By Lashawnda K. Becoats
Photography by Richard Israel

HE IS: The president and CEO of the Urban League of the Central Carolinas. Since taking over in 2007, Graham has been on a mission to connect disenfranchised people in the Charlotte area to a global economy through education and training.

FOR THE PEOPLE: Graham, who holds a Ph.D. in philosophy, describes himself as an empowerment activist. Inspired by the often polarized views of W.E.B. DuBois and Booker T. Washington, Graham maintains a vision that incorporates both perspectives. “We need to dominate academically,” he states firmly, “but we also need to be well versed in skilled labor— those combinations lead to entrepreneurship and independence.”

HOW HE UNWINDS: Graham begins his day with meditation and running, lifting weights, or boxing. After that, his workday can be hectic and might range from holding meetings in the Urban League office to teaching religion classes or ministering at his church. In the evening, when possible, he enjoys reading in his backyard hammock: “I just like to be by myself and chill.”

HIS NEW SOUTH: Envisioning the Charlotte area as a region that can flourish from new sustainable energy and a green economy, Graham aims to lure those industries by training economically disadvantaged people who are typically excluded from those types of jobs. With a properly educated workforce in the area, says Graham, more businesses will want to come. However, like most meaningful change, this effort involves a gradual process, which Graham takes in stride. “You’ve got to walk up the mountain one step at a time,” he says. “You can’t continue to look at the top of the mountain and think about how high it is and how far you have to go. When you have a vision, it takes time.”