Groundbreaking exhibit ‘TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis’ opens in Baltimore
By Crystal Turner
Director of Communications & External Relations
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture
Baltimore, MD – The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is proud to announce that its highly anticipated exhibit, “TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis,” is now open. The vast display honoring the museum’s namesake, who was the first African American to run a billion-dollar business, will be available to view until April 2026.
“Seeing this exhibit come to life is incredibly moving, and I want to thank the Reginald F. Lewis Museum for honoring my husband’s legacy with such care and dedication,” said Loida Nicolas Lewis. “Reginald’s story is one of perseverance, excellence, and breaking barriers—values that continue to inspire generations. It is heartening to see the museum and the Baltimore community come together to celebrate his impact, ensuring that his legacy not only endures but also uplifts and empowers future leaders.”
TITAN is presented by Grain Management and IMB Partners, sponsored by Neutron Engineering, and supported by Daniel L. Black, and was unveiled with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, February 7, 2025.
Nearly 400 guests attended the event, including Loida Nicolas Lewis, wife of the late business pioneer, and their daughter, Christina Lewis, who were both integral in bringing TITAN to fruition. They were joined by several of Lewis’ family members, including his siblings, Jean Fugett, Anthony Fugett, Dr. Rosalyn Fugett Wiley, and Joseph Fugett. Also in attendance were some of the exhibit’s sponsors including Tarrus Richardson, CEO IMB partners, Chelsea Grain of the Grain Management family, Brandon Lockett, CEO of Neutron Engineering, and Daniel L. Black, Managing Director at Wicks Group.
Following the ceremony, the museum welcomed the public with a free Community Day on Saturday, February 8th, hosted by the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. The event made history for the museum, breaking community day attendance records with over 1,000 visitors. Guests enjoyed a vibrant day of culture, history, and celebration, with food generously sponsored by Johns Hopkins University.
TITAN exhibit sponsor Tarrus Richardson of IMB Partners and media personality Jeff Johnson led a packed fireside chat, reflecting on the profound influence of Reginald F. Lewis on their careers and lives. The engaging conversation captivated attendees, underscoring Lewis’s enduring impact on business, philanthropy, and Black entrepreneurship.
The exhibit is particularly significant as it marks the museum’s 100th exhibition and opens in the midst of the Museum’s 20th anniversary celebration. A yearlong slate of programs, events, and community engagements is planned to honor this milestone.
Terri Lee Freeman, President of the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, emphasized the importance of the exhibit in both preserving history and inspiring the future.
“As we celebrate our 20th anniversary and unveil our 100th exhibition, this moment is especially meaningful,” said Freeman. “Reginald F. Lewis was a trailblazer, maverick and titan who changed the landscape for Black entrepreneurs, and this exhibit is a testament to his vision, determination and hard work. We are excited to mark this milestone with a year of programming dedicated to engaging our community, celebrating our history, and looking forward to the future.”
“TITAN: The Legacy of Reginald F. Lewis” is now open to the public and offers an in-depth look at Lewis’s groundbreaking achievements, from his historic billion-dollar business deal to his lasting contributions to economic empowerment. Visitors can explore artifacts, multimedia presentations, and inspiring stories that celebrate the man whose legacy continues to shape generations. The exhibit will be on view through April of 2026. For more information, visit www.lewismuseum.org, follow the @lewismuseum on social media: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Notable guests at the opening reception included: Charles King, CEO of MACRO; James Lopez, President of MACRO; Academy Award-winning director and screenwriter Kevin Wilmott; Meredith Bowen, President and Chief Investment Officer of Beatrice Advisors; producers Jelani Johnson and Josh Green; SiriusXM anchor Dr. Willie Jolley; Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, publisher of The Afro-American Newspaper; Charles Clarkson of Lewis and Clarkson; Robert Winters of JP Morgan; Chief Judge Robert Bell; Clarence Woods, a high school classmate of Mr. Lewis; Dr. Vedet Coleman-Robinson, CEO & President of the Association of African American Museums (AAAM); Dr. Joy Kinard, Chair of the Division of Political History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History; Dr. Ida Jones, historian and archivist at Morgan State University; Mervin Burton, Head of Research at Beatrice Advisors; author Blair S. Walker; Polmarch Don Ervin of the Baltimore (MD) Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.; and Tyler Lee of Grain Management.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture documents,
interprets, and preserves the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people in
Maryland. The museum serves as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs,
exhibitions, and bold conversations that educate and challenge.
