Reginald F. Lewis--America's First Black Billion Dollar Businessman
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- In celebration of Black History Month, Lewis' widow Loida speaks to Mercy College students about the life and legacy of her pioneering husband.
About Mercy College
Mercy College is the dynamic, diverse New York City area college whose students are on a personal mission: to get the most out of life by getting the most out of their education.
Founded in 1950, Mercy offers more than 90 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs within five schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts and Social and Behavioral Sciences. Mercy College challenges its faculty and staff to make higher education work for anyone hungry enough to earn a better place in life. With campuses in Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Manhattan and Yorktown Heights, the vibrancy of the College culture is sustained by a diverse student body from around the region.
Committed to supporting students throughout their education, Mercy College offers a personalized learning experience that includes the College’s Personalized Achievement Contract (PACT) program. PACT is a nationally recognized mentoring program that serves as a model for student success. www.mercy.edu/ 877-MERCY-GO.
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When I was a young man I wrote a letter to RL and he actually wrote me back about succeeding. I was in the Marine Corps in the 80's looking for opportunities after the war. I read his book many years later. he and T. Boone Pickens are the only ones who wrote me. He is my hero in business and always will be.
So what you decide to do back then...to where you are now??
Which book did you read?
Your story should be pinned!
I bought the book "Why Should White Guys Have All The Fun" at Barnes and Nobles in 96' i think it was. I followed everything he said and did, (Monte Cristo cigars included). I started my real estate investment company as i read his book when i was 25yrs old and never looked back. I'm now 51, having owned a few successful companies, trademarks and patents and owe the drive and discipline to Mr. R.L.. I still read the book when i feel i need motivitation or feel off track. Black History month teachings definitely need to showcase he and others whom excelled in a world outside of the communities that look like us. We need to start teaching about "Black Excellence", post Civil Rights era.
👍 *ThanKs foR shaRinG thaT bReThReN I wiSh you conTinueD success in youR fuTuRe enDeaVouRs.!!* ✊
Thank you for sharing this!
In the world of economics and Capitalism it is momentous that one study on a level of scholarism. Your Board of directors must stay abreast to what's going on in realtime down on wall Street.
There are so many powerful business people that could have been named here. We are a brilliant people, we are so much more than entertainers. Susanne Shanks ( 2 trillion dollar woman) Ursula Burns (CEO of Xerox) Don Thompson (CEO of McDonald's), Ken Chenault (CEO of American Express) Chris Garner (Multi-Millionaire Trader) Mellody Hobson (Brilliant Financier) Robert Mufune (Brilliant Entrepreneur) Lauren Simmons (Equity Trader). These are just a select few great achievers, but if I did an extended list, it would fill pages. There are soooooooooooooo many brilliant black inventors and entrepreneurs.. Your brain is brilliant and without prejudice, it only works if you work it. Before I leave this list, I must include the brilliant multi-talented Honorable HUD Secretary Dr.Ben Carson. Reginald Lewis is my hero from long back, reading his book emboldened me to raise my prices and increase my bottom line!!!!!!!!!! Thanks Loida for sharing him with a new generation
Traders Friend have you done any business with Robert mufune??????? Scammers everywhere
@@adaflora8397 You know they had scammers using his name, but I think he is a good guy.
Thank you!
@Davina stash I will look into it thanks. I love being smarter
@@4real4real43 Thank you for your kindness
God bless the organizers of this program. Thanks for blessing us.
I am so grateful to have stumbled across this gem. I declare my life will never be the same from this moment on.
I also just finished reading the book. Must read for all African Americans especially business and law school students. parents should add this book to their library and make sure their children read it. We need more of you not just looking for a position in the corporate world but shaking up that world as Mr.Lewis did and taking kind of success to the next level.
What books?
@@sweetandspicyandeverything5407 i out
What is the title of the book am in Uganda so need full details of it
@@taxwolf7849 The title is "Why should white guys have ALL the fun?" by Reginald Lewis and Blair S. Walker.
