Reginald F. Lewis--America's First Black Billion Dollar Businessman

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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[@firstsergeantcandiobelleus6546]

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.

[@mareemare555]

So what you decide to do back then...to where you are now??

[@truebadboy23]

Which book did you read?

[@tartfresh5565]

Your story should be pinned!

[@jemalwright3414]

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.

[@TheAGODAMI]

👍 *ThanKs foR shaRinG thaT bReThReN I wiSh you conTinueD success in youR fuTuRe enDeaVouRs.!!* ✊

[@RotaryNakuru]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@charlesevans7748]

I read 'Why should white guys have all the fun". The book transformed me

[@Macdaddy.]

charles evans I’m on page 64

[@frednkoyi6851]

@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!!!

[@keithboykins258]

Well can I get that book ?

[@aarona5020]

Very moving/inspiring book to say the least! Brought tears to my eyes.

[@anthonycaridi9674]

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

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

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

[@adaflora8397]

Traders Friend have you done any business with Robert mufune??????? Scammers everywhere

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

@@adaflora8397 You know they had scammers using his name, but I think he is a good guy.

[@4real4real43]

Thank you!

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

@Davina stash I will look into it thanks. I love being smarter

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

@@4real4real43 Thank you for your kindness

[@seethroughmarketing]

Crazy how when you accept yourself you begin to attract like minds. I would like to follow in Reginalds footsteps

[@SimplySage854]

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

[@Peptalks_Heal]

I love that you said "when you accept yourself "

[@kensimmo]

She is so proud of her man, she proudly did her part in support of her husband.

[@seanhanson2822]

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

[@igottaspeak]

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.

[@sweetandspicyandeverything5407]

What books?

[@kwameshakoor3054]

@@sweetandspicyandeverything5407 i out

[@taxwolf7849]

What is the title of the book am in Uganda so need full details of it

[@igottaspeak]

@@taxwolf7849 The title is "Why should white guys have ALL the fun?" by Reginald Lewis and Blair S. Walker.

[@igottaspeak]

@@sweetandspicyandeverything5407 The book title is "Why should white guys have ALL the fun?" Reginald F. Lewis and Blair S. Walker

[@Ken-yd2rw]

I am so grateful to have stumbled across this gem. I declare my life will never be the same from this moment on.

[@forward_ever_ever2595]

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

[@thenight.9220]

God bless the organizers of this program. Thanks for blessing us.

[@Renould2010]

RIP Reggy Lewis was a Great and, International Business Man,🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯❤️❤️❤️

[@rebuild000]

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!!!

[@natebigg802]

this is one of youtube's gems

[@daviddavis1351]

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.

[@edduardprince5616]

Did your uncle apply?

[@daviddavis1351]

@@edduardprince5616 They didnt apply. Harvard reached out them. Didnt take the LSAT, which is the law school entrance exam. All of these people graduated.

[@DeanLaw2020]

Charlie Munger, Vice Chair if Berkshire Hathaway, was accepted to Harvard Law without a bachelor's degree and without the LSAT.

[@TheAGODAMI]

@@DeanLaw2020 *Uh...Was he a peRSoN oF coLouR.??!?* 😒

[@bettydavis1883]

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

[@MensModernFashionGuide]

Powerful words from Loida! Thank you for posting this video

[@TRADERSFRIEND]

Loida, is such a beautiful wise woman. If you are an ambitious man, you need an amazing woman like Loida by your side !!!!

[@EssiCrana]

Facts!💯

[@godschildyes]

I am so thankful that I was able to tune into this! Absolutely wonderful information and sound advice! May God bless her!

[@reginaldamicy6694]

Thank you, Mercy College and Mrs. Lewis!

[@kareemmance5845]

This man was a business legend, where are the rest of the students?

[@roseiswine8294]

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

[@gokboru_fba]

@@roseiswine8294 I doubt it. We still don't support our black business leaders or community today anywhere in America That is a fact.

[@roseiswine8294]

@@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...

[@gokboru_fba]

@@roseiswine8294 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?

[@roseiswine8294]

@@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...

[@sharoncox3734]

What an Honor! God bless you and thank you!

[@michelelogan1870]

WOW!!!! I am going to buy his books!!!! Amazing Thinking, Dreaming and Planning!!!

[@hendersonjohnson3750]

I love the fact that he does not live in the box. He is an international man. He knows who he is.

[@gasorelectric]

I feel blessed watching this. Realy inspired.

