Lawrence Otis Graham, a prominent American attorney, political analyst, and celebrated New York Times best-selling author, passed away on February 19, 2021, at the age of 59. His untimely death left a void in the realms of racial equity, social justice, and literature. Let us explore the life and legacy of this remarkable individual, with a focus on the circumstances surrounding his cause of death.
A Barrier-Breaking Journey
Born on December 25, 1961, Lawrence Otis Graham’s life story began in the segregated Jim Crow era of the South. His parents, Memphis, Tennessee-born and raised, embarked on a bold mission—to find and acquire a residential family home in a predominantly Caucasian-filled suburban Westchester County, New York City neighborhood. As the only Black family in their all-white upper middle-class White Plains community during the 1960s and 1970s, Graham’s upbringing was marked by resilience, determination, and a commitment to racial equality.
A Scholar and Advocate
Lawrence Otis Graham’s educational journey led him to Princeton University, where he majored in English and actively engaged in social justice issues. Later, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Harvard Law School in 1988. His legal career took him to prestigious law firms such as Weil, Gotshal & Manges and Cuddy & Feder, where he practiced corporate and real estate law. However, Graham’s true passion lay in writing and advocating for racial progress.
A Literary Legacy
Graham authored 14 non-fiction books, delving into topics such as politics, education, race, and class in America. His work appeared in renowned publications like The New York Times, Reader’s Digest, Glamour, and U.S. News & World Report. His best-selling book, “Our Kind of People: Inside America’s Black Upper Class”, became a New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Essence Magazine bestseller. The book offered a candid exploration of the lives, challenges, and achievements of African Americans in the upper echelons of society.
The Final Chapter
On that February day in 2021, Lawrence Otis Graham’s lifelong pursuit of racial equality and justice took an unexpected turn. His cause of death remains undisclosed, but his legacy endures. As we remember him, we honor not only his contributions to literature but also his unwavering commitment to dismantling barriers and fostering understanding.
