Detroit City Wire

Dr. Curtis Lewis, a native of Chicago and an alumnus of Michigan State University (MSU), has been named the third Black History Month honoree in the Ilitch Sports + Entertainment Game Changers series. This recognition is given to community members who make significant contributions to Detroit. The series, in collaboration with Comerica Bank, the Detroit Red Wings, and the Detroit Tigers, honors one individual per week during select months each year. Each honoree receives a $1,000 grant for a charity of their choice.

Dr. Lewis began his career as a teacher before moving on to run alternative programs for expelled students. This experience motivated him to pursue a doctorate to address issues within the educational system. After earning his PhD from MSU, he became the founding principal at what is now known as University Prep Art and Design Elementary in Detroit.

During his tenure as principal, Dr. Lewis prioritized hiring diverse and highly qualified teachers. He noted an unusually high number of male teachers at the elementary level in his school and recognized a gap in resources for Black male educators. To address this, he founded the Black Male Educators Alliance (BMEA) while continuing his role as principal.

BMEA focuses on recruiting and developing Black men interested in education across southeast Michigan. Dr. Lewis emphasized that having male role models is crucial for young men in the community: “You’ve got to see yourself in people who you look up to, who are around you.”

In 2022, Dr. Lewis left K-12 education to concentrate on BMEA full-time and took on roles as assistant professor and Director of the Master’s in Teaching and Curriculum Program at MSU. With additional funding, BMEA has expanded its initiatives by creating laboratory spaces for children and offering fellowships for teachers and principals.

Another program launched by BMEA is the Youth Leadership Development Program (YLDP), which pairs younger males with high school mentors for field trips involving business professionals and college professors. Reflecting on its impact, Dr. Lewis said: “Kids are feeling more confident... They're socially and emotionally able to navigate their emotions better... They have a sense of belonging.”

Ilitch Sports + Entertainment recognizes Dr. Lewis's efforts during Black History Month: "Being recognized as a Game-Changer is a great honor! I'm looking forward to... making this one of the best places to educate children,” said Dr. Lewis.