On December 28, 2021, the good lord called our brother Steve Lewis home to glory and he transitioned to Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chapter invisible. Steve’s legacy continues as he was honored a year ago at the State College of Florida Heritage House with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of his very own personal exhibit at the Family Heritage House Museum on the campus of State College of Florida, Manatee Sarasota in Bradenton.
Mr. Lewis was born and raised in Manatee County and has made significant contributions to the history and growth of the Black community. He is one of the last surviving members of the world-famous Buffalo Soldiers and served in the U.S. 9th Calvary. “The opening of this exhibit and honoring the legacy of Mr. Lewis has been a dream of mine for some time”, says Keenan Wooten, the organizer of the event. “Steve has meant a lot to this community over the years and deserves his rightful place of honor as a pillar of the community”. Aaron Randall II, leader of the local Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chapter also spoke with glowing remarks about Mr. Lewis.
“Brother Lewis was the organizer of our local chapter of this great fraternity. His actions lead to its formation, and he assumed the role of Polemarch/ CEO of the group. Due to his many efforts and sacrifices, the organization grew and is one of the most honored chapters in the international group”, Randall said.
At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Mr. Lewis was assisted by Mrs. Kathie Marsh, museum specialist of the Family Heritage House, to cut the ribbon to open the newest exhibit. The museum is an African American gallery and resource center located on the Bradenton campus of State College of Florida, focused on the value of knowledge of one’s heritage, and as an incentive to expand one’s continuing search for truth and understanding. The museum is devoted to the study and exploration of the contributions made by African Americans Continued throughout history.
Mr. Lewis’ exhibit consists of a bust, his original Buffalo soldier uniform, and other artifacts on display for public viewing. He and his family were very proud and honored for this public recognition and dedication to his legacy.
“I want to thank all those that made this day possible for me to see”, said Mr. Lewis. “Most folks receive their flowers when they are gone, but I am lucky to receive my flowers while I’m still able to see and smell their beautiful scent.
I want to thank my daughter, Jennifer, for all she does and all the other people who made this day possible, including my brothers of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Family Heritage House, Bank of America, Dave Franz on the history of Buffalo Soldiers, Dale Holbrook on the sculpture, and Northern Trust Bank,” he said.
This year on April 26, 2022, we humbly ask our community to participate in the Sarasota Community Foundation 2022 Giving Challenge and donate to Sarasota-Bradenton Kappa Alpha Psi Project Guide Right, Inc. to help us continue Steve Lewis’s Legacy. www.givingchallenge.org
