Baltimore salutes late native son Reginald Lewis

Jet, Feb 28, 1994

The recent tribute to the late attorney and entrepreneur Reginald F. Lewis in his hometown of Baltimore was a fitting salute to the businessman who made history in 1987 with the multimillion dollar purchase of the worldwide food conglomerate TLC Beatrice International. The stirring tribute--sponsored by the Associated Black Charities and the Presidents' Roundtable--was attended by more than 300 invited guests, including Congressional Black Caucus Chairman Rep. Kweisi Mfume of Baltimore and Baltimore Mayor Kurt Schmoke.

"I am really honored that the family continues to work to keep alive his accomplishments and the great achievements he made," said Mayor Schmoke, who presented the family with a mayoral citation. Through his foundation, Lewis established a tradition of philanthropy, giving more than $12 million to various civic organizations.

His widow Loida Nicholas Lewis, who recently became chair of the company, presented Schmoke with a copy of the autobiography which Lewis was writing before his death. "My family has worked with great love ... to produce a book that will commemorate his life," Mrs. Lewis said.