Lewis College of Business is the oldest and only historically Black college in Detroit. This college was named after Dr. Violet T. Lewis. She was passionate over the idea of providing post-secondary education in office occupations for African-Americans who lived in and around Indianapolis, Indiana. In 1938, the Indianapolis based college received a letter from the Detroit Chamber of Commerce requesting Mrs. Lewis to give serious consideration to the opening of a business school in Detroit. At that time, there were no vocational schools in Detroit that would accept Black students. In September of 1939, Lewis Business College opened a branch in Detroit in the new center area. In the early 1970's the school relocated to its current site at 17370 Meyers near West McNichols Road. Dr. Robert Bland, the college's vice president, gives a thought provoking presentation on "The Bowels of Hell." His lecture and slide presentation depicts the ships and the events involved in the horrific Middle Passage. It has been estimated that 50 to 75 million Africans were killed during the Middle Passage. Additionally, he provides information on gathering personal knowledge about one's heritage, pursuing a college education, and succeeding in life nonviolently. Dr. Bland and the college believe that "education is the way to empower our Black people." |
