RFL Celebration Weekend a Huge Success
Hundreds Participate in Impact Filled Events By Dwight Langhum
BALTIMORE, MD, Dec. 10, 2007 - Loida Nicolas Lewis today declared the celebration weekend commemorating her late husband Reginald F. Lewis’ legacy a tremendous success. The series of events from December 6 through 9th included a December 7 black tie VIP birthday Gala, on what would have been Mr. Lewis’ 65th birthday, entitled “Celebrating the Dream, Continuing the Legacy."
Friday Gala attendees included a litany of “Who’s Who” in African American finance and business. The fact there were so many prominent business players in one place led Colonel Lee A. Archer, a former Lewis business partner and Tuskegee Airman, to say “If a bomb had been dropped on the room it would have eliminated at least half the Black wealth in the country.” Robert L. Johnson, the party’s keynote speaker said, “Why should the power of economic wealth of this country always be in the hands of the white business community? Is it because we were afraid and never took it?” Mr. Johnson added, “Reg Lewis simply put his ambition ahead of his fear.”
Other events included three sold out performances of Miracle in Rwanda, a one-woman show about the Rwandan genocide written and performed by Mr. Lewis’ daughter, Leslie Lewis Sword; A Saturday panel discussion of the business exploits of Mr. Lewis featuring Col. Lee A. Archer, TLC Beatrice France President Daniel Jux, company lawyer Charles Clarkson, and company public relations guru Rene “Butch” Meily. The week concluded with a sold out Museum gala fundraiser honoring Museum founder and former Board Chairman, the Honorable George L. Russell, Jr., and featured a rousing performance by Little Richard.
Mrs. Lewis said, “I thank God that we were able to share my husband’s story once again with the community. I thank the participants for giving their time, contributors to the Museum’s endowment fund and our guests who continue to seek out the valuable lessons to be gained from exploring my late husband’s life. I am also happy that his autobiography, Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun, continues to inspire all who read it.”
