Chattanooga, Tenn. (WDEF) It was a full-circle moment on the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga campus as Dr. Mathew Knowles returned for the first time since the early 1970s, bringing with him decades of experience in the music industry and an important message about health advocacy.
Before becoming known worldwide as the founder of Destiny’s Child and the father of Beyoncé and Solange, Knowles was a student at UTC and played basketball on campus. During his visit, he said he looks forward to returning to the basketball game where he once played.
“Tomorrow, I’m going to the basketball game where I played here at UTC for two years, and I’m looking forward to that,” Knowles said.
Now decades later, he returned to speak to the community, sharing insights from his career and his personal journey as a male breast cancer survivor. He stressed the importance of early detection and awareness.
“One in eight women in their lifetime will be diagnosed with breast cancer. One in eight men in our lifetime will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Those are some alarming numbers. Early detection is the key,” he said.
Knowles also encouraged attendees to recognize their own potential and greatness.
“I want to share this message with everyone listening — there’s a piece of you and a part of you that has greatness. That’s what I want to live with,” he said.
Knowles will continue his visit at the 2026 BEC Awards, where he will be honored as an Icon Recipient.
