Bob Marley died, a reggae legend, nearly twenty years ago. But he's still revered around the world as a prophet of racial harmony. In this hour of To the Best of Our Knowledge, we'll talk about Bob Marley's music and his legacy, and we'll meet some innovative thinkers who are redefining the racial landscape.

Cornel West talks with Steve Paulson about the impact African Americans have had on American culture in the 20th century. West teaches Afro-American Studies and the philosophy of religion at Harvard, and is the co-author (with Henry Louis Gates, Jr.) of "The African American Century." Also, Gregory Stephens, author of "On Racial Frontiers," talks with Steve Paulson about the life and music of Bob Marley. Stephens considers Marley an early champion of racial equality. And we hear lots of Marley's music.

Journalist Debra Dickerson tells Anne Strainchamps about her memoir, "An American Story." Dickerson talks about the role of class in American society, her parents' inability to imagine a professional future for their daughter, and the kind of abuse that was considered normal in her circumstances.

Novelist Caryl Phillips turns to history in his latest book. "The Atlantic Sound" is a study of the three points on the slave triangle. Phillips tells Jim Fleming some of the stories he unearthed about individuals in Liverpool, South Carolina and Ghana. Also, Scott Malcomson is the author of "One Drop of Blood: The American Misadventure of Race." He tells Steve Paulson about the history of racial separatism in America, starting with the founding fathers.

Distribution dates:

• week of 12/10/2000 - hour 1