Earl G. Graves Sr. was born on September 1, 1935, in New York City. He grew up in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of the city with his family. From a young age, Graves showed a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a drive to succeed.
After graduating from high school, Graves went on to attend Morgan State University. It was during his time at Morgan State that Graves began to hone his business skills and develop his passion for entrepreneurship. He graduated with a degree in economics and went on to pursue a career in business.
Graves' career in business began with his involvement in Lyndon B. Johnson's 1964 presidential campaign. This experience sparked his interest in politics and public service. He soon realized that he could make a greater impact by focusing on business and entrepreneurship.
Graves went on to found Black Enterprise magazine, a publication dedicated to promoting African American business owners and entrepreneurs. The magazine quickly gained popularity and became a leading voice in the African American business community.
Graves was not only a successful businessman but also a dedicated philanthropist. He believed in giving back to his community and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs. His alma mater, Morgan State University, named its business school after him in recognition of his contributions to the field of business and management.
Throughout his life, Graves remained committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world. He was appointed by George W. Bush to serve on the Presidential Commission for the National Museum of African American History and Culture, where he worked to preserve and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the country's history.
Earl G. Graves Sr.'s impact on the business world and his commitment to empowering the African American community will be remembered for generations to come.
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