@@sweetandspicyandeverything5407 The book title is "Why should white guys have ALL the fun?" Reginald F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker
Aunt Loida. I heard those stories when I was 7. Every summer. She is an amazing woman. Hands down. All the people she deals with, she will not forget your name
Crazy how when you accept yourself you begin to attract like minds. I would like to follow in Reginalds footsteps
There hasn’t been another one to take his place and I’m wondering if that is not the reason. He liked himself, so he succeeded
I love that you said "when you accept yourself "
I love this!! With all my failures and setbacks in life and in business I see I'm on the right path!! Get ready America here I come!!!
That guy mr Lewis was truely a determined man, strong values & ethics. But hats off to a wonderful, intelligent & dedicated wife in Lolida his wife. Many women in your shoes Lolida would have failed, you did not...well done girl, you got guts
this is one of youtube's gems
She is so proud of her man, she proudly did her part in support of her husband.
Right. You can see and hear it in how she talks about him.
Thank you so much for this post and for all the comments! As a young (at heart) black woman living in Kenya's seaside "paradise" Diani, it really resonates in a myriad ways.
I read 'Why should white guys have all the fun". The book transformed me
charles evans I’m on page 64
@Moe Moe Def start your own business. Right now it's the best time to start an online business(during this pandemic recession 🤔). Best time to invest in the market!!!
Well can I get that book ?
Very moving/inspiring book to say the least! Brought tears to my eyes.
The personal accomplishment was great. He was a great achiaver I the economic system is very is accurate and her Encouragement is great .
The program is very damaging , distructive and missleading to the Black Nation need to develop Sustainable Economic Justice .She is promoting an outdated economic system, that takes advantage of the poorest people . So the accomplishments are great but the system produced Greed and Corruption , we need A Student Subordinate Government . To be shadow the system .
use
Thanks for this post! He was that dude and his wife is such a pleasure. This has really got me thinking of getting my dream of big multi-business owner in motion
How has it been going John? I myself have been inspired by Mr. Lewis amongst others to pursue a portfolio of profitable businesses. How has your journey been going?
Powerful words from Loida! Thank you for posting this video
RIP Reggy Lewis was a Great and, International Business Man,🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️
In my life of 50 YEARS I've had a lot ups and downs and since my last down it seemed that I've been waiting for something to spark my brain and now to hear Mrs Lewis speak i believe this is the speech that has gave me the spark to go out there and start of again to make a difference and to be a successful man, so i will say thank you to Mr and Mrs Reginald Lewis, I'm going to do the right work for me to make that money.
I love the fact that he does not live in the box. He is an international man. He knows who he is.
WOW!!!! I am going to buy his books!!!! Amazing Thinking, Dreaming and Planning!!!
Excellent video. Reginald has been influential in so many lives. So appreciative...
Thank you, Mercy College and Mrs. Lewis!
I am so thankful that I was able to tune into this! Absolutely wonderful information and sound advice! May God bless her!
This man was a business legend, where are the rest of the students?
His Legacy has faded...Maybe had he kept his loins and wealth in his community there would be greater support...Now "who he was" will be told by someone who doesn't look like him
@@roséiswine8294 I doubt it. We still don't support our black business leaders or community today anywhere in America
That is a fact.
@@gokboru_fba It's also a fact that business owners don't give back to the community.. Robert F Smith is one recent example of this...Yes he paid some students loans off but he should have employed those young men as well...He owns a IT company and not one employee is black...
@@roséiswine8294 If that man paid their debt then I would say that is enough. What do you want him to do? Give his whole fucken fortune away? All we would do is give it back to other racial groups thru spending foolishly. That is a fact! I don't blame them! Most of us are not even prepared to take a job from robert smith. Hell, we'll be late the first day of the job any damn way. The problem is not robert smith , john barfield, reginald lewis, etc,etc. The problem begins with home and self taught education. We don't train our children in our community to be united in economics, political, or socially. These are the problems if there is one to blame. We turn a blind eye to gang violence, drug dealing, misuse of our women and children. We don't teach them anything of success and independence because of fear of other groups and jealousy and envy in our own group. Those men fought tremendous odds and became successful. I don't blame them but I do blame Barack Obama because he was in the position to do such a thing and did not! By the way, did you vote for him?
