In celebration of its 20th anniversary, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is proud to announce its new exhibition,TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis, opening on February 8th, 2025. The exhibit, which honors the museumโs namesake, is presented by Grain Management and IMB Partners, sponsored by Neutron Engineering, and supported by Daniel L. Black; and will debut with a special Free Community Day on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 PM. The exhibition will be held at the museum, located at 830 E. Pratt Street in Baltimore, and will remain on view through April 2026.
Reginald F. Lewis, a Baltimore native, was a trailblazing entrepreneur, a legendary Wall Street financier, a generous philanthropist, and a family man. Known as the โJackie Robinsonโ of Wall Street, Lewis made history as the first African American to close a billion-dollar leveraged buyout and to run the largest Black-owned U.S. company at the time, TLC Beatrice International. As an iconic dealmaker and businessman, Lewis broke racial barriers and paved the way for many who came after him. A graduate of Virginia State University, an HBCU, and Harvard Law School, he was also a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. His memoir,ย Why should white guys have all the fun?ย How Reginald Lewis Created a Billion-Dollar Business Empire, co-written with Blair S. Walker, offers an unflinching account of his remarkable rise and serves as a roadmap for breaking barriers and building wealth.
โTITAN is more than an exhibitionโit is a celebration of Reginald F. Lewisโs groundbreaking legacy and a testament to the power of vision, determination, tenacity, and community. As we mark our 20th anniversary, it is fitting to honor the man whose name our museum proudly bears. We are excited to share his remarkable story with our visitors, especially here in his hometown of Baltimore, where his journey began. This exhibit embodies our mission to inspire and educate, and we are grateful to the Lewis family for their partnership in bringing this extraordinary tribute to life,โย said Terri Freeman, President of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
The TITAN exhibit takes visitors on an immersive journey through Lewisโs inspiring lifeโfrom his upbringing in Baltimore to his groundbreaking success in global finance. The exhibition features personal artifacts, rare photographs, and intimate stories that illuminate Lewisโs resilience, strategic brilliance, and legacy as a pioneer in business and social justice.
The Lewis family has worked closely with the museum to bring this exhibition to life, ensuring an authentic and heartfelt portrayal of his contributions and values. With their blessing, TITAN pays tribute not only to his monumental achievements but also to the enduring impact of his family, who continue to carry forward his legacy of excellence and empowerment.ย โOn behalf of the entire Lewis family, I am deeply honored by this beautiful tribute to my late husband, Reginald. TITAN not only celebrates his accomplishments but also uplifts the values he held dearโexcellence, perseverance, and giving back to the community. We are grateful to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for their dedication to preserving his legacy and to the people of Maryland for embracing his story and making this exhibit possible in the city that shaped him. Reginaldโs journey began here, and it is incredibly moving to see his lifeโs work continue to inspire others,โ saidย Mrs. Loida Nicolas Lewis.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum was initially funded by a public/private partnership between the State of Maryland, a $5 million lead gift from the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, and other private funding partners. As the museum marks two decades of amplifying African American history and culture in Maryland, TITAN stands as a testament to the enduring influence of a man who redefined success and possibility for generations to come.
For more information, visitย www.lewismuseum.org, follow theย @lewismuseumย on social media: Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and LinkedIn, or contact Crystal Turner | Director of Communications & External Relations atย [email protected].
About the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture documents, interprets, and preserves the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people in Maryland. The museum serves as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs, exhibitions, and bold conversations that educate and challenge.
