Transition to Eternal Life

In January 1993, at age 50, Reginald F. Lewis died after a short illness. A letter at his funeral from longtime friend David N. Dinkins, former mayor of New York, said, “Reginald Lewis accomplished more in half a century than most of us could ever deem imaginable. And his brilliant career was matched always by a warm and generous heart.” Dinkins added, “It is said that service to others is the rent we pay on earth. Reg Lewis departed us paid in full.”

“Reginald Lewis held close to his dream. It was a dream fueled by imagination, inspiration, and dedication.” - Hon. David N. Dinkins

The Legacy Continues...

Even after his death, Lewis’ philanthropic endeavors continue. He had expressed a desire to support a museum of African American culture. In 2002. The Maryland State Legislature allocated thirty-two million dollars for a museum of Maryland African American history and culture 10 be built near Baltimore’s Inner Harbor.

One component of the museum, a partnership between the museum and the Maryland State Department of Education, focused on an African American curriculum to be developed and taught in all Maryland public schools.

The Foundation board decided that this was what Reginald Lewis would have supported and made its largest grant to date, $5 million. The grant to the Museum was placed in an endowment to support education programs. When the museum opened in June 2005, to great fanfare, it was named the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture.

Lawyer, entrepreneur, philanthropist, CEO, devoted family man, loyal friend—Reginald F. Lewis lived his life according to the words he often quoted to audiences around the country;

“Keep going, no matter what.”

Lewis’ biography “Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun?” was co-authored by former USA Today business writer Blair Walker and made the Best Seller list of Business Week when published in 1994.