Nestled in Detroit’s Innovation District, the Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design (PLC) stands as Michigan’s sole Historically Black College and University (HBCU). More than an educational institution, PLC is a beacon of innovation, community empowerment, and inclusivity that honors its rich heritage while charting a bold path forward.
Founded in 1928 by Violet T. Lewis, an African-American entrepreneur and educator, the college began with a mission to provide African-American students access to higher education during a time when segregation barred their entry into other institutions. Over the decades, the school evolved, earning HBCU status in 1987 and fostering countless students’ professional and personal growth. However, after economic challenges led to its closure in 2013, the story of Pensole Lewis could have ended there—if not for a renewed vision brought to life by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a trailblazer in footwear design.
Dr. Edwards, the founder of Pensole Footwear Design Academy, revived the institution in 2021. Now known as Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, the school operates in partnership with the College for Creative Studies and continues the legacy of empowering students to break into highly competitive industries like design, marketing, and product creation. This rebirth underscores the critical importance of education tailored for African-American talent, blending art, business, and innovation.
The school’s curriculum emphasizes unique and relevant disciplines such as footwear design, apparel design, and product marketing, setting its students on paths to excel in creative industries. PLC is more than academics—it fosters a sense of community among its students and alumni, encouraging collaboration and mutual support. The institution is becoming a vital part of Detroit’s burgeoning arts and design scene, offering its students exposure to a city filled with opportunity, history, and culture.
With strong backing from influential figures such as Russell Westbrook and partnerships with global brands like PepsiCo, PLC isn’t just a school—it’s a movement. Through its commitment to developing the next generation of creative business leaders, Pensole Lewis College ensures that its impact will extend far beyond academia, transforming industries and leaving Michigan’s HBCU legacy stronger than ever.
Keywords: Michigan HBCU, Historically Black Colleges, cultural impact, student success, educational influence
