Lamont Graves

Lamont Graves (born July 1, 1963) is an American television producer, television personality and philanthropist, best known for his work as the host of Everyday Heroes. He is a two-time Emmy Award winner and a five-time nominee, celebrated for his contributions to television. Graves embarked on a transformative journey after conducting a five-city tour, during which he personally reached out to 800 underprivileged families. His efforts included providing essential support such as food and donations for children's Christmas gifts. Motivated by his own experiences of enduring mental and physical abuse from his father, Graves established his meeting planning company in 1993, which empowered him to give back to those in need. There were times when his mother and two siblings had to seek refuge, sleeping in parks and attending school from those locations, to escape the abuse from his father, underscoring the urgency of his mission to uplift others. The concept for his television show emerged from a comment likening him to a 'mini Oprah' due to his extensive charitable endeavors, inspiring him to create a pay-it-forward program

Lamont Graves
Graves in 2020
Born	(1963-07-01) July 1, 1963 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Occupations	Television personality Television producer Entrepreneur
Years active	2007–present
Spouse	Gladys Graves (m. 1984, div. 2018)
Partner	Stephanie Cardona (2014–present)
Children	2
Awards	2 Emmy Awards
Website	Lamontgraves.com

Early life

Lamont Graves was born in Philadelphia, PA on July 1, 1963, to Ponchita Amoro and Timothy Graves. His childhood was marked by the tumultuous presence of his father, who was associated with the Jr. Black Mob called Black Brother Inc. and frequently absent from the family home. This left Lamont and his siblings primarily in the care of their mother, who bore the brunt of domestic abuse.

Graves found solace in his studies, attending The Philadelphia High School for Creative & Performing Arts as a music major. However, the specter of his father's violence cast a shadow over his happiness. He often dreaded his father's presence and witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional toll it took on his mother.

The turning point came when Lamont's mother mustered the courage to protect herself. She went to his father's room and uttered the brave words, "Don't go to sleep tonight," signaling a pivotal moment in their lives. Despite facing further challenges, including his father's attempt to set his mother on fire, (which inadvertently ignited the curtains instead), Graves and his mother persevered, ultimately breaking free from the cycle of violence that had ensnared them for years, as his father never returned.

Guided by his mother's resilience and the lessons learned from their shared trauma, Graves resolved never to perpetuate such abuse himself. His deep love and admiration for his mother instilled in him a profound respect for women and a commitment to nonviolence.

Despite his aspirations to pursue acting, Graves struggled with fear and low self-esteem as a teenager, which hindered his pursuit of that dream. However, his innate compassion and desire to make a positive impact led him to devote himself to working with children. From his early days at the South Philadelphia Community Center to later serving autistic children at The Developmental Center for Autistic Children, Graves found fulfillment in nurturing and empowering young minds.

These formative experiences laid the groundwork for Lamont Graves's lifelong dedication to paying it forward

Career

Television Host and Producer

La'Mont Graves embarked on his television journey in 2006, marking the genesis of a career dedicated to celebrating the resilience and altruism of everyday individuals. His inaugural creation, "Everyday Heroes," (aired on Comcast CN8 Channel) emerged as a beacon of inspiration, spotlighting the remarkable narratives of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary feats. With a keen eye for storytelling, Graves delved deep into the lives of those who had surmounted formidable challenges, illustrating their unwavering resolve to uplift their communities.

"Everyday Heroes" transcended the confines of mere recognition, encapsulating a profound commitment to facilitating tangible support for its featured individuals. As the show's host, La'Mont Graves, alongside a cadre of Celebrity Angels, spearheaded a mission to ensure that these unsung heroes received the resources essential for sustaining their impactful endeavors. Each episode culminated in a heartwarming reveal, where the protagonists were bestowed with gifts tailored to fortify their life-affirming initiatives.

The crowning moment of "Everyday Heroes" arrived with its poignant finales, meticulously crafted to elicit emotions ranging from surprise to elation and heartfelt tears. Central to this climactic juncture was the orchestration of presentations, wherein La'Mont Graves enlisted the participation of esteemed celebrity guests. Together, they orchestrated acts of generosity, furnishing the heroes with invaluable provisions essential for perpetuating their noble missions.

Beyond the realm of entertainment, "Everyday Heroes" epitomized the power of storytelling as a catalyst for societal change. By amplifying the voices of resilience and compassion, Graves fostered a culture of empathy and solidarity, inspiring viewers to embrace their capacity for positive action. Through his unwavering dedication to showcasing the triumph of the human spirit, La'Mont Graves etched an indelible mark on the landscape of television, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and upliftment.

Upcoming Projects

In the vibrant landscape of 2024, La'Mont Graves is gearing up to unveil his highly anticipated YouTube channel, promising an electrifying journey centered on giving back and paying it forward. Anticipation is palpable as audiences worldwide eagerly await the unveiling of a surprise currently in the works. With a potent mix of innovation and heartfelt sincerity, Graves pledges an immersive experience designed to ignite compassion and inspire action. This venture isn't just about entertainment; it's a platform dedicated to fostering a culture of generosity and kindness, where every viewer is encouraged to join in the noble mission of spreading joy and making a positive impact. Get ready to be part of something truly special, as La'Mont Graves leads the charge in making the world a happier place, one heartfelt gesture at a time.

Modeling

In 2000, La'Mont Graves was signed by Expressions Modeling Agency, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Shortly thereafter, he graced numerous advertisements for Strawbridge & Clothier/Clover and the Philadelphia Electric Company.

Personal life

Graves' personal life has witnessed significant transformations. In 1984, he tied the knot with Gladys Guzman, but after nearly three decades, they parted ways, finalizing their divorce in 2018. Together, they raised two children and proudly welcomed two grandchildren into the family. Relocating from Philadelphia to South Florida in 1996 marked a pivotal chapter in Graves' life, reflecting his adaptability and courage in pursuing new horizons.

Amidst the challenges of singlehood, Graves grappled with depression but emerged stronger through perseverance. After three years, he found love anew with Stephanie Cardona, despite the initial reservations stemming from their age difference. Their bond deepened over nearly a decade, fueled by Stephanie's remarkable maturity and irresistible charm, paving the way for an imminent journey down the aisle.

Filmography

Television

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1994	I nvisions	Client Character	Commercial
2007	Everyday Heroes	Main Host	Pilot
2008	Everyday Heroes	Main Host	Episode 1-5

Awards and nominations

Year	Awards	Categoty	Result
2008	Emmy	Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host	Nominated
2009	Emmy	Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host	Nominated
2009	Emmy	Production	Nominated
2010	Emmy	Outstanding Special	Won
2010	Emmy	Program Special	Won