Earl G. Graves

1993 Honoree

Earl Graves is a man of style, substance and vision as well as president of a corporation that bears his name. He is well known in business circles as the founder of Black Enterprise, a magazine for businessmen, corporate executives and entrepreneurs.

Black Enterprise is an important part of black America's expanding business network. It is an informative voice and advocate of economic opportunity for black Americans.

Founded in 1 972, the magazine was profitable after its tenth issue, which is remarkable for anew publication. Today, its circulation is more that 250,000.

In July 1990, Graves and Earvin "Magic" Johnson became partners in the largest minority-controlled Pepsi Cola distributorship in the U.S. Army.

From 1965 to 1968, he worked as administrative assistant to the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy. After the senator's assassination, Graves formed a consulting firm that specialized in urban affairs and economic development.

This strong man has a long history of participation in the Boy Scouts of America. Graves also serves on the boards of such corporations as Chrysler and the New York State Urban Development. He is a member of the Board of Trustees of Howard University and has received honorary degrees from 28 universities.