hosts, Smiley & West From PRI

CHICAGO, April 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- We at the Smiley & West show wholeheartedly and enthusiastically support our dear brother Father Pfleger.  He is one of the grand prophetic voices in contemporary America.  We were blessed to have him on our show three weeks ago in which he stated quite clearly: "I want to try to stay in the Catholic Church. I believe my calling is to be a pastor.  I believe my calling is to be a voice for justice.  I believe my calling is to preach the gospel." There are few in contemporary Christendom who are more true to their calling than Father Pfleger.  He, like us, is committed to the grand legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and we intend to be faithful unto death.  Our prayers and best wishes are with Father Pfleger.

Be sure to tune-in to Smiley & West this weekend to hear West and Smiley comment on the suspension of Father Pfleger. For more information about Smiley & West, visit www.smileyandwest.com.

About TAVIS SMILEY

Tavis Smiley is host of the nightly talk show TAVIS SMILEY on PBS, The Tavis Smiley Show from Public Radio International (PRI) and is the co-host of Smiley & West also distributed by PRI. Smiley launched America I AM: The African American Imprint, a world-class exhibition celebrating the extraordinary impact of African American contributions to our nation and the world in early 2009. The exhibit is on a four-year, 10-city tour. Smiley is also the author or editor of 15 books, including The New York Times best-sellers Covenant with Black America and What I Know for Sure: My Story of Growing Up in America, and his forthcoming book, FAIL UP: 20 Lessons on Building Success from Failure. In 2009, Tavis Smiley was named to TIME's list of 100 "Most Influential People in the World." For more information, visit www.tavistalks.com.

About CORNEL WEST

One of America's most provocative public intellectuals, Cornel 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."

Currently, the Class of 1943 Professor at Princeton University, Dr. West burst onto the national scene in 1993 with his bestselling book, Race Matters, a searing analysis of racism in American democracy. Race Matters has become a contemporary classic, selling more than half a million copies to date. In West's long awaited life story, BROTHER WEST: Living and Loving Out Loud, he offers a compelling exploration of his heart behind the human mind. Themes include Faith, Family, Philosophy, Love and Service. Cornel West has published 19 other books and has edited 13 texts. West also offers commentary weekly on The Tavis Smiley Show from PRI (Public Radio International).

The views expressed on Smiley & West do not necessarily represent the views of public radio stations, underwriters or Public Radio International (PRI).

SOURCE Smiley Radio Properties, Inc.

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