[@brightonwaltermushi2570]

Great man in history

[@ralphthompson355]

Brilliant talk.

[@dr.ryanmarable8511]

That was a really good introduction.

[@RotaryNakuru]

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.

[@donhayes9254]

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.

[@livinginjacksonvilleflorid8764]

Wow!!!! Amazing content!! Thank you very much for video . What a couple!!!

[@ONE328]

Greatness......I love the video.....Thanks A Lot!

[@lonewayfarer9302]

You could stop at the 1st 30 secs of this video and be well on your way… Legendary

[@SmartMoneyBro]

Excellent video. Reginald has been influential in so many lives. So appreciative...

[@vivianlandrum8507]

Wonderful, thanks for sharing.

[@leonlion8461]

Inspirational! Thanks.

[@marke3001]

Inspiration, nothing less.

[@dalebrown6148]

Thank you

[@denise8157]

Beautiful!!

[@dencity9961]

Thank you...

[@azamjahid7985]

Wise Lady, I read that book years ago and still have it today.

[@taxwolf7849]

What's the title of the book

[@chivasdavis9853]

@@taxwolf7849 "Why should White Guys Have All the Fun", that's the title

[@azamjahid7985]

@@taxwolf7849 "Why should white guys have all the fun"

[@departfromevil2000]

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

[@EssiCrana]

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?

[@catchjoe1]

Goals Obedience Determination 🔥🔥🔥

[@mlee5091]

Interesting and enjoyed the real lesson of real life events and struggle to live life free.

[@reginaldamicy6694]

I am learning here! 10/10

[@DerickGant24k]

This was so vital for anyone but young entrepreneurs.

[@joaquinmisajr.1215]

Huh

[@iyizjewelsisley3821]

This man is great help me along the way!

[@johnlindsaygreen8547]

This is a wonderful book a combination DVD that comes with the book.

[@dencity9961]

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.

[@dencity9961]

I'm going to read his book as soon as.

[@bernfran1313]

I'm glad this was recommended. Truly inspirational. Sharing now and saving to watch again.

[@paulahamilton343]

🙏 this is very inspirational

[@michaelmartin4588]

Amazing!

[@iamthehopeinfluencer2228]

Thank you for this great inspiring video. I agree totally with Mrs. Lewis ~G.O.D.

[@maqnthreez]

Loida Lewis 10 mins of patience spoke volumes

[@sessiakojenu4829]

With God, all things are possible. Very inspiring story.

[@ReneeFrance1]

I have listened to this before but what I heard today…had me bangin’ my steering wheel,” SCREAMING I needed to hear this!”

[@WW-yf8sc]

This is gold to all M&A entrepreneurs especially Black entrepreneurs ❤️

[@blackhistoryonsteroids8196]

This was wonderful. Well behind every great man is a great?

[@DC-zs9ly]

Notice anything? His wife is foriegn smart man!!

[@valmontgroup]

Very relevant!

[@Macdaddy.]

He’s also Among the first 5 black males to have a museum named after him

[@robyearwood76]

@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 .

[@SimplySage854]

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

[@josephcecilhornesmithjunio1426]

💟Beautiful and More!‼️

[@kedrick71]

I love her.

[@charlesrichard5598]

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...

[@morgansmith3094]

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?

[@charlottemia9362]

It really depends on your investment curve. Just invest wisely!

[@marcoantonioperalta7571]

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.

[@Samricardo199]

Plan your investments with a good portfolio account manager and I can assure you that in few months you will achieve more than expected.

[@Patriciamichelle8703]

That is true, you need an Expert broker and account manager for you to earn good profit weekly.

[@markho9653]

God bless her... all things are possible to those who believe in GOD

[@timothymorgan43]

The LORD is blessing us in spirit and in truth. Praise the LORD Yah

[@johngethers3711]

Most powerful business book I've ever read!

[@nocthepanafricanistcapital5467]

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.

[@jeffereychewning4948]

After reading his book! I remember the one thing he said! For a black man to stay gainfully employed!

[@ereaero5278]

Awesome 😎

[@itumelengmosailane1192]

I like this part when she talks about business

[@Emk315]

"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.

[@devaughnjohnson8119]

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.

[@AlternateCurrent.]

Very cool.

[@ggrthemostgodless8713]

40:00 So sad there are so many empty chairs in this event.... sad as hell.

[@mx9762]

GGR TheMostGodless that’s crazy, if it was a rap concert the room would be PACKED!!

