Dr. Leroy Graham was born on Valentine's Day, 1954, at Providence Hospital on Chicago's South Side—the same hospital where Dr. Daniel Hale Williams performed America's first successful open-heart surgery. This divine connection to medical history would prove prophetic.

From Broken Home to Breaking Barriers

When his parents divorced, young Leroy could have become a statistic. Instead, his mother's "no pity parties" philosophy and his stepfather's intervention created something remarkable: a young man with TWO engaged fathers instead of one absent father.

Academic Excellence Against the Odds

Educated by the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament (founded specifically to serve African Americans and Native Americans)

Saint Ignatius College Prep (Jesuit education that taught him how to excel)

Saint Joseph's College, Philadelphia (pre-med excellence)

Georgetown University School of Medicine (first African American inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha honor society)

Military Service & Leadership

14 years in U.S. Army Medical Corps

Rose to Lieutenant Colonel (O-5)

Brigade Surgeon, Second Brigade, First Infantry Division

Served during Operation Desert Storm

Responsible for medical operations for 2,000 soldiers

Present at ceasefire ceremonies, met General Norman Schwarzkopf

Medical Career & Health Advocacy

Pediatric pulmonary specialist

Practiced in Atlanta, Georgia

Founded "Not One More Life" nonprofit

Teaches "radical health consumerism"

Addresses health disparities in minority communities

Partners with churches and community organizations

Personal Life

Married to Dr. Patrice Graham for over 40 years (also a physician). Father of two successful adult children: Arianne (Harvard Business School graduate working in corporate strategy) and Max (professional dog trainer). Continues health advocacy through Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity in Florida.

"Breaking Barriers" is his first book.