Esi Lewis is an attorney, educator, community leader, and public servant from New Paltz, best known for her work in education, cultural preservation, and equity initiatives. In her mother’s memory, Esi founded the Dr. Margaret Wade-Lewis Center for Black History and Cultural at the historic Ann Oliver House in New Paltz. The center preserves and promotes the Black experience in the Hudson Valley, engaging the community through education, cultural programming, and historical preservation. 

Esi teaches Energy Speaks, a spoken-word and communication class for youth. Through poetry, storytelling, and performance, young people strengthen reading comprehension and fluency while exploring language, rhythm, and meaning. Participants build confident public-speaking skills, develop a strong stage presence, and practice communicating their ideas clearly to an audience. The class also provides a supportive space for youth to express emotions, reflect on personal experiences, and transform their thoughts and feelings into powerful spoken-word pieces.