Otis Graham was a lawyer and author who wrote best-selling books on the topics of race and privilege in America. He died at his home in Chappaqua, New York, on February 19, 2021, at the age of 59. His cause of death has not been revealed by his family or the authorities. He is survived by his wife, Pamela Thomas-Graham, and their three children.
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A Lawyer Turned Writer
Otis Graham was born on December 25, 1961, in Manhattan, New York, to Richard and Betty Graham, who were originally from Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in Mount Vernon and White Plains, New York, where he attended White Plains High School. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in English in 1983, and from Harvard Law School with a Juris Doctor degree in 1988.
He practiced as a corporate lawyer at Weil, Gotshal & Manges and a real estate attorney at Cuddy & Feder, before pursuing a career as a writer. He wrote 14 non-fiction books on the subjects of politics, education, race, and class in America, as well as numerous articles for publications such as The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Glamour, and U.S. News & World Report.
A Breakthrough Article
Graham’s breakthrough as a writer came in 1992, when he published the article “Invisible Man” in New York magazine. It recounted his experience of working as a busboy at the Greenwich Country Club, a prestigious and exclusive club in Connecticut, where he witnessed racism, sexism, and anti-Semitism among the members and the staff. He wrote the article to expose the discrimination and prejudice that still existed in the society, even among the wealthy and educated.
The article was a sensation and elevated Graham’s profile as a writer. He expanded the article into a book, “Member of the Club: Reflections on Life in a Polarized World”, which became a best-seller. He also wrote other best-selling books, such as “Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class”, which explored the history and culture of the black elite in America, and “The Senator and The Socialite: The True Story of America’s First Black Dynasty”, which was a biography of U.S. Senator Blanche Bruce, the first black person to serve a full term in the Senate.
A Political Analyst and Activist
Graham was also a political analyst and commentator, who appeared on various TV and radio shows, such as The Today Show, Good Morning America, The Charlie Rose Show, and NPR. He was a contributing editor for Reader’s Digest, where he wrote a column called “The View from Here”. He also ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 2000, as a Democrat from New York’s 18th district, but lost in the primary.
Graham was also an activist and advocate for social justice and racial equality. He was a member of Sigma Pi Phi, the oldest African American fraternity, and served on the boards of several organizations, such as the Princeton University Alumni Council, the Westchester County Human Rights Commission, and the Chappaqua School Foundation. He also supported various causes and charities, such as the NAACP, the Urban League, and the United Negro College Fund.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Influence
Graham’s death has been mourned by many people who admired his work and his personality. He was praised for his courage, intelligence, honesty, and compassion. He was also hailed as a trailblazer, a role model, and a mentor for many young writers and lawyers, especially those of color.
His books have been widely read and discussed, and have inspired many people to learn more about the history and diversity of the black community in America. His book “Our Kind of People” is reportedly being adapted into a TV series by Fox, which will premiere in the fall of 2021.
Graham’s legacy will live on through his writings, his family, and his friends. He will be remembered as a lawyer and author who explored race and privilege in America, and who challenged the status quo with his words and actions.
