Reginald F. Lewis would have been 75 years old.
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.
On thursday December 7th the Mother of Reginald F. Lewis Carolyn Fugate, his late wife Lioda N. Lewis, his brother Jean Fugate, Former State Delegate Tiger Davis, Author and his former College Roommate Lin Hart and William Bill Slattery, friend at Harvard and Classmate. The panel line up was Moderated by Maryland Public Television Charles F. Robinson. Each took time to share stories from Reginald F. Lewis early childhood, high school, college and onto Harvard and Business achievements. The museum has continued to be a beacon of testament that great people do and can come from Baltimore to break all boundaries and perceptions. Keep Going, No matter what was Reginald F. Lewis Slogan.
This was one of the best holiday gifts that students at some of the students could receive says Sharif Smalls that host an Annual Wealth Diversity Workshop at the Museum. Students from NAF, National Academy Foundation, Dunbar High, Douglass High were all present.
LMarilyn Crawford read the Purpose of the event and shared how being a part of this great historic event we all should be proud of this great City that gave hope to Reginald F. Lewis.
Haki S. Ammi, Is a Freelance writer and Best Selling Author of Mission Unstoppable, Extraordinary Stories of Failures Blessings. Former radio host on Elifemedia.net, Harambeeradio.com and Co Host BDX Live with Lou Fields.
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