@@gokboru_fba Is cussing really necessary?? And would those in the dominant society put limitations or caps on how much they would INVEST in their youth? I would like to chat further but your disrespect is more than I'mma tolerate...
Loida, is such a beautiful wise woman. If you are an ambitious man, you need an amazing woman like Loida by your side !!!!
Facts!💯
This was so vital for anyone but young entrepreneurs.
Huh
Great piece. But one correction to her story. My uncle James McPherson was also accepted into Harvard Law school without taking the LSAT or paying a fee too. He was Reginald Lewis's roommate. He graduated undergrad Morris Brown. Went on to win a Pulitzer for nonfiction. First African American ever. However, he never practiced law. Also for you conspiracy theorists commenting here, I can tell you in this case you are not all the way wrong.
Did your uncle apply?
@@edduardprince5616 They didnt apply. Harvard reached out them. Didnt take the LSAT, which is the law school entrance exam. All of these people graduated.
Charlie Munger, Vice Chair if Berkshire Hathaway, was accepted to Harvard Law without a bachelor's degree and without the LSAT.
@@DeanLaw2020 *Uh...Was he a peRSoN oF coLouR.??!?* 😒
My granddaughter a young black graduate of Albany University is going to law school in THE fall. How can she apply for one of these scholarships
This man was definitely a trailblazer indeed. I'm reading his book now and I have similar life experiences that I can relate to. RIP Reginald Lewis.
With God, all things are possible. Very inspiring story.
What an Honor! God bless you and thank you!
I have listened to this before but what I heard today…had me bangin’ my steering wheel,” SCREAMING I needed to hear this!”
You could stop at the 1st 30 secs of this video and be well on your way… Legendary
Wow!!!! Amazing content!! Thank you very much for video . What a couple!!!
I'm glad this was recommended. Truly inspirational. Sharing now and saving to watch again.
Wise Lady, I read that book years ago and still have it today.
What's the title of the book
@@taxwolf7849 "Why should White Guys Have All the Fun", that's the title
@@taxwolf7849 "Why should white guys have all the fun"
"You take care of yourself, we pay our way" In an era when many well-meaning people decry personal responsibility, it is no surprise that the alternative is to blame someone else. The painful part of it all is that those thought to know better - the successful elites, politicians, academia, and the like- also regurgitate the same rhetoric.
He I always knew but learned more about. He ranks as one of the greatest to have ever done it. She sorry…Mrs Lewis, is breath taking. This is a great (in the sense of Winnie Mandela) women.
This is gold to all M&A entrepreneurs especially Black entrepreneurs ❤️
That was a really good introduction.
@7:00 how in the world do you compare this billionaire to a bunch of celebrities. We’re not trying to replicate celebrities we’re trying to replicate with this man did .
I didn’t like the comparison either. It’s almost insulting. Those artists don’t come close to the success of Lewis and they never will
Exactly! He is on a different level, just like David Steward. 👏🏾👏🏾🫡
I’d personally feel insulted when someone compares an athlete or celebrity to me and that’s whether I’m wealthy or not these people are 1 trick pony’s no different than gladiators
God bless her... all things are possible to those who believe in GOD
Great man in history
INVESTING MAKES UP THE TOP-NOTCH HEMISPHERE OF WEALTH, THAT IS MORE REASON ONE SHOULD SAVE AND INVEST TO SECURE MORE PROFIT AND ENSURE SUCCESS...
Very engaging from beginning to the END. I'm 50 years old, I'm working on my retirement plan that will soon come up, my dream is to accumulate a million dollar portfolio within 12-18 months before my retirement which I have currently saved a capital of $10,000 for it, please can someone tell me how to go about it?
It really depends on your investment curve. Just invest wisely!
As a beginner who don't understand what investment is. I will advise you start up your investment with a professional broker that is well trained.
Plan your investments with a good portfolio account manager and I can assure you that in few months you will achieve more than expected.
That is true, you need an Expert broker and account manager for you to earn good profit weekly.
After reading his book! I remember the one thing he said! For a black man to stay gainfully employed!
Interesting and enjoyed the real lesson of real life events and struggle to live life free.
