Former U.S. ambassador to South Africa speaks about building inclusive communities
Delano E. Lewis spoke at 2019 Griffin Forum
The Honorable Delano Lewis speaks on "Building Better Communities" in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium Feb. 18.
Stories of segregation and political experience were told by former U.S. Ambassador Delano Lewis and his son Geoffrey Lewis to help Central Michigan University students understand how to build more inclusive communities.
The 2019 Spring Griffin Forum took place at 7 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Charles V. Park Library Auditorium. Before speaking at the Griffin Forum, Delano Lewis spent the day speaking in several CMU political science classes.
At the forum, he discussed building better communities by focusing on the principles of power, politics, purpose and passion. He used his personal experience throughout his career to explain the importance of community.
Delano Lewis began his discussion by telling the audience about growing up during a time where his elementary school and high school was segregated. He didn’t attend a school with Caucasian people until he went off to the University of Kansas. This is the moment where he said to himself, “Things can be changed.”
He used the discrimination he felt as a child and young adult to fuel his passion for politics.
“The most important part about living in a capitalistic society is the ability to be productive,” Delano Lewis said.
In Arkansas City, Kansas, Delano Lewis was raised in a segregated community and was constantly questioned by others if he could really succeed in a life of business and politics. It didn't take long for him to realize that he could through self-determination.
He graduated with his bachelor degree from the University of Kansas and later graduated with a law degree from Washburn University.
U.S. President Bill Clinton named Lewis the U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, where he served from 1999 to 2001. The following year, he was named founding director of New Mexico State University's International Relations Institute.
He used his time as an ambassador to help with the HIV and AIDs outbreak, improve education and help build a strong economy for the people living in South Africa. Community-building played a large role in his goals as an ambassador.
An anonymous student question was, “What is your take on the success in South Africa after the constitution?”
Delano Lewis responded by describing a time when he sat at a dinner table with Nelson Mandela to discuss the constitution. Mandela was excited for the new constitution because they had used many parts of other constitutions to build it. But they knew it would not work until the country was ready to implement it.
“South Africa just needs to figure out how to use their constitution to govern itself,” Delano Lewis said.
Delano Lewis told the audience that they need to “take action” on the companies that abuse people and that do not treat people equally. He discussed his time working at the Bell Atlantic as an officer and how the company encouraged them to get involved with the community. Employees were encouraged to be involved by participating in the organization called Pioneers. Through this organization, employees were evaluated for promotions based on how much they participated in giving back to the community.
“Not only did they have a monopoly in telecommunication services, they were involved in the community,” Delano Lewis said.
When discussing racism in the business culture, Geoffrey Lewis spoke about an experience he had while depositing a check at Wells Fargo bank. When he walked in wearing jeans and a t-shirt, he was told his check would have a 10-day hold. When he walked in the next day in business clothing with a check written for the same amount, his check went through the next day.
“As an African American, I have always had to go the extra step to be treated equally,” Geoffrey Lewis said.
Grand Rapids sophomore Xaryia Carson said this story resonated with her the most as an African American women because she has always had to be a step ahead and work harder in order to achieve success because of her race.
Political science and public administration faculty David Rutledge appreciated Lewis reaching out to inspire students to get involved with politics within their communities.
“I enjoyed how we brought people together and civility with interesting information sharing," Rutledge said.
Geoffrey Lewis is the chair of the Homeless Services in Washington D.C. While working here he has learned it is not always about giving money -- it is about giving your service to the community.
The first 50 students to arrive received copies of Lewis’ book, “It All Begins With Self: How to Discover Your Passion, Connect With People, and Succeed in Life.” The novel discusses how his experiences have helped him succeed in his career and throughout his life.
