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Mathew knowles
Continued from front page -Knowles has garnered countless awards for his achievements in business, the music industry, and community partnerships. He is the winner of an MTV Video Music Award, the recipient of the Century Award of Excellence (2011) from the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, and he also received the 2011 Living Legends Foundation Award. He was named the "2007 International Executive of the Year" by the Greater Houston Partnership, and was honored by the City of Houston with the declaration of “Mathew Knowles Day." In 2018, he served as a guest judge on Idols South Africa which is equivalent to the American Idols.
Dr. Knowles possesses an MBA in Strategic Planning and Organizational Culture and a Ph.D. in Business Administration from Cornerstone Christian Bible College, and has held professorships at Texas Southern University, where he taught both undergraduate and graduate level courses on the entertainment industry and entrepreneurship as and currently Prairie View A&M University where he teaches in the School of Business. He was also a distinguished lecturer at Cornell University, Fisk University and Rice University.
Dr. Knowles is also the author of the #1 best-selling book, The DNA of Achievers: 10 Traits of Highly Successful Professionals. His other books include Racism from the Eyes of a Child, a personal reflection on racism in America through the lens of his childhood; The Emancipation of Slaves Through Music, where he presents a keen examination of the liberating effects of music on oppressed people; and his most recent titles PUBLIC RELATIONS AND MEDIA, PR Strategies for the Digital Age, a bite sized yet comprehensive manual into the most effective ways to navigate through the feverish new publicity landscape and DESTINY’S CHILD: The Untold Story, a deeply revealing story of a father raising his child to be the biggest global superstar of our current generation. Along with the Destiny’s Child expose, Dr. Knowles released a companion album, DESTINY'S CHILD: The Untold Story Presents Girls Tyme, featuring 15-tracks of never-before-heard recordings from the beginning of Destiny’s Child, when they were known as Girls Tyme.
Knowles’ work in film and television includes Executive Producer of the number one box office movie Obsessed featuring Idris Elba and Beyoncé, Eight Days a reality show of cancer survivors, Breaking From Above as well as Stop The Spread Now a PSA that shows the ways that Coronavirus spreads.
Knowles has many major feature movie soundtracks to his credit including Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records, Master of disguise and Charlie’s Angels, all on Music World Entertainment Corporation record label. His philanthropic efforts and community service endeavors include The Knowles Temenos House (a housing complex for Houston’s homeless), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Gospel Music Association Board of Directors, Rhythm and Blues Foundation Board Member, mePlaylist Board of Advisors, Prairie View A&M President’s Advisory Board The Recording Academy Board Member, Spokesperson/Influencer for Invitae (Genetic testing), and the Survivor Foundation.
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J. Alexander Martin heads an empire built on originality, urban influence, and industry-changing music.
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The acclaimed J. Alexander Martin has externalized many successful ventures in the fashion industry including the iconic clothing line FUBU –“For Us By Us” – serving as the co-founder and Vice President. Today, his kingdom includes a clothing line, a non-profit and a consulting firm. Through all of his endeavors, it is his innate talent and ability to predict trends that have caused him to impact the fashion world once again. Rightfully portrayed as the man who made urban culture a part of the mainstream, J’s consistency in fashion has now given him a platform to emerge as an effectual leader once again.
Born and raised in Hollis Queens New York, his professional desire was realized at a young age. With an evoked confidence, motivation, and a sense of direction, this allowed J to navigate around the traps of urban life that snared many of his peers. With his developed vision to become an efficacious entrepreneur, J attended the Fashion Institute of Technology after courageously serving with the United States Navy during Desert Storm.
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J is the Cofounder and creative director of Fubu The Collection, President of FUBUTV. He has held licenses & has worked with successful multi million dollar brands, (Crown Holder, Kappa, Drunken Monkey, Ted Baker, Coogi, LRG Ladies, Under 2 Flags, Married to the Mob, Heatherette as well as consulted others. (Posner/Loreal, Luster Hair Care Products, Echelon Indian Virgin Hair & Human Hair Mfr., Scunci, Camus Cognac, FashInvest, Vumee, Siemens, Samsung, Vertu, Black Chambers of Commerce NY/NJ) Van Heusin, Fabien Couture Group, Sean John, Under 2 Flags.
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He is currently Exec. Vice President & Creative Director & Co-founder of FUBU and Founder And CEO of FUBU Television Network & Partner Trace Tv US. Author of “Money Makes Me Crazy”, Board Member of the National Black Chambers of Commerce and President of the New York State Black Chamber of Commerce. (www.jalexander.com)
FUBU is recognized world-wide as the premier brand of clothing that opened up doors for many people of color. When did you have that "This is going to big big" realization?
J. Alexander Martin : I always thought it would be big. In business timing is the most important reason for success. We had the right product at the right time with right message and the right distribution partners.
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EM-Spire! Is about sharing and empowering people to be their best versions of themselves. Please share an inspiring mantra you practice.
J. Alexander Martin: I just try too be a good person. In business and life I always want a win-win scenario. In a world of selfishness and narcism and the pursuit of likes that make an anomaly.
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What is the most important business or life in general advice someone ever gave you and who was that person?
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J. Alexander Martin: My father always preached that you have to be able to go uptown and downtown. Meaning you have to be able to deal with all sought of people. The military taught me to pay attention to detail which is also a principle that I live by.
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You have continued to expand the FUBU brand and your personal brand what is next thing on the horizon?
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J. Alexander Martin: I am personally expanding my profile by going behind the camera. You will see me on BET, Bravo and The Impact Network. I am currently working on three shows. I have signed with the Urban League to do five town hall meetings about entrepreneurship with the youth. Fubu has collaborations with Puma, Mitchell & Ness, Fubu phone stores and service, watches, suits, glasses and more are on the way.