Magic Johnson, Rev. Al Sharpton and a bunch of leaders and organizations bear in mind Earl G. Graves, Sr., the founding father of BLACK ENTERPRISE.
Initially Revealed Apr. 17, 2020
Earl G. Graves, Sr., is a pioneering writer, enterprise titan, and activist finest identified for creating BLACK ENTERPRISE, a multimedia firm that has impressed generations of Black enterprise leaders. Graves died on the age of 85 after an extended battle with Alzheimer’s.
Launched in 1970, BE was the primary journal devoted to the development of African Individuals by way of entrepreneurship, monetary literacy, and profession improvement.
“When my father began BE, his imaginative and prescient was making a publication that would offer how-to data for African Individuals to achieve success in enterprise as entrepreneurs,” mentioned Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr., who grew to become the CEO of the media firm in 2006.
“My objective was to point out them the best way to thrive professionally, economically and as proactive, empowered residents,” Graves wrote in his 1997 best-selling ebook How you can Achieve Enterprise With out Being White.
Due to his tenacious drive and resolve, he secured promoting with corporations like PepsiCo and Common Motors and the journal grew to become worthwhile by its ninth challenge.
“He was well-dressed, his presentation was polished, he knew precisely what he needed to say, and he was decided,” mentioned his son within the video beneath.
Previous to launching the journal, Graves served within the Military and labored as an assistant for Sen. Robert F. Kennedy. Along with his work in media, Graves ran the Pepsi-Cola of Washington, D.C., one of many nation’s largest soft-drink distributors owned by African Individuals, between 1990 and 1998. He additionally served on the boards of main companies like American Airways, Daimler Chrysler, and Rohm & Hass. Moreover, he used his platform to advertise racial justice and help the presidential bids of Jesse Jackson and Barack Obama.
At present, on Jan. 9, we honor Mr. Graves on what would have been his ninetieth birthday.
At present, we bear in mind and have a good time Earl G. Graves Sr., a visionary whose knowledge stays timeless. Joyful Birthday to a legend whose gentle nonetheless guides us. pic.twitter.com/QBP17rx5rE
Following the announcement of his loss of life, a number of celebrities, leaders, and civil rights organizations expressed their condolences, together with Magic Johnson, the NAACP, and Bob Johnson, the founding father of BET and founder and chairman of The RLJ Firms.
“It’s with deep disappointment that I say goodbye to my buddy and mentor, Earl Graves, Sr,” wrote Bob Johnson in an announcement. “Each Black entrepreneur and each Black company government who reached the pinnacles of management in company America owe a salute and tribute to Earl. BE beneath his founding management was, and nonetheless is, our bible; and its tales of our achievement are, in chapter and verse, our faith. “
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 7, 2020
Relaxation In Peace to an excellent enterprise associate, function mannequin, and buddy, Earl Graves. Earl and I owned a Pepsi bottling franchise in Washington, D.C. and I loved attending Black Enterprise’s Enterprise Convention and the Golf and Tennis Problem.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 7, 2020
I woke as much as the information that Earl Graves, the founding father of Black Enterprise & large Black influencer handed. Graves was a real trailblazer for Black entrepreneurs & neighborhood empowerment. He made an actual, measurable distinction. Right here’s a photograph of Caroline Kennedy, he & I. pic.twitter.com/TO8XviCi15