Donna Harris-Lewis, the devoted wife of Reggie Lewis, honors his legacy through philanthropy.
Reggie Lewis established himself as a basketball phenomenon through his remarkable career trajectory.
Highlights
- Donna Harris-Lewis transformed personal tragedy into purpose-driven leadership, dedicating herself to preserving Reggie Lewis’s legacy through philanthropy and community service after his sudden death in 1993.
- She played a crucial role in Reggie’s basketball career beyond being his wife, serving as his business manager and advocate while helping him navigate professional contracts and public appearances.
- Despite facing public scrutiny and controversy following Reggie’s death, Harris-Lewis remained committed to charitable work through the Reggie Lewis Foundation and other organizations, making significant contributions to educational initiatives at Northeastern University and community centers in Boston.
After dominating at Dunbar High School alongside future NBA talents, Lewis shattered scoring records at Northeastern University, accumulating 2,708 points while leading his team to four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances.
The Boston Celtics selected him 22nd overall in the 1987 draft, where Lewis evolved from a bench player, averaging just 8.3 minutes per game, to a centerpiece of the team’s future.
By his second season, Lewis commanded over 30 minutes per game, scoring 18.5 points. His performance continued to ascend, culminating in a career-high 42 points against Miami and his first All-Star selection in 1992.
Lewis maintained an impressive 20.8-point average during his final two seasons before tragically collapsing during a 1993 playoff game against Charlotte.
His career ended with a 17.6-point average and the ultimate honor of having his number 35 jersey retired by the Celtics.
Donna Harris-Lewis, Wife Of Celtics Star Reggie Lewis, Turns Heartbreak Into Purpose
Donna M. Harris-Lewis is known as the wife of the late Boston Celtics star Reggie Lewis.
Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a respected philanthropist and board leader demonstrates her unwavering commitment to preserving her husband’s legacy while forging her own path.
Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Donna grew up in a housing project with her twin brother, raised by their single mother, Sarah, who worked multiple jobs to support them.
This childhood instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination to succeed.
She graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at Central High School, where her leadership qualities emerged as she served on the student council and was eventually elected president.
Donna enrolled at Northeastern University in 1983, pursuing a business degree with a concentration in Human Resources Management.
She balanced a 40-hour work week with full-time studies, demonstrating the discipline that would later define her professional life.
It was during her sophomore year at Northeastern that she met freshman basketball player Reggie Lewis at a party.
Their relationship blossomed into a partnership where Harris-Lewis became not just Reggie’s girlfriend but also his manager and greatest supporter.
Friends noticed how they complemented each other – her outgoing personality balancing his reserved nature.
As Reggie’s star rose at Northeastern, becoming the greatest player in the school’s history, Donna remained by his side, helping him navigate the challenges of newfound fame.
When the Boston Celtics drafted Reggie as their number one pick in 1987, Donna took on an expanded role in his life.
While working in human resources at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, she managed every aspect of his career—from negotiating contracts to scheduling public appearances.
The couple married in 1991, cementing their personal and professional partnership.
Tragedy struck on July 27, 1993, when Reggie collapsed while shooting baskets at Brandeis University and died from heart failure.
At the time, Donna was pregnant with their second child, Reggiena, while also caring for their one-year-old son, Reggie Jr.
Despite her grief, Harris-Lewis immediately dedicated herself to preserving her husband’s legacy.
In the years following Reggie’s death, Donna co-founded and chaired the Reggie Lewis Foundation, which supported numerous charitable causes.
She made significant donations to create the Reggie Lewis Technology Center at Northeastern and supported the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center at Roxbury Community College.
Harris-Lewis remains committed to community service through various organizations, including the National Basketball Wives Association, where she serves as director and treasurer.
She continues supporting educational initiatives through scholarships and programs at Northeastern University, where she and Reggie studied.
Today, Donna Harris-Lewis focuses on philanthropy and organizational development while raising her children in Boston.
She homeschooled both children for years, serving as what she calls “Chief Officer of Everything.”
The family maintains strong connections to the Boston Celtics organization and Northeastern University.
Additional Information
- Donna adopted “Nicety” (nice and nasty) as her personal motto, even using it as her vanity plate on her Nissan 300ZX that Reggie bought her as a gift. She once explained that she’s “nice 98% of the time” but “knows how to get tough when needed.”
- During college, she was extraordinarily disciplined – waking at 5 AM daily, exercising, attending classes, working, and completing homework in a regimented schedule. She also worked overnight shifts as a dorm proctor from midnight to 8 AM while taking classes.
- After Reggie’s collapse during a playoff game in 1993, Donna helped transfer him from New England Baptist Hospital to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for a second opinion after 12 doctors had diagnosed him with a potentially fatal heart arrhythmia, seeking out Dr. Gilbert Mudge who gave them a more favorable diagnosis.
