Barbara-Graves-Obituary

Barbara Kydd Graves

Obituary

WASHINGTON (AP) — Barbara Kydd Graves, the wife of the publisher of Black Enterprise Magazine who aided in the growth of the publication and media company, died Friday.

Black Enterprise said in a statement that Graves had been fighting gall-bladder cancer for more than three years when she died at Howard University Hospital in Washington. She was 74.

Graves, the wife of Black Enterprise founder and publisher Earl G. Graves Sr., was involved in the magazine from its start in 1970. She held a number of positions with the company including chief financial officer and circulation director.

In 2010, in a magazine column commemorating the publication's 40th anniversary, Earl Graves wrote that in the early days his wife "did just about everything there is to do" to put out a magazine. She wrote and edited, designed layouts, served as the sales director and office manager and "was vice president in charge of shutting down the publisher's bad ideas," Graves said.

The monthly magazine now has a circulation of 500,000 in the United States and a readership of 4 million according to Black Enterprise.

Barbara Graves, an elementary school teacher and graduate of Brooklyn College, met her husband on a blind date while he was in the Army.

"She was very attractive, very bright, and not impressed at all by my, you know, Army outfit on," Earl Graves said in a 2006 interview with civil rights leader Julian Bond that was done for The HistoryMakers, a video archive of African American oral histories.

Barbara Graves is survived by her husband and their three children. The eldest son, Earl Graves Jr., is now the president and CEO of Black Enterprise. The other two sons, Johnny Graves and Michael Graves, have also worked as executives at Black Enterprise.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

JESSICA GRESKO,Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

In God's care rest in peace

God gave the world an Angel in the form of a beautiful Spirit, Mrs. Barbara Graves, during her time on this Earth. She was truly an amazing woman. Mr. Earl Graves Sr. was blessed to have a partner in life and business with whom he could build a strong family foundation. To the entire Graves family, I am sorry for the loss of your loved one. I know these few words are not able to erase the pain that you all feel at this trying time. However, I hope your faith in The Creator and your love...

I was a colleague and friend of Barbara when we taught at PS 59 in Brooklyn from 1965-1968. She was a treasure! Best to Earl and the entire family.

Thank You for your Legacy!!

May god continue to bless the Graves family and keep them well.

Roxie Scott

Sorry to learn of Barbara's death. She was such a kind , gentle and gracious lady with a beautiful smile. I will never forget how quickly she responded to a summer job request for my niece. May God continue to keep your family in his care.

May God bless and keep you at this difficult time , may beautiful memories bring a smile to your face and solace to your heart.You are in my prayers. Surluta B . Anthony 1307 Va Ave .,Monroe,N.C. 28112

May God bless and keep you at this difficult time , may beautiful memories bring a smile to your face and solace to your heart.You are in my prayers. Surluta B . Anthony 1307 Va Ave .,Monroe,N.C. 28112