The award honors African American entrepreneurs who succeeded internationally in business before the age of 50, as Lewis did.
Wall Street veterans, Peter Offermann, Phyllis Schless and Robert C. Winters, Jr. will also each receive a Millennium Member award recognizing the key roles they played in the life and career of Mr. Lewis.
In the June 24 PR Newswire press release, Loida Lewis, widow of the legendary mogul and foundation chair, was quoted as saying: “The Reginald F. Lewis Foundation is pleased to recognize the hard work of L. Londell McMillan and the wonderful contributions of Peter, Phyllis and Robert to the story and legacy of my husband. Perseverance and dedication, especially in entrepreneurship, normally pay off in individual success and community development, and help society in general. We are happy for their success and are grateful for their help of the Foundation.”
Mr. McMillan has represented many star talents, such as the late Michael Jackson, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Usher, LL Cool J, Roberta Flack and Spike Lee. Past recipients of the award include Sean “Diddy” Combs and real estate mogul R. Donahue Peebles.
Mr. McMillan is also one of the co-owners and partners with real-estate developer Bruce Ratner and hip-hop icon Jay-Z in the New Jersey Nets and the Atlantic Yards development in Brooklyn, future home to the NBA team. Mr. McMillan is also owner and Group Publisher of The NorthStar Group, which publishes Jones Magazine and The Source.
Mr. McMillan was quoted as saying: “I am humbled to be recognized in the name of the great Reginald F. Lewis to support the Foundation in his honor. Indeed, like others inspired by his legacy, I walk in footsteps he created to make the road clearer for many of us to follow.”
The event, which is sponsored by American Express, Bloomberg, Black Entertainment Television, Belvedere, Kate’s Paperie, The Camelot Group, GenNx360 Capital Partners, and The NorthStar Group will feature performances by singer, songwriter and Broadway performer Deborah Cox and the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater.
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