The the first and only historically Black college in Michigan, officially opened its this week. The new studio offers a vast space for students to explore the design and art behind shoemaking.
Pensole Lewis College is the only historically Black college in the country with a focus on design. It was first opened by Dr. Violet T. Lewis as the Lewis College of Business in 1938 and was officially designated as an historically Black college in 1987. The school closed in 2015.
After five years of planning and networking, Dr. D鈥橶ayne Edwards revived the school and now serves as its president. Out of the 20 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) across the country that have closed in the last century, PLC is the first to be reopened.
Dr. Edwards is often referenced as the most successful Black designer in the footwear industry. He has worked in design for over 30 years, mostly on the West Coast, and moved to Detroit to reopen PLC.
鈥淭o be able to open a design-focused HBCU in a city known for design is something I couldn鈥檛 dream of. And I dream a lot,鈥 Dr. Edwards said at the studio鈥檚 opening event on Feb. 28, 2024. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been amazing to be here and work with all of these students and bring new students and designers to the city.鈥
At the event, City Councilman Coleman Young II presented Dr. Edwards with a Spirit of Detroit Award for his service to the city.
PLC鈥檚 Footwear Design programs teach students the entire product creation process and skills including brand research, consumer thinking, material fundamentals, color application, and more. These programs and the Footwear Creation Studio allow students鈥 career paths to sway toward a wide range of job opportunities in the footwear industry. Hundreds of former students now work for popular brands like Nike, Jordans, Adidas, Timberland, and others.
Dr. Violet Ponders is the granddaughter of Violet T. Lewis and has played a vital role in the reopening of PLC and the new Creation Studio.
鈥淭his is a place where people get to be creative. When you walk through the hallways, there is a sense of creativity here that doesn鈥檛 exist in any other place,鈥 Ponders said of the studio. 鈥淧eople are bound to be who and what they are, but they are trained here to take that raw talent and move it forward. That鈥檚 what Violet T. Lewis was about.鈥
The Foot Locker Creation Studio houses several special sewing machines and other tools designed for shoemaking, like shoe sanders. The bright-colored walls are decorated with students鈥 art and footwear creations. All of PLC鈥檚 creative studios are designed by students. PLC partnered with , , the , and to make this studio possible.
Lt. Gov. Garland Gilchrist said the opening of the Creative Studio at Michigan鈥檚 only historically Black college was a great way to close out Black History Month.
鈥淭he people who will come through this institution, both young and less young, will be better equipped to change the world. And what are we, as Michiganders, if we don鈥檛 change the world?鈥 Gilchrist said. 鈥淚t is so exciting to even attempt to imagine what is possible.鈥
For more information on the Foot Locker Footwear Creative Design Studio, visit , and for more community news, check out hourdetroit.com.听听
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