A Grambling State University alumnus made automotive history last year, when he became the first African American to own and operate a Rolls-Royce dealership in the United States. Owning one of only 35 ultra luxurious Rolls-Royce dealerships in the country is not Thomas Moorehead’s only claim to fame in the automotive industry. In 2001, he opened a dual dealership selling BMWs and Mini Coopers in Virginia. BMW of Sterling is the largest minority-owned BMW dealership in the United States

Moorehead is a 1966 graduate of GSU with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He also earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Michigan in 1977, and is currently earning a doctorate there as well. He worked as an analyst at Mobile and Chrysler and the director of community services at the University of Michigan before hopping careers to automotive sales. He owned dealerships in Nebraska and Illinois before moving to Northern Virginia to open BMW of Sterling.

Moorehead is giving back to his alma mater by hosting a meet and greet reception honoring Head Football Coach Broderick Fobbs at Moorehead’s BMW dealership in Sterling, Virginia, on Sunday, March 29, from 4-7 p.m. Proceeds will benefit athletic scholarships and other university support. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to Rose Wright at 318-274-2217 or wrightr@gram.edu.