photo by steed media service

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

Log onto to BE’s Web site at www.blackenterprise.com.

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