The championed black businesses founder, Earl Graves Sr. died April 6 at the age of 85.
What We Know:
- Graves was the founder of the first African American-owned magazine focusing on Black entrepreneurs.
- Earl Graves Jr, announced on Twitter that the cause of his father’s death was a long battle with Alzheimer’s but did not say where his father died.
- “Earl Gilbert Graves, the son of a Caribbean immigrant, was born in New York City on Jan 9,1 939. His father was a garment district worker, his mother a homemaker,” stated The Washington Post.
- Graves Jr., who is the CEO of the publication, honored his father as a hero. “I loved and admired this giant of a man, and am blessed to be his namesake, LOVE YOU DAD!”
At 9:22pm this evening, April 6, my Father and Hero Earl Graves Sr., the Founder of @blackenterprise, passed away quietly after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. I loved and admired this giant of a man, and am blessed to be his namesake. LOVE YOU DAD! pic.twitter.com/UoerizfX8a
— Earl Butch Graves Jr (@EarlButchGraves) April 7, 2020
- The purpose of Black Enterprise was to educate, inspire and uplift his readers. Graves Sr. also had a goal to show African Americans how to thrive professionally, economically, and as proactive empowered citizens. Graves Sr. launched the magazine in 1970.
- Graves Sr. wrote his book, How To Succeed In Business Without Being White, in 1977. It changed the way African Americans look at business workers and different approaches to take while trying to be a business man/woman.
- “He was named one of the 50 most influential African Americans in the United States corporate sector by Fortune Magazine in 2002. Five years later, he was inducted into the U.S Business Hall of Fame,” according to Vibe.
Graves Sr. has impacted so many people in so many ways and his legacy will live on forever. He served his purpose while here on Earth and his son will continue his legacy!
It is with profound sadness that we share news of the passing of Black Enterprise Founder Earl G. Graves Sr. earlier this evening, April 6, at the age of 85. We will evermore celebrate his life and legacy, in this, our 50th Anniversary Year, and beyond. pic.twitter.com/N7aall81gb
— Black Enterprise (@blackenterprise) April 7, 2020
