Cornel West taps Cal State LA professor Melina Abdullah for VP

Independent presidential candidate Cornel West on Wednesday announce that he had selected California State University, Los Angeles, Professor Melina Abdullah to serve as his running mate. 

West has pursued an independent candidacy and has heavily courted President Joe Biden's progressive detractors, including environmental groups and opponents of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. He currently boasts 1.7% support in the RealClearPolitics polling average.

West announced his choice of VP during an appearance on "The Tavis Smiley Show."

"She has a record of deep commitment and investment in ensuring that poor and working people are at the center of her vision. I wanted to to run with someone who would put a smile on the face of Fannie Lou Hamer and Martin Luther King Jr. from the grave," he said, per CNN.

Abdullah teaches pan-African studies and is Muslim, though she was raised Baptist.

"I’m running for Jesus. She’s running for Allah. That’s a beautiful thing," West said, according to Politico.

She has also served on the board of directors for Black Lives Matter Grassroots.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.