[@ggrthemostgodless8713]

@@mx9762 Agree.

[@billbandoh5818]

The chairs will be filled when the ones who listen make it and the rest want credit for helping on the way

[@mekus2009]

It is truly heartbreaking 😢

[@johng5295]

Thanks in a million. Second to none.

[@ajjoyner1909]

I read this book out of the pure joy of reading autobiographies about successfully Black people 20 yrs ago

[@_Tv_00]

"Set your standards high. That's where you're supposed to go"

[@cortezforever]

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.

[@cameron_fairchild]

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.

[@cameron_fairchild]

@@cortezforever Astute points you are making. We must be aware of accuracy and truth, not just believing things because it makes us feel good.

[@rollsgracie268]

Addison truth CO RTEZFOREV ER And even Reginald was only a good person because he was raised a good person he still didn’t jump from the big money train and help the world but he probably helped in lotta ways anyway that you get my point money money money money money money money

[@TheAGODAMI]

@@cameron_fairchild 😯 *Hmmm...ThaT's soMeThinG inTeResTinG to pondeR.!!??!* 😵

[@peachesb-georgia1125]

I remember when he passed...it hurt me so much that he died in surgery...

[@rodneypate1693]

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 🙏🏾🌹🌹🌹💯💜

[@shermanpearson1385]

Please stop comparing jay z to reginal lewis😄😄😄😄

[@MrRevil3]

Yeah. That's like comparing Malcolm X to Thomas Sole. 😂 One is a visionary the other is a 🤡.

[@JoeCountry1]

With GOD all things are possible! I love that!..

[@DonaldDWilliams]

Where can we view the Yes Program?

[@MacKenTayomoJ]

Am on KZbin majorly to learn and leave Fingerprinting’s on all videos I have views and revel in greatness of our beings.

[@user-yc9wh6qz5g]

What a remarkable women😍😻😘❤😇👗🌎🥰🧸😊

[@kwamekekeli7585]

this is really inspiring to watch and I hope to apply the principles to my personal live. People everywhere must watch this no dream is too big everything is possible through God and a systematic approach

[@mr.randallinc.8591]

great stuff. comparing this guy to rappers and musicians is a huge insult.

[@1995RangeRover]

Agreed!

[@jerusalemscarfellamusic1225]

it is an insult and im a rapper..this guy lightyears away from rap please

[@montychristo3745]

Unfortunately, that's what alot of individuals see when they see a Black person... go figure🤷🏿‍♂️

[@haywardsimpkins710]

Not so fast they all (rappers) have turned into MOGULS using the same formula it's actually a great comparison Goodnight 👌

[@jonijo1479]

What a ‘Precious’ woman his wife is!! ❤️ Behind Every Great Man is an even greater Woman!! GOD Bless You Madam, you married a GREAT Man. I hope you wrote or are writing a book. I will buy it!! Question: did you guys have children? Did your sister end up marrying Reggie’s business partner?

[@pwalker69]

She is! She took good care of their employees before selling off the company.

[@jonijo1479]

@@pwalker69 wish I were their employee!

[@mikejames884]

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.

[@tjlivejaxkson231]

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"...

[@baboucarrjitehbojang881]

Is Mr. Reginald Lewis Related to The former sprinter---Carl Lewis? Thanks.

[@SkyraXD]

can anyone tell me any book reccomendations for RFL

[@ahiggz7196]

Who was the presenter that did the intro?

[@createwithin9101]

does he have on 2 watches???

[@1995RangeRover]

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.

[@acajudi100]

I love your videos! Stay blessed and safe all the time. I moved to Queretaro, Mexico, where it is safe, beautiful, and clean. It is also about $810 less expensive per month, and anything I want from the local super market is delivered to my apartment.There are not any shortages here. The people are very nice, but I have been visiting Mexico,since the age of 20, and living in Acapulco as a part time second home. with my bases in Chicago, Oak Park, and Waukegan. I am retired and 79. Move to another country folks, if you are retired, or can work online. USA is too dangerous and expensive. I had to move where I am safe, and my pension is not going to just pay rent and utilities. I have a beautiful apartment overlooking Queretaro, Mexico, and I am loving this city. I love Singapore and Acapulco also but Singapore was too expensive, and too many earthquakes in beautiful Acapulco.

[@lifestyledesign2208]

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.

[@dewaynesmith6924]

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.

[@djcoolcliff]

VA State’s finest!!!!!