(BALTIMORE – January 30, 2025) – Be sure to save the date: Sat., Feb. 22, 2025 (10 am – 3 pm). BMORENews.com, in conjunction with the Maryland-Washington Minority Contractors, Bishop Barry Chapman of Bishop Pest Control and Bishop Bail Bonds, and Joseph H. Brown Funeral Home, present the Black Wall Street EXPO 2025 featuring panels, workshops, and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. We’ll also present our second cohort of Black Wall Street YOUTH AWARDS.
RSVP to BlackWallStreetEXPO2025.eventbrite.com.
Honorees receiving the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award include Adrian Harpool.
Who is Adrian?
Adrian Harpool is a distinguished political strategist and communications expert, currently serving as the principal of Adrian Harpool Associates, a Baltimore-based consultancy specializing in strategic planning, marketing, branding, public relations, and communications. With over two decades of experience, Harpool has developed a reputation for delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges faced by corporate, institutional, government, non-profit, and political clients.
Harpool’s career is marked by his successful orchestration of various high-profile projects and campaigns. Notably, he played a pivotal role as a senior adviser to Wes Moore’s campaign, contributing to Moore’s historic election as the first Black governor of Maryland. His strategic insights and effective campaign management were instrumental in Moore’s victory, showcasing his ability to navigate the intricate landscape of political campaigns and public relations.
In addition to his work with political campaigns, Harpool has been involved in significant real estate development projects and public education initiatives. His consultancy has supported clients like Johns Hopkins University, the City of Baltimore, and the State of Maryland, helping to transform the physical, economic, social, and political landscapes of communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic United States and nationwide.
Harpool’s influence extends beyond his professional endeavors. He has served as an advisor to numerous elected officials in Baltimore, including city council members, the city comptroller, and several mayors. His contributions to mayoral transition teams and his role as co-chair for housing and economic development on Governor Martin O’Malley’s transition team underscore his deep commitment to public service and community development.
Before founding Adrian Harpool Associates, he co-founded the Twenty-First Century Group. This multi-cultural marketing firm executed high-profile campaigns for healthcare, financial services, and education clients. This firm managed regional and national programs for prominent organizations such as Wells Fargo Mortgage, Pfizer, Merck, Prudential, and Aetna, demonstrating Harpool’s versatility and expertise across various industries.
Harpool’s academic background in journalism and broadcast communications from Ohio University, where he was an active student leader, laid the foundation for his career. His involvement in student government and activism, including organizing protests against Apartheid and advocating for establishing a Black Studies Program, reflects his lifelong commitment to social justice and equity.
Harpool is dedicated to civic and non-profit organizations outside his professional life. He serves as president of the Madison Park Improvement Association and chairman of the Midtown Community Benefits District in Baltimore. His volunteer work and board memberships with organizations like Jubilee Housing and the Midtown Development Corporation highlight his ongoing efforts to improve his community.
Adrian Harpool also serves on the leadership of the Congressional Award, a non-profit organization that recognizes and encourages young Americans to set and achieