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Stedman Graham
Stedman Graham and Grant Schreiber during an interview in Cape Town, 2014 (cropped).jpg
Graham in 2014
Born (1951-03-06) March 6, 1951 (age 74)
Education Hardin-Simmons University (BSW)
Ball State University (MEd)
Occupation Businessman, author
Spouse(s)
Glenda Graham
(m. 1974, div. 1980)
Partner(s) Oprah Winfrey (1986–present)
Children 1

Stedman Graham Jr. (born March 6, 1951) is an American businessman, author, and speaker. He is well-known for being the long-time partner of TV host and media star Oprah Winfrey. Graham focuses on teaching people how to be successful in their lives and careers.

Early Life and Schooling

Stedman Graham was born in the Whitesboro area of Middle Township, New Jersey. He was one of six children in his family.

After high school, Graham went to college. He earned a bachelor's degree in social work from Hardin-Simmons University in 1974. Later, in 1979, he earned a master's degree in education from Ball State University.

While in college, Graham was a talented basketball player. He even shared a room with Harvey Catchings, who later became a professional player in the NBA. Graham is also known for his height, standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall.

Career in Business and Education

Stedman Graham 1999 (cropped)
Graham in 1999

Graham began his career in public relations, which means he helped people and companies build a good public image. He worked with famous people like the author Maya Angelou and the South African activist Winnie Mandela.

In 1988, he started his own company called S. Graham & Associates. This company helps businesses and schools with marketing and planning. He has also worked as a professor at Full Sail University, sharing his knowledge with students.

Helping Young People

Graham is passionate about helping kids and teens. In 1985, he founded a non-profit group called AAD (which used to be called Athletes Against Drugs). A non-profit is an organization that works to help the community, not just to make money.

AAD provides programs and services for young people. The organization has given away more than $1.5 million in college scholarships. It also brought in famous athletes to talk to kids about making healthy life choices.

Author and Speaker

Graham has written many books about business and self-improvement. Self-improvement books are designed to help people reach their goals and feel more confident. He often writes about how to find your own identity and use your skills to succeed.

List of Books

Here are some of the books Stedman Graham has written:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Sport Event Management and Marketing (1995)
  • You Can Make It Happen: A Nine-Step Plan for Success (1997)
  • You Can Make It Happen Every Day (1998)
  • Teens Can Make It Happen: Nine Steps for Success (2000)
  • Teens Can Make It Happen Workbook (2001)
  • The Ultimate Guide to Sports Marketing (2001)
  • Build Your Own Life Brand! (2002)
  • Move Without the Ball: Put Your Skills and Your Magic to Work for You (2004)
  • Who Are You? (2005)
  • Diversity: Leaders Not Labels: A New Plan for the 21st Century (2006)
  • Identity: Your Passport to Success (2012)
  • Identity Leadership: To Lead Others You Must First Lead Yourself (2019)

He has also written articles for publications like The Huffington Post.

Personal Life

Stedman Graham was married once before, right after he finished college. From that marriage, he has one daughter.

Since 1986, Graham has been in a relationship with Oprah Winfrey. Because Oprah is so famous, their relationship has often been talked about in newspapers and magazines. They have been together for many years.

In 2019, Graham received an honorary degree from Notre Dame de Namur University in California. An honorary degree is a special award given to someone to recognize their great achievements in life.

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