Detroit Celebrates Violet T. Lewis’s Enduring Legacy with New Senior Village
Detroit recently celebrated the grand opening of the Violet T. Lewis Village, an affordable senior living complex. This new development thoughtfully repurposes the historic site that once housed Michigan’s sole historically Black college, honoring its founder’s profound impact on the city and its residents.
A Landmark Site Reimagined for Senior Living
On a significant Wednesday, Detroit hosted the grand opening of the Violet T. Lewis Village senior apartment complex. This modern facility now occupies the ground where Michigan’s first and only historically Black college, the Lewis College of Business, once stood. The college was founded by the pioneering Black woman, Violet T. Lewis, and the new village is a testament to her lasting influence.
The original Lewis College of Business offered vital courses in typewriting, bookkeeping, stenography, penmanship, and office management, providing crucial professional skills. While the college closed in 2013 amidst Detroit’s bankruptcy, its educational legacy was reignited as the Pensole Lewis College of Design and Business, established in partnership with the College for Creative Studies.
Violet T. Lewis: A Pioneer’s Story and Enduring Spirit
Dr. Violet Ponders, Lewis’s granddaughter, shared the inspiring story behind her grandmother’s decision to establish the college. After completing her own education, Violet T. Lewis faced significant hurdles in securing the type of job she desired. She soon recognized a glaring absence of Black women in office roles, which spurred her to action. “She kept saying, we got to do something. We got to do something,” Dr. Ponders recounted. In 1928, Lewis did something profound: she founded the college. She wasn’t just an educator; she deeply connected with people, touching their souls in unique ways.
Lewis’s dedication extended beyond academia. She initiated significant community efforts, including the March of Dimes fashion extravaganza, which brought together Detroit women to raise funds for polio research. Affectionately known as “mommy TV” by her family, Lewis had a remarkable ability to balance her personal and professional roles, transforming into “Doctor Lewis” when appropriate.
Echoes of Empowerment and Service
Violet T. Lewis was also a co-founder of the Gamma Phi Delta sorority. Dr. Contessa Bell, the 14th president and CEO of Gamma Phi Delta, emphasized Lewis’s far-reaching impact. Dressed in the sorority’s signature baby blue and pink, Dr. Bell stated, “She helped build a sisterhood rooted in service, leadership, business excellence, and empowerment through Lewis College of Business. She opened doors that many believed were locked. She championed education when it seemed like it was impossible, and during her time when it wasn’t easy, and especially for women.”
Detroit City Council person Angela Whitfield Calloway, a member of the Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, further highlighted Lewis’s incredible contributions to the city. Calloway noted Lewis’s strategic property ownership on John R and Ferry, a remarkable feat during a period when Black individuals faced restrictive covenants preventing them from owning property in certain areas. Lewis skillfully navigated these challenges, ensuring the establishment of her vital institution.
Affordable Living for Detroit Seniors
The newly opened Violet T. Lewis Village is a brick apartment complex specifically designed for seniors, with a prominent sign depicting Violet T. Lewis herself. Demonstrating a strong commitment to accessible housing, rents for one-bedroom units start as low as $427, with costs based on income. For Detroit seniors interested in learning more about availability or applying for residency, they can contact 313-270-9150 or visit pvm.org for additional details.
Key Contributions of the Lewis Legacy
| Era/Entity | Primary Focus |
|---|---|
| Violet T. Lewis (early 20th century) | Pioneering education and professional opportunities for Black individuals, community service, advocating for women |
| Lewis College of Business (est. 1928) | Practical business education (typewriting, bookkeeping, office management) for empowerment |
| Pensole Lewis College of Design and Business (re-opened) | Continued education in design and business, fostering creativity and entrepreneurship |
| Violet T. Lewis Village (current) | Providing affordable senior living, honoring a foundational Detroit leader and historic site |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Violet T. Lewis Village?
It’s a newly opened affordable senior apartment complex in Detroit, offering income-based rents for older adults. - Who was Violet T. Lewis?
Violet T. Lewis was the visionary founder of Michigan’s only historically Black college, the Lewis College of Business. She was an educator, community leader, and co-founder of the Gamma Phi Delta sorority. - Where is the Violet T. Lewis Village located?
The village is situated on the historic site of the former Lewis College of Business, Michigan’s first and only historically Black college. - How can I find out about housing availability at the village?
Prospective residents can call 313-270-9150 or visit pvm.org for information on availability and application procedures. - What kind of education did the Lewis College of Business offer?
Founded in 1928, it provided courses in typewriting, bookkeeping, stenography, penmanship, and office management, preparing Black individuals for professional roles.
The Violet T. Lewis Village stands as a powerful reminder of how visionary leaders like Violet T. Lewis continue to shape Detroit, ensuring both historical legacies and essential community needs, such as affordable senior housing, are met within our vibrant city.
Detroit honors Violet T Lewis with new senior village
