The Inaugural Panel Discussion Black Educational and Economic Empowerment was moderated by Dedrick Russell, Executive Producer, WBTV, facilitated by Dr. Cheryl Butler-Brayboy, Director of University Communications and Marketing, and organized by Dr. Melvin Herring, Associate Professor of Social Work. The panel featured intellectual heavy-weights: Dr. James E. Ford, Executive Director of Creed, Robyn Hamilton, CEO, Urban League of the Carolinas, Aaron Rudolph, Executive Director, Carolina Youth Coalition, and Dr. Melvin Herring.