The Lew family of Lowell had several members who distinguished themselves in their chosen fields. We shared Teresa Lew at the start of the month, Bucky was honored by the campus this month, and now you can meet Gerard Lew (1888-1965). He was a multi-sport varsity athlete at Lowell High School, captain of the track team, and a key part of the four-man relay team which went undefeated for four straight years.
After attending Massachusetts Agricultural College (now University of Massachusetts Amherst) for three years and playing for their basketball team, he left to teach black children in the rural south. Later years saw Gerard working for the United States Postal Service as a civil service educator, writing a book of poems, and keeping up with his love of history and reading.
In 1961, he was involved in the founding of the first museum of black history in the United States, which is now known as The DuSable Black History Museum, in Chicago. He also served as their first president.
For more about his life visit our Gerard Nelson Lew LibGuide! Don't forget to also read the article: Bucky Lew Finally Getting His Due.