Patrick Graham is a remarkable figure with a multifaceted career spanning various sectors, including public service, social justice advocacy, and community development. He holds a bachelor’s in marketing from Johnson C. Smith University, a master’s in African American studies (media and policy) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a Ph.D. in American history focusing on civil rights and migration from Stony Brook University.
Throughout his career, Graham has held numerous leadership positions, including serving as the CEO of the Martin Luther King Center of Long Island, Urban League of Central Carolinas, and Charlotte Works. He has also worked as a senior policy adviser for wealth building with the city of Richmond and as a director with Crisis Assistance Ministry. Currently, he serves as the CEO of WeBuild Concord, the largest affordable housing developer in Cabarrus County.
Graham’s impact extends beyond his executive roles, as he has been involved in pioneering initiatives and policy development. He was the chief editor of the groundbreaking “State of Ethnic Charlotte” study, which focused on economic mobility strategies. He also created the Career4All strategy, aimed at reaching segregated communities in workforce development. Additionally, Graham designed the first eviction prevention model in the Richmond region and authored the first policy in the nation to grant CARES Act funding for emergency moves for domestic violence victims during the pandemic.
In the realm of education and talent development, Graham has launched national certification models for workforce development and has written extensively on issues concerning falsely accused individuals, inspiring proposed policies for victims. He is credited with coining the term “At-Opportunity, Not At-Risk,” which has reshaped perceptions of disenfranchised youth and communities, influencing policies within organizations such as the National Urban League and mentoring and workforce agencies.
Graham’s contributions have been recognized through various awards, including the Long Island Herald Person of the Year, Exodus Foundation Harriet Tubman-Nat Turner Award, National Urban League Innovative CEO, and Omega Psi Phi North and South Carolina Citizen of the Year.
