One of the First: Lessons I Learned While Overcoming the Challenges of Integration

Ralph Stokes has spent most of his life loving his enemies. His method has always been to overcome prejudice with personal, professional, and moral excellence, taking a loving but determined stance toward anyone who mistreated him due to the color of his skin.

Over the years, Ralph’s story has been featured by The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, USAToday.com, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Golf Digest, ESPN Radio, AL.com, and many other media outlets.

Let Ralph’s story inspire you today!

Ralph Stokes was a key player on the southern football scene during the time of integration. After becoming one of the first five Black football players at the University of Alabama, Ralph was a pioneer for integration in the business arena and later on, in the world of golf. He is currently the Director of Partnership Marketing for PGA TOUR Superstore and President-Elect of the Georgia State Golf Association. Ralph is very passionate about partnering with and supporting different charities across the United States. Ralph lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with his wife Debra. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.