Statement From Bob Johnson On The Passing Of Earl Graves, Sr., Founder of Black Enterprise

BETHESDA, Md., April 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- It is with deep sadness that I say goodbye to my friend and mentor, Earl Graves, Sr.  Every black entrepreneur and every black corporate executive who reached the pinnacles of leadership in corporate America owe a salute and tribute to Earl.  Black Enterprise, under his founding leadership was, and still is, our bible; and its stories of our achievement are, in chapter and verse, our religion.  His tireless advocacy of black businesses moved both the white and black business community to accept the fact that black enterprise deserves to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with American enterprise.

Bob Johnson is Founder of Black Entertainment Television and Founder and Chairman of The RLJ Companies.

About The RLJ Companies: The RLJ Companies, founded by Robert L. Johnson, is an innovative business network that provides strategic investments in a diverse portfolio of companies. Within The RLJ Companies portfolio, Johnson owns or holds interests in businesses operating in a publicly traded hotel real estate investment trust (REIT); private equity; 401k financial services; automobile dealerships; content streaming; and video lottery terminal (VLT) gaming. The RLJ Companies is headquartered in Bethesda, MD. Prior to founding The RLJ Companies, Johnson founded Black Entertainment Television (BET).  For more information visit: www.rljcompanies.com

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SOURCE The RLJ Companies