It takes a self-reflective eye to notice that Dr. Cornel West doesn’t merely wear the same clothes every day. His uniform—a three-piece all-black suit, white shirt, tie, cufflinks, and black shoes—is unmistakable. But his style is more than fashion; it is a reflection of his unique way of being in the world.
West is a leader and is concerned with the moral state of leadership in the U.S.
“The voice of a leader mustn’t blend into the crowd of complacency or be an accomplice to complicity,” he Told The New Yorker.
“It must carry an unapologetic tone—an authentic voice of justice for all.”
Authentic leadership, according to Dr. West, requires commitment to unchanging, consistent, and moral principles. Those principles must be worked out within each individual before they can stand in the gap and fight against injustices on behalf of others.
Good leaders empathize deeply, understanding the struggles of others, feeling their pain, and using that experience to guide others out of despair. They do not pick sides; they fight for the well-being of the poor and powerless everywhere. There is no selective justice in the struggle for equity.
A true leader is globally aware, unsettled by injustice anywhere—from the war in Ukraine to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, from political exclusion in the U.S. to Kenya.
Leadership, Dr. West reminds us, is about showing up fully, with integrity and courage. Like his signature suit, leaders must be consistent, principled, and unapologetically authentic. They risk standing alone in the fight for justice, but even in struggle, they maintain their dignity and integrity.
Dr. West’s life is a testament: leadership is not just about power—it is about moral conviction, service, and unwavering love for humanity. And yes, it is about showing up in style.
Dr. Cornel West's 10 Principles of Leadership by Edition8 Magazine:
Lead with Moral Integrity: Leadership begins with unchanging personal principles grounded in truth and justice.
Courage to Stand Alone: True leaders speak up, even if it means standing alone against opposition or complacency.
Empathy for Others: Leaders understand and internalize the struggles of the disadvantaged and marginalized.
Service Before Status: Leadership is motivated by service, not fame, power, or recognition.
Consistency in Action: Like West’s personal style, leadership requires consistency between beliefs and actions.
Global Awareness: Leaders must address injustices everywhere, not selectively, from local issues to international crises.
Youth Engagement: Preparing the next generation involves teaching openness to diverse perspectives and critical thinking.
Fearlessness in Adversity: Leaders persist despite opposition, setbacks, or despair, showing resilience and determination.
Unapologetic Authenticity: A leader’s voice should be bold, distinct, and committed to truth without compromise.
Love as Foundation: Effective leadership is rooted in genuine care for humanity and a desire to uplift the people served.
Dr. Cornel West offers alternative approach for solving problems to 21st century leaders
By Edition8 Staff
Updated November 2, 2025
