American educator, New York Times bestselling author, and businessman Stedman Graham has written numerous self-help business related books and is also the founder of Illinois’ AAD (formerly Athletes Against Drugs), a non-profit organisation providing services for youths. He is also the long term partner of actress and talk show host Oprah Winfrey.
Graham obtained a degree in social work in 1974 from Hardin-Simmons University. Soon after he moved to North Carolina to establish himself in PR, beginning at a company called B & C Associates, working on behalf of blue causes. He worked with many distinguished clients including South African Activist and politician Winnie Mandela, and author Maya Angelou 1985 was a pinnacle year for Graham as he founded the youth organisation AAD. Athletes were helped in many ways and even sports figures were called upon to educate children on substance abuse. Since its founding, the company has been awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships. Graham didn’t stop there and three years later, he founded S. Graham & Associates; a Chicago-based corporate educational consulting and marketing firm.
Graham’s debut book entitled The Ultimate Guide to Sport Event Management and Marketing was published in 1995 and since then he has written You Can Make it Happen Every Day, Teens Can Make It Happen Workbook, Who Are You? and many more. His most recent book was published in 2019: Identity Leadership: To Lead Others You Must First Lead Yourself, which inspires others to become a passionate and meaningful leader.