By AFRO Staff
On Feb. 8, The Reginald F. Lewis Museum unveiled “TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis,” the most comprehensive exhibit of the man who was known to be a “titan of industry.” Recognized as the first Black man to lead a billion dollar company, Lewis is remembered for his salient question: “Why should White guys have all the fun?”
Museum President Terri Lee Freeman said the exhibit is a fitting tribute to mark the institution’s 20th anniversary.
“This exhibit, ‘TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald Lewis,’ is the anchor for our 20th anniversary,” Freeman said at the opening ceremony. “I know that there were some folks who didn’t think we would be here 20 years later.”
Lewis was a visionary, a devoted family man and a legal pioneer. This exhibition masterfully chronicles his journey, showcasing the breadth of his impact far beyond corporate boardrooms.
Drew Hawkins, CEO and founder of Edyoucore Sports and Entertainment and chair of the Museum’s Board of Directors, said as a young Black man working on Wall Street, Lewis was a major source of inspiration for him and of motivation for so many others.
“Mr. Lewis, while we realize that you’re not physically with us tonight, we know that you were here 100 percent in spirit,” Hawkins said. “Your motivations, all that you’ve done for so many, being a pioneer and being a titan have inspired us and encouraged us in so many ways.”
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture carries books and special merchandise in celebration of the industry titan from which it takes its name. Credit: Facebook / Loida Nicolas Lewis 
Loida Lewis enjoys the opening of an exhibit in honor of her late husband, Reginald F. Lewis. Credit: Facebook / Loida Nicolas Lewis 
Christina Lewis (left), takes a moment with Terri Lee Freeman, president of RFLM and her mother, Loida Nicolas Lewis. Photo courtesy of Jae Sip Photography via the Reginald F. Lewis Museum 
Donald Ervin, polemarch of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, officially opens the “Titan” exhibit alongside Richard B. Mattox, Eastern Province Polemarch; Anthony Fugett; Loida Lewis; Christina Lewis Halpern; Calvin Halpern; Imani Haynes, curator of RFLM; Drew Hawkins, RFLM board chairman; Robert Parker, director of interpretation, visitor experiences, and education; and Terri Lee Freeman, president of RFLM. Credit: Reginald F. Lewis Museum / Jae Sip Photography 
Jeff Johnson (left), CEO of Actum, and Tarrus Richardson, CEO and founder of IMB Partners, participate in a discussion about the life and legacy of Reginald F. Lewis. Photo courtesy of Jae Sip Photography via the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
Charles Clarkson, with whom Reginald Lewis established a law firm in 1978, was among the guests who shared some insight into the pioneering attorney and businessman.
“Reg was a difficult person to work for…. I mean, he was really a task master,” Clarkson said. He also praised Lewis for his ability to bear up under the pressure of the highs and lows, successes and failures of business. “He was so focused. I’ve never seen anybody as focused as he was. And he had an energy and no one was gonna stop him, which is what I give him great credit for.”
Lewis’ daughter Christina S.N. Lewis Halpern, and his widow, Loida Lewis, also were in attendance at the opening ceremony along with other surviving members of the family. This exhibit is part of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s efforts to highlight Black life in the state of Maryland.
“My heart is so full,” said Loida Lewis, thanking all those who chose to show support for the exhibit. She also thanked the curators and other staff members for all the effort they expended in putting the display together.
“I must tell you, they worked so hard, and I saw in the exhibition things that I myself have not seen,” she said. “They did a wonderful job and you will be amazed.”
Visitors were immersed in Lewis’ world through an impressive collection of rare photographs, personal artifacts and deeply personal narratives that illuminated both his triumphs and challenges.
The museum is named in Lewis’ honor and was made possible through a public-private partnership, including a $5 million donation from the Reginald F. Lewis Foundation, along with contributions from other private donors.
The exhibition was both a celebration and a call to action—urging future generations to embrace ambition, challenge limitations and redefine what is possible.