Stedman Graham is an American educator, author, businessman and public speaker. He is the long-term partner of Oprah Winfrey.
He received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University in 1974 and a master’s degree in education from Ball State University in 1979.
Graham played college basketball and roomed with future NBA basketball player Harvey Catchings.
Additionally, he has written several self-help and business-related books, including You Can Make It Happen and Build Your Own Life Brand.
Graham is also the founder of AAD, a non-profit organization that provides services to youth and has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships since its founding in 1985.
He has been a member of the Indiana Broadcasting Hall of Fame and has delivered speeches on topics such as identity and self-awareness.
Siblings
Stedman is one of six children born to his parents Mary Jacobs Graham and Stedman Graham Sr. Stedman’s older sister, Anita Shelton, was born in 1948, making her about three years older than Stedman.
Stedman’s younger brothers, Darius and Irvin Graham, were born in 1953 and 1955, respectively.
This makes Darius about two years younger and Irvin about four years younger than Stedman.
Stedman’s younger brothers, James Graham, was born in 1957, making him about six years younger than Stedman.
Nakoma Crawford, Stedman’s younger sister, was born in 1960, making her about nine years younger than Stedman.
These siblings were part of a close-knit family that instilled values such as hard work and education in Stedman, which have contributed to his success in life.
Career
Graham has had a diverse and successful career spanning multiple fields.
He received a bachelor’s degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University in 1974 and a master’s degree in education from Ball State University in 1979.
Graham started his career in public relations and marketing, working for B&C Associates in North Carolina and later forming his own firm, S. Graham & Associates, in 1992.
He is also the founder and executive director of Athletes Against Drugs (AAD), a non-profit organization that provides services to youth and has awarded over $1.5 million in scholarships since its founding in 1985.
Additionally, Graham has written several self-help and business-related books, including The Ultimate Guide to Sport Event Management & Marketing, You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success and Build Your Own Life Brand!
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He has also been a prominent public speaker, delivering speeches on topics such as identity and self-awareness.
Graham has been a visiting professor at various colleges and universities, sharing his expertise and insights with students.
Furthermore, he has worked as a consultant and has been involved in various business ventures, including his own firm, S. Graham & Associates, which provides management, marketing, and consulting services.
Throughout his career, Graham has been recognized for his achievements and has received numerous awards and honors.
Personal life
Oprah Winfrey and Graham have been in a long-term relationship since 1986.
The two met that year at a charity event in Chicago, the same year Oprah’s talk show premiered.
Oprah later revealed that she had noticed Stedman around town but didn’t pay much attention due to his girlfriend at the time.
After his girlfriend ended their relationship, Oprah and Stedman started dating.
In 1987, Stedman made his first appearance on Oprah’s talk show, surprising her during a viewer Q&A session.
Oprah later opened up about her weight-loss journey, clarifying that it wasn’t for Stedman but for herself.
Rumors of infidelity plagued their relationship in 1989, with gossip columnist Ann Gerber initially alleging that Stedman had been cheating with Oprah’s hairdresser, though Gerber later retracted the story.
In 1992, Oprah and Stedman announced their engagement, but they eventually called it off.
Oprah has said that she preferred the idea of being asked rather than actively pursuing marriage.
Over the years, Oprah and Stedman have maintained a private and low-key presence in the media, defining their relationship as a “spiritual partnership” between equals for the purpose of spiritual growth.
Oprah has emphasized the importance of respect for one another’s accomplishments and the couple’s commitment to each other’s success.
Despite rumors and speculation, Oprah and Stedman have never gotten married, preferring to focus on their decades-long relationship and individual growth.
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