Cornel West announces BLM activist, professor Melina Abdullah as VP pick

Long-shot presidential candidate Cornel West tapped Melina Abdullah, a professor and one of the co-founders of Black Lives Matter,as his running mate for his independent presidential bid.

West announced his pick on Wednesday’s episode of "The Tavis Smiley Radio Show" on KBLA radio.

"I wanted somebody whose heart, mind, and soul is committed to the empowerment of poor and working peoples of all colors," West said. "Melina has a history of longevity of putting her heart, mind and soul in the struggle."

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West commended Abdullah's "unique Black analysis and witness" and "keen intellect."

"At this historic and pivotal moment, it is my profound honor to stand alongside my dear sister, Dr. Melina Abdullah, a fierce and tireless advocate for truth, justice, and transformative change," West said in a press release. "Sister Melina’s incredible courage, keen intellect, and deep vision have greatly served the cause of liberation in education, worker rights, and both racial and gender justice. Her unique Black analysis and witness helps us confront our crumbling era of empire, white supremacy, and patriarchy. I look forward to working with her as we strengthen our commitment in our campaign for truth, justice and love!"

‘Heart just soared’

Abdullah, a professor of Pan-African studies and formerly chaired the Department of Pan-African Studies at Cal State, said that her "heart just soared" when she was asked to be West's vice president.

"I regard [West], and many of us regard him as one of the most brilliant people to walk this earth, and so I’ve been following him and have been really enthusiastic about his candidacy," Abdullah said on Smiley’s show.

"He and his wife,