Moderator Gerard Aching will lead the discussion on Dr. Knowles' books The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals and Racism From the Eyes of a Child. 

The panel will include:

Dr Mathew Knowles; Founder, President and CEO of Music World Entertainment (MWE). MWE is one of the world’s leading music and entertainment conglomerates, with record sales exceeding 450 million worldwide.  Knowles’ business acumen, unique management style, devotion to and passion for the creative process in music are admired throughout the entertainment industry. Mathewknowles.com

Marla Frederick; Professor of African and African American Studies and the Study of Religion at Harvard University.   Dr. Frederick’s ongoing research interests include the study of religion and media, religion and economics and the sustainability of black institutions in a ‘post-racial’ world.

Riché Richardson; Associate professor of African American literature in the Africana Studies and Research Center at Cornell University.  Her other areas of interest include American literature, gender studies, and Southern studies. 

Co-sponsors: Office of the Provost, American Studies,  College of Engineering, Department of Communications, English Department, Hip Hop Collection, Music Department, Performing and Media Arts, and the Society for the Humanities.

A light reception will follow the discussion.