Robert E. Lewis was born February 9, 1946, in Urbana, Illinois, a son of Jasper and Lottie (Miller) Lewis. He earned a degree from Parkland Community College. To family and friends, Robert is known as ʺMr. Fix‐It.ʺ He worked for American Seating Corporation, Baltimore Aircoil and the Housing Authority of Champaign County. Two U.S. patents have been issued in his name. He currently serves on the Urbana City Council representing Ward 3. In his youth, Robert played in the Douglass Center Drum Corp. He serves as Sunday School Superintendent and Percussionist at Salem Baptist Church. In 2004 he became Co‐Director of the Mo’Betta Music program. Despite being born with Factor IX Hemophilia, Robert continues to defy the predictions and astounds his doctors with his physical condition. He has been a guest lecturer to medical students from the University of Illinois / Carle Clinic and regularly participates in programs and activities of the Hemophilia Foundation of Illinois. Married to the former Rosalind Johnson, Robert is the proud father of two children, Eric and Nicole.

Robert was featured in Difference Makers 2010: An eBlack Champaign-Urbana Publication.