Career
He was University of Southern California"s vice provost for globalization from 2007 through 2010. Powell is the son of Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Junior. and jazz musician Hazel Scott. He is the ex-husband of Beryl Powell, daughter of Eileen Slocum and John Slocum.
Before joining University of Southern California, Powell"s career included positions at the Freedom Forum, National Public Radio, Columbia Broadcasting System News, 1010 World International News Service in New York City (as news director), Quincy Jones Entertainment, and as general manager of Howard University’s WHUT-television