Earl G. Graves (Finding Aid)

Earl G. Graves

1935 -

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Winter

Favorite Vacation Spot: Colorado Skiing

Interview Length: 93 minutes

Interview Date(s): December 18, 2000

Interview Location(s): New York, New York

Abstract

Earl Graves begins by describing his father's personality, education, and family background. He recalls his mother's personality and her prominent involvement in his childhood education and upbringing. Graves details his experiences growing up in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Bedford-Stuyvesant. He describes how the neighborhood has changed from when he was a child, and explains his efforts to improve the conditions of the neighborhood upon his return as an adult. Graves details the values and culture associated with his West Indian heritage, and addresses perceptions of West Indians by others in the black community. Graves closes the interview by describing his childhood aspirations and his relationship with his father. Earl Graves begins by describing his high school experience at Erasmus Hall in Brooklyn. He explains why he chose to attend college at Morgan State University in Baltimore. Graves details his college experience, including how it sharply contrasted with his life in Brooklyn. He briefly describes receiving the news of his father's death. Graves details his experience in the Armed Forces, including his time in Special Forces. Graves explains why he chose to start a career in real estate, and mentions some of his successes. He explains his choice to enter the political arena, as an aide to Senator Robert F. Kennedy. Graves closes by detailing his experience working for Kennedy, describing the skills and values he attained. Earl Graves describes his study of entrepreneurship in Barbados and how it helped to set his career course. He discusses his first foray into business, as the founder of a consulting firm. Graves describes the founding and early years of Black Enterprise magazine, detailing the initial and continuing importance of the magazine. He outlines various features in Black Enterprise that aided the African American business community. Graves talks about the importance of promoting Black Enterprise in the advertising industry and among established businesses. Graves briefly discusses the future of African American business. He closes by detailing his involvement in political and community causes. Earl Graves reflects on personal issues in this brief closing to the interview. He discusses his future plans and direction of his business ventures. He explains the importance of his family in his life and his accomplishments. He discusses what he would like his legacy to be. Finally, he talks about what he believes his parents would think about him, were they alive. The interview concludes with a showcase of various photos featuring Graves with luminaries such as Nelson Mandela, Sidney Poitier, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Richard Nixon, and Muhammad Ali.

61 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)