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photo by steed media service
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Founder and Publisher, Black Enterprise Magazine
When media magnate and cultural influencer Earl G. Graves founded Black
Enterprise magazine, he figuratively detonated napalm against the walls
of virulent stereotypes and self-imposed limitations. Graves helped to
demolish odious images of shiftlessness and worthlessness that
fermented in this nation about African Americans — while simultaneously
erecting empowering and transformative images in their place.
For millions of African Americans, Black Enterprise is a cultural safe
haven and intellectual asylum where blacks can witness and champion
successes in all endeavors, as well as acquire the tools to achieve
prosperity themselves. BE created nothing less than a publishing
revolution.
Today, Graves is still revolutionizing people’s perception, as
exemplified in the Black Enterprise Golf & Tennis Challenge in
Doral, Fla., near Miami, where scores of affluent African Americans
descended on the exclusive golf resort for upscale pampering and fun.
“The manager told me that we’re the largest convention that they get.
And it proves the importance of the African American market. They are
examples of the type of people we have here,” Graves said.
Attendees intermingled with each other and well as executives from
Fortune 500 companies in an informal and celebratory ambience. Graves
believes strengthening of the family unit was the most important aspect
of the extravaganza. “I think family and camaraderie are the most
important things. And the networking. We’ve had marriages that have
come out of here,” he says while being flanked by racecar drive Bill
Lester, the first African American to ever grace the NASCAR circuit. “I
think it is the spirit of the people who are here, and it’s the joy of
being around and surrounded by people who are making it and people who
are trying to make it.” – terry shropshire
