Lewis College of Business

Lewis College of Business, historically a significant institution in Detroit, Michigan, was originally established in 1928 as a secretarial school for Black women by Violet T. Lewis. The institution played a crucial role in providing economic opportunities to Detroit's Black community, with major corporations like General Motors, Ford, and Michigan Bell hiring their first Black office employees from the school.

Over its history, Lewis College of Business faced challenges, including a loss of accreditation. Following its closure, efforts were made to revive the institution. Notably, in 2021, Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, founder of the PENSOLE Design Academy, proposed reviving the college under the new name PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC). This initiative aimed to create the nation's first-ever re-opened Historically Black College or University (HBCU) with a focus on design, business, and creative fields, in partnership with the College for Creative Studies (CCS).

Historical Significance

• Founding and Early Years: Initially founded as a secretarial school, the institution expanded its scope over the decades, relocating to Detroit in 1939 and becoming a pivotal source of employment opportunities for the local Black community.
• Loss of Accreditation: In the mid-2000s, the college faced significant challenges, including the loss of accreditation, which led to its eventual closure.

Revival Efforts

• PENSOLE Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC): The proposed revival aims to revive the legacy of Violet T. Lewis and establish the first re-opened HBCU focused on design, business, and creative industries. PLC seeks to address the lack of an operating HBCU in Detroit, a city with a predominantly Black population.
• Partnerships and Support: The project has received support from prominent figures such as Dan and Jennifer Gilbert via The Gilbert Family Foundation and retailer Target, highlighting its potential impact on Detroit's educational and economic landscape.

Lewis College of Business holds a significant place in the educational history of Detroit and the broader context of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the United States.

[1] https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/362167773 [2] https://www.atdetroit.net/forum/messages/148145/153343.html?1220312812 [3] https://www.marshall.edu/news/2020/12/lewis-college-of-business-establishes-center-for-stakeholder-engagement-in-corbly-hall/ [4] https://pensolelewiscollege.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/PENSOLE-Lewis_Oct-12_Press-Release-1-1.pdf [5] https://www.guidestar.org/profile/38-2048961