— Millennials know who P. Diddy, Jay-Z, Daymond John, Bethenny Frankel, and many other new moguls are. Learn about the man that paved the way for entrepreneurs to elevate their game. —
The late Reginald F. Lewis
Nationwide — Honoring the 1st Black $Billion Dealmaker, upon the 30th anniversary of his historical deal that changed the face of America business forever. On November 30, 1987, Reginald Francis Lewis closed the $985 million leveraged buyout of Beatrice International Foods, which at the time, was the largest offshore transaction ever completed in the United States. The Wall Street move was celebrated around the world as the deal that made Lewis the first-ever African American billionaire business tycoon. Michael Milken was his investment banker, and the company made the Fortune 500 list.The $Billion Deal opened the doors for more African Americans, women and minorities to play in the billion-dollar business league. The event also marked the founding of TLC Beatrice International Holdings, Inc., the first African American owned enterprise to break through the billion-dollar mark when it grossed $1.8 billion in sales on its first year. Lewis died from brain cancer in 1993 and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire young African Americans and all Americans.
Highlights of his great legacy include:
* An Exhibit in the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture
* The Reginald F. Lewis International Law Center at Harvard Law School
* The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of African American History and Cultrure (an $80 Million museum in Baltimore, Maryland)
* The Reginald F. Lewis Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., Alpha Phi Chapter Alumni Endowed Scholarship Fund
* Reginald F. Lewis High School of Business & Law
* The Lewis College in Sorsogon City, Philippine
* “Why should White Guys Have All the Fun?” by Reginald F. Lewis & Blair S. Walker
* Reginald F Lewis: A Tribute by Elliot Wiley
Reginald Lewis’ Firsts:
* First to seriously consider the purchase of Paramount Pictures.
* First Black $Billion Deal Maker
* Set up 1st African American Law Firm on Wall Street
* First to be accepted at Harvard University Law School without applying (the only person in the 148-year history of the school to be admitted before applying)
In his hometown, one of few museums named after African American, the Reginald F. Lewis Maryland African American History and Culture Museum, will celebrate his 75th birth anniversary with a presentation, Reginald F. Lewis The Conversation: The $Billion Deal, The Lifestyle, The Man, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017, 9:30 a.m. in Baltimore, Maryland. Keith Perrin, Co-Founder of Fubu will be a special guest speaker. The event is open to the public.
Recently, on December 1, Congressman Elijah Cummings placed the financial transaction milestone in the US Congressional Record in honor of Lewis’s work. “When you have somebody like a Reginald F. Lewis who grew up in Baltimore and walked the same streets as I did. For a younger person, to see that, to see somebody that looks like you accomplish something that significant, it inspires you to be the best that you can be. You never know the influence of a person even from a distance can have on you. But I know that in my DNA, there is a Reginald Lewis. It makes me proud, very proud to celebrate with you. Ya’ll got me crying [wipes away tears]. I really appreciate it because a lot of times we don’t fully understand – a lot of times black people, black men and black women, particularly what black men go through,” said Cummings.
In 1987, Lewis founded his eponymous foundation to carry out his vision and mission for philanthropy, supporting educational programs for minorities and underprivileged youth as well as showcasing and preserving African American art and culture. This was continued by his family even after his death. They also completed the autobiography that Lewis had begun writing with co-author Blair S. Walker, which became the bestseller, “‘Why should white guys have all the fun?’ How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire”.
Lewis’ daughters are keeping his legacy alive through invaluable contributions not only to the African American community, but also to American society as a whole. Leslie Lewis is a consummate performer and executive producer. Most recently, she was recognized for her moving one-woman show called “Miracle in Rwanda”, based on a true story of surviving violence, overcoming odds and the power of forgiveness. Christina Lewis-Halpern founded All Star Code, a non-profit organization that seeks to help young men of color gain the tools they need to become a new generation of entrepreneurs who will confidently navigate the multi-billion dollar technology industry and create more economic opportunity.
Highlights from Lewis’ exceptional life are permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National African American Museum of History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Shortly before his death in 1993, RFL gave the largest donation ever received by Harvard University School of Law from an individual at the time. He became the first African American to have a building named after him, The Reginald F. Lewis International Law Center at Harvard Law School. And the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, which he founded in 1987, continues to provide grants for education, culture and arts to this day.
During Black History Month in February 2018, WNET will release a documentary about his life.
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