Detroit’s vibrancy is being reimagined from a city defined by its blue-collar work ethic to a thriving hub of technology and creative design. Amidst this metamorphosis, Pensole Lewis College stands as a beacon of innovation and inspiration, lighting the path for Black design students who aspire to break boundaries and redefine the design industry.
Founded by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, a luminary in the footwear industry with a spectacular 32-year career spanning L.A. Gear, Nike, and Jordan, Pensole Lewis College embodies a dream realized. Dr. Edwards’ journey, filled with obstacles, speaks of tenacity and unyielding passion. His vision to mold and mentor young Black talent, unbounded by socioeconomic constraints, birthed PENSOLE.
In 2006, while trailblazing a successful design career in Jordan, Edwards felt the weight of uncertainty. In the muted hums of the city beyond, he faced a silent dilemma. Unsure of the path ahead, his heart yearned for something more profound. It was during this quiet struggle that he sought solace in the pages of “Rules of the Red Rubber Ball” by Kevin Carroll, a beacon that broke through the uncertainty, shedding light on his journey.
Edwards shared the pivotal moment he experienced within that email. “I found my red rubber ball 26 years ago, but I didn’t realize what it was until I finished the book. My red rubber ball is that thing that took me from Inglewood, California to well over twenty different countries and forty different states all because of a number two pencil. That pencil literally designed my life – it still does to this day.”
With the inspiring words of the book echoing in his mind, Edwards penned a heartfelt email to Carroll. The book had helped him see the bigger picture, uncovering his true purpose and passion. The words of Marianne Williamson resonated with his newfound understanding: “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” This quote mirrored Dr. Edwards’s own journey, urging him to embark on a new path.
At its heart, PENSOLE, a remarkable academy dedicated to footwear design, resonates with Dr. Edwards’ experiences. The name poetically intertwines his journey: “pen” symbolizes the essential tool of his craft, and “sole” echoes his groundbreaking shoe designs. The “Lewis” pays tribute to the original HBCU Lewis Business College, rooting the institution deeply in Detroit’s vibrant soil.
Within these walls, over 500 alumni have blossomed, steering their paths to leading brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour, solidifying PENSOLE’s standing as a global nexus for footwear design education. The institute epitomizes a gateway for aspiring Black designers, transcending barriers and shaping an inclusive and nurturing community.
The embodiment of this transformative education is vividly displayed in the new Pepsi x Frito-Lay Refresh and Relax Lounge at PLC. This novel student space is a brainchild of gifted students Rodney Banks and Angel Buckens. Their creativity has flourished under the guidance and mentorship found within PENSOLE’s nurturing embrace. The lounge, a tribute to Kevin Carroll, a lifelong friend and mentor to Dr. Edwards, mirrors the ethos of Carroll’s book, “Rules of the Red Rubber Ball.” The book, a profound influence on Dr. Edwards, seamlessly intertwines with the narratives of Banks and Buckens.
Carroll shared encouraging words with both Banks and Buckens that touched on their first step in creating a legacy. “I just know that this space is going to provide so much energy, so much imagination, so much creativity, and to know that it started from you all and supported by others, how can you not win? You all now have an amazing legacy.” He recalls a special quote that he has carried with him during his journey, “Work for a cause not for applause. Live life to express not to impress. Don’t strive to get your presence noticed, just make your absence felt. You all will have this amazing legacy in this space and you’re going to paint an amazing masterpiece out there, so Rodney and Angel, I pour into you as much energy, creative confidence, and support.”
Carroll’s Work emphasizes finding your passion, a philosophy deeply embedded in PENSOLE’s foundation. This message resonates with Banks and Buckens as they embark on their evolving careers, carrying with them the invaluable lessons imbibed at PENSOLE. With a semester remaining for Banks and Buckens transitioning as proud graduates, their journey is adorned with notable milestones.
Their remarkable design for the student lounge, infused with ingenuity and purpose, reflects their growth and the palpable impact of their PENSOLE education. It stands as a testament to their skill, creativity, and the transformative power of unwavering belief in their talent. As Banks prepares to move to New York and Buckens to Chicago for a 6-month contract with Pepsi, their futures shimmer with promise, mirroring the bright trajectories of many PENSOLE alumni who have carved their niches in the global design landscape. Banks goes on, to sum up this euphoric feeling with, “The sky is the limit, I can’t even tell you what’s next, I’m following God and He’s leading the way. It’s only up from here.” Buckens, with a matching faith in God, echoed this sentiment, “It’s all about trusting Him, being guided by Him, and trusting in ourselves and believing in ourselves that we can continue to go far because we’ve already come so far.”
In the unfolding chapters of Rodney Banks and Angel Buckens, the world witnesses the enduring impact of Dr. D’Wayne Edwards’ vision, an inspiring narrative intertwined with the renaissance of Detroit and the boundless potential nestled within the hallowed halls of Pensole Lewis College. The college, much like the city it resides in, stands as a living testament to resilience, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. The evolving stories of its students, their growth, and unwavering ambition cast a luminous glow on the intricate mosaic of Black excellence in design.
Realizing the significance of nurturing not just his own but others’ lights, Dr. Edwards founded the PENSOLE Academy. Here, everyone’s unique brilliance is celebrated and allowed to shine, proving Williamson’s words true: “As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
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