Earl G. Graves Sr. was an influential American businessman and entrepreneur, best known for founding Earl G. Graves Ltd., a publishing company that focused on African American culture and business. He was also the publisher of Black Enterprise magazine, which highlights the achievements of African Americans in business and entrepreneurship. Graves was born on January 9, 1935, in Brooklyn, New York, and graduated from Morgan State University. Throughout his career, he was dedicated to promoting economic empowerment within the African American community and served on various boards, including the National Urban League. He passed away on April 6, 2020.