Written by Sarah Kyle
Noah Lewis graduated from Harding in 1980 with a degree in biology. He was a student of reason, who would have rather spent his days conducting research than sitting in a class of English scholars while they told stories.
Today, however, Lewis has become a storyteller as a Living Historian who presents to classrooms and museums full of students.
The drastic career change came to Lewis when he was asked to speak on colonial history in his daughter’s elementary class. Lewis had previously made multiple presentations on biology and electricity, but said the teacher was looking for someone to speak on other subjects as well.
In considering the teacher’s request, Lewis said he began to research his own genealogy during the colonial period and was struck by how active Black Americans were during the American Revolution.
“My impression of the African contribution was that all Africans were enslaved, or they were all poor,” Lewis said.
However, Lewis said he quickly began to realize the rich history people of color had in America’s founding, discovering soldiers who made drastic changes in the tides of war,women who published novelsand black gentlemen who were actually some of therichestmen in their towns.
“It was about a 180-degree difference from what my pre-set thought about blacks was,” Lewis said. “It really surprised me.”
Lewis decided to give a presentation on the role of Black Americans in the American Revolution, in full costume. Teachers began to ask him back for multiple presentations, and he soon presented at museums and historical sites as well.
Now, Lewis has left biology behind to solely pursue Living History as a career, a decision that he said he was more than happy with.
“It’s like permission to play,” Lewis said. “It’s unbelievable.”
Lewis said the main goals he has for his new career is to promote awareness and recognition of black involvement in American history.
“What I’m hoping to do with all of this is that, for the non-black people, I’m hoping that when they see a black person after they learn these truths, one of the thoughts that will go through their mind is ‘his or her people helped me to be free.’ I hope that becomes a thought to them. I hope that’s something blacks get associated with, because we should be,” Lewis said. “And for my people, I hope that it’s a pride roll, knowing that we helped this country to be free. That’s what my bottom line is. That’s what I’m trying to achieve, trying to dispel some of these false perceptions.”
As for his biology degree, Lewis said it is important for people to understand that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and that students should be open to drastic change in their lives.
“You never can tell where life will take you,” Lewis said. “I’ve had to call back to a couple of my teachers when I’ve visited and apologize to my English teachers. I never thought I would be writing, giving public speeches the way I’m doing, doing what I’m doing.”
More information on Lewis and his role as a Living Historian can be foundhere.