Thank you for this great inspiring video. I agree totally with Mrs. Lewis ~G.O.D.
Brilliant talk.
Loida Lewis 10 mins of patience spoke volumes
Wonderful, thanks for sharing.
He’s also Among the first 5 black males to have a museum named after him
In my opinion Ms. Crawford was doing well in presenting Reginal Lewis, up until she began to compare him to black celebrities of today - not powerful businesspeople of today. Are we missing something here??
Two persons, here below, took the words out of my mouth:
- "How in the world do you compare this billionaire to a bunch of celebrities. We’re not trying to replicate celebrities we’re trying to replicate what this man did."
- "There are so many powerful businesspeople that could have been named here. We are a brilliant people; we are so much more than entertainers.
One Bad ass Legend! Remember when he secured the deal. Every black person should research Reggie. He as a bad ass and took no mess. He knew he belonged. Most black people are so afraid that they are stagnant. He is legendary.
I feel blessed watching this. Realy inspired.
Goals
Obedience
Determination
🔥🔥🔥
Thank you
I am learning here! 10/10
40:00
So sad there are so many empty chairs in this event.... sad as hell.
GGR TheMostGodless that’s crazy, if it was a rap concert the room would be PACKED!!
@@mx9762
Agree.
The chairs will be filled when the ones who listen make it and the rest want credit for helping on the way
It is truly heartbreaking 😢
This is a wonderful book a combination DVD that comes with the book.
The LORD is blessing us in spirit and in truth. Praise the LORD Yah
Inspiration, nothing less.
...@...24:00 ...Thank you for that comment on Filipina women i miss my Girlfriend ( WENDY-Dungayo)..thisa was VIETNAM and i was DUE HOME...so how do mend a Broken HEART ...!!!
Greatness......I love the video.....Thanks A Lot!
I'm going to read his book as soon as.
This man is great help me along the way!
None of the blacks mentioned are real business people in comparison to the late Mr. Lewis. We are going backward. Jay-Z destroyed lives in Brooklyn through gentrification for 2%. Ms. Lewis is a very humble and respectable woman.
Jay Z has done well for himself. Could be worth as much as $400 million, but I doubt it. He is usually a figurehead with silent partners and in companies where he is minority owner but most visible. Jay has never been near a Billion in net worth in his life. His personal friends at Forbes and the NY Times are helping present that Billionaire image for Jay-Z.
@@cortezforever Astute points you are making. We must be aware of accuracy and truth, not just believing things because it makes us feel good.
@@cameron_fairchild 😯 *Hmmm...ThaT's soMeThinG inTeResTinG to pondeR.!!??!* 😵
I remember when he passed...it hurt me so much that he died in surgery...
I read this book out of the pure joy of reading autobiographies about successfully Black people 20 yrs ago
Where can we view the Yes Program?
Awesome 😎
Beautiful!!
I love her.
This was wonderful. Well behind every great man is a great?
💟Beautiful and More!‼️
Entertainers and athletes shouldn't be mentioned with the likes of businessmen such as Mr. Lewis because, they don't create networks with usable resources.
Inspirational! Thanks.
Hello. I'm actually looking for a good
trader that can help me trade and make good profit, Ive been seeing so many recommendations but i don't think they're trusted. Please do you have any recommendation?
This is really depending on your investment curve. Just invest wisely!
@@Barbarakaren7418 Plan your investments with good portfolio manager and I can assure you that in few months you will earn more than expected.
@@emiliobracamontes9484 As a beginner who don't understand how Bitcoin trade really works and you really want to make profit from it. I will advise you to first start working with a professional broker.
@@Gracie-dx1wk That is true, you need an Expert broker and account manager for guidance on Bitcoin trade🥰
@@JoseVelasquez-tr8sc How can someone know a professional and trustworthy account manager? When there are scam everywhere.
great stuff.
comparing this guy to rappers and musicians is a huge insult.
Agreed!
it is an insult and im a rapper..this guy lightyears away from rap please
Unfortunately, that's what alot of individuals see when they see a Black person... go figure🤷🏿♂️
Not so fast they all (rappers) have turned into MOGULS using the same formula it's actually a great comparison Goodnight 👌
🙏 this is very inspirational
Every financial goal requires patience, dedication and consistent spirit knowing that investment is currently the most lucrative business in the world, both NFT, real estate and Crypto shares are really positively changing people's lives.
I'm thinking of investing in the crypto market but taking my time to figure out how the whole thing works.
The real risk in the Crypto market is the risk of not investing, not the risk of short term price volatility.
I have been investing in crypto but have had a bumpy ride. How can I reach your broker? I will appreciate any tip or pointers
Nothing beats engaging an expert in any trade, selfishness and greed has deterred many from doing this and they ended up running a huge loss
@@luceromarkson6743 You're right! Investing in Crypto market isn't a myth. A few years back I felt it was impossible but here l am today...all l had was God and a dedicated broker.
Very relevant!
This also just shows how important it is to have a supportive wife/husband. I'm as much impressed with this lady than the Titan himself. We'll done, this is a great presentation and very inspiring.
Why are you impressed with her more? She didn't do nothing special but marry him. He was his own man before he met her. Thst is disrespectful in my book.
Am on TH-cam majorly to learn and leave Fingerprinting’s on all videos I have views and revel in greatness of our beings.
Does anyone here know if Lewis ever tried to make deals that DIDN'T work out, that "failed"?? Did he ever tried to buy or acquire a company and didn't succeed??
I thought he only tasted success ---but I am glad to hear he also failed some, glad too he never stopped.
Even in his marriage he chose well, he chose a woman who bought into HIS dream and character, doesn't seem like she even ever tried to change him, and she was all the way behind him in all areas, it seems.
I bet you all that this lady knows more about business than all the business-school students or "professionals" in the audience, JUST BY BEING AROUND HIM, by listening daily to his talk or way of thinking about negotiations or deals.
Reginald Lewis had several attempted acquisitions "blocked" believably prejudicially and racially. He was always prepared and exceptionally thorough in his approach to every deal. Please read the book. I couldn't put it down and didn't look at another book until I finished his biography. The best read of my life next to the bible.
He had several in unuccessful business ventures !
@@ceazarpetty1169 I'm go get it. This is the first time I heard of him
I like this part when she talks about business
uhmm why is DJ khalid mention in the same breath as those others...what going on here any way I was really paying attention when he orchestrated .."Beatrice deal"...
Brilliant seeds of great wisdom. I am thankful and grateful for this amazing blue print. Where there is opportunity there are huge profits. I imagine the complete product or brand through the sheer will and obedience of your Subconscious and GOD (Goal Obedience Determination). Success is a given. Always tith, give at least 10% of profits back towards areas of merciful need and heartfelt concern. I feel empowered. Namaste and Aloha sincerely Rodney P. May your days be filled with miracles and Infinite blessings from this day forward. Amen 🙏🏾🌹🌹🌹💯💜
Amazing!
I thought he would be talking.
Thanks in a million. Second to none.
With GOD all things are possible! I love that!..
I wish I heard such stories 20 years ago...Im 42 yr old RN who thinks life has been a failure....
If you are an RN you are not a failure. It’s a great career with many possibilities- keep pushing
Also nothing wrong with athletes and entertainers being mentioned. This is where you make your money because traditionally this is the only race free competition. Support them and allow them to diversify and grow so there will be multiple opportunities for success in the future.
Very cool.
mentioning him with rappers and entertainers..... you lower the esteem of Mr lewis accomplisments
Most powerful business book I've ever read!
Very sad that the audience at this talk don't really know much about Mr Reginald F. Lewis.
She took all his money n gave it to help the people of the Phillipines
Yes she did. I saw pictures of the school that she built there.
Really sad...
Exactly, how is his wealth helping black people today.
Why don't someone ask her and her kids
God said a man without a vision is dead man. What is life blueprint what are your goals and dream
What is your life blueprint. Faith without work is dead faith believe. In god and believe in your self seek yes first the kingdom of God and you will prosper
Is Mr. Reginald Lewis Related to The former sprinter---Carl Lewis? Thanks.
Who is the male speaker name?