Barbara Kydd Graves, a guiding force of Black Enterprise Magazine and wife of founder Earl G. Graves, Sr., passed away May 25, 2012 at the age of 74. Ms. Graves served Black Enterprise magazine for over 40 years as editorial director, circulation director, chief financial officer and through other positions as she helped guide the magazine’s success.
Ms. Graves was also a strong supporter of the NAACP, founded in 1909, along with her husband, Earl G. Graves, Sr., who won the Spingarn Award in 1999 for outstanding achievement by a person of color.
“Barbara Graves was truly devoted to the mission of empowering communities of color and promoting economic empowerment,” stated Benjamin Todd Jealous, NAACP President and CEO. “Her contributions to Black Enterprise Magazine inspired countless young businessmen and businesswomen of color, and helped open doors for so many people. We honor her memory.”
“Barbara Graves played a vital role in the lasting success of Black Enterprise Magazine,” stated Roslyn M. Brock, NAACP Chairman. “She dedicated her life to advancing opportunities for minority entrepreneurs. She leaves behind a living legacy as a loving wife, mother and grandmother, and as the matriarch of an important institution. She will be sorely missed.”
“The world is saddened by the passing of my dear friend Barbara Graves,” stated NAACP New York State Conference President and National Board of Directors Member Hazel N. Dukes. “She served others in so many proud ways, as a wife, a mother and a loving grandmother. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family in this time of mourning.”
Black Enterprise Magazine was founded in 1970 as the premier business news and investment resource for African Americans. Today it holds a readership of 3.7 million people.
