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Who is Gizelle Bryant's father? 'RHOP' star's father made history as famed civil rights leader

On both her mother's and father's sides, 'RHOP' star Gizelle Bryant's father, Curtis Graves, was the great-great-grandson of Black women who were held in slavery

POTOMAC, MARYLAND: It's easy to understand how Gizelle Bryant had a close relationship with her late father, as depicted in 'The Real Housewives of Potomac'. The upcoming episode, scheduled to premiere on Sunday, March 17, will offer viewers some insight into the possible cause of Curtis Graves's death in 2023.

According to Curtis's obituary, he was born in 1938 in New Orleans into a large, extended Creole family. He was nurtured in a "welcoming home" where civil rights attorneys and activists were frequent visitors. He frequently joined in on adult talks and enjoyed a "rich childhood" with a formal Catholic education.

"I came up in a political Black family in New Orleans. My father was always involved with the NAACP and civil rights," Curtis stated in a 2015 interview with Texas Monthly. "Thurgood Marshall slept in my bed while I slept on the couch—that's a fact!"

Curtis's interest in politics was sparked during his attendance at the Bayou Boys State leadership camp. This experience played a pivotal role in shaping his future career path after graduating high school. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana before transferring to Texas Southern University (TSU), where he earned a business administration degree in 1963.

According to the obituary, while enrolled, "Curtis found his voice" as a civil rights fighter. Curtis worked as a bank manager before running as one of the first African-American members of the Texas House of Representatives, as Gizelle recounted in 'RHOP' Season 4.

Curtis served three terms for the Democratic Party from 1967 to 1973, making him the first African American to hold the office since 1899, according to the Legislative Reference Library of Texas. "Curtis was a memorable figure there, an outspoken advocate for issues that most affect the voiceless," his obituary reads.

Raising the minimum wage, lowering food taxes, and rewarding adoptions of minority and handicapped children were among the concerns addressed. Curtis claimed to have started activism at TSU taking part in sit-ins and helping establish the school's Progressive Youth Association.

He also "played a major role" in achieving desegregation in Houston. Curtis once collaborated with Dr Martin Luther King Jr to mark Black History Month, as shown in a photo uploaded by Gizelle on X.

Curtis also ran for the Texas Senate during his final term as a state representative, but he was unsuccessful. During the contest, Curtis described it as "one of the most important political races in the country," according to The New York Times.

"The first Black Congressman in this century from Texas, from the old Confederate South, must be independent — he can’t be compromised," Curtis told reporters at the time. "I don’t see anyone else able to do this better than myself."

After losing the contest, Curtis moved his family to Washington, DC, and "got out of politics," Gizelle revealed on 'RHOP'.

When did Curtis Graves retire?

According to Curtis's obituary, he moved to Washington, DC, and worked for NASA for the next 30 years, first as Director of Educational Programs and subsequently as Director of Public Affairs. He retired in 2003, relocated to Tucker, Georgia (just outside Atlanta), and lived there with his wife for 20 years until his death.

During his retirement, Curtis continued to serve on the boards of La Creole and the Whitney Plantation, the latter being featured in episodes of 'RHOP'. When he wasn't pursuing his passion for photography, he and his wife enjoyed traveling and hosting large gatherings for their extended family and friends.

How did Curtis Graves die?

Curtis was diagnosed with brain cancer on July 10, 2023, and passed away less than two weeks after undergoing surgery. He left behind three children and six grandchildren. Following his death, numerous individuals spoke fondly of Curtis, including former Texas State Senator and Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, as reported by The Defender.  Rodney claimed he was "immediately inspired" by Curtis after hearing how the then-State Representative stepped on the table and made his colleagues listen to what he had to say.

"From marching alongside the Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr to his service in the Legislature, Curtis Graves showed a generation of young politicians and activists that no one will give you a platform to fight for your beliefs; you have to take it," Rodney said. "Texas is a better place because of his service and his spirit." Gizelle acknowledged her father's death in an Instagram post dated July 20, 2023, including Curtis, Gizelle, and Gizelle's kids.

Curtis Graves dubbed 'good-looking man' by Potomac Housewives

The adorable Mr Graves first appeared on 'RHOP' Season 4, Episode 5, when the ladies — including Season 8 'Wives Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Robyn Dixon, and Candiace Dillard Bassett — traveled to New Orleans for a fun and adventurous girls vacation that coincided with Curtis's 80th birthday.

Candiace once described Gizelle's father as "a good-looking man." "Don’t you think I know that?" Curtis made a joke, which everyone found amusing. "I get Gizelle." Candiace assured 'RHOP' producers that she is "200 percent explained." "The humor, the confidence, the arrogance, that’s your daddy. He cannot deny you, honey."

Gizelle and the women visited Curtis at Louisiana's Whitney Plantation to learn about their family's slavery-era history. Curtis conducted an emotional and eye-opening plantation tour focusing on Gizelle's great-great-grandparents and their historical significance.

In the follow-up episode, Gizelle and Candiace had lunch with Curtis at the renowned Dooky Chase's restaurant, a historic staple throughout the Civil Rights Movement. They dined alongside the late Queen of Creole Chef Leah Chase and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Another notable scene from the show had Curtis performing a knee-shaking dance on the streets of New Orleans while a musical procession played traditional NOLA jazz on his way to his birthday celebration.

'The Real Housewives of Potomac' Season 8 airs on Bravo on Sundays at 8/7c and will be available to stream on Peacock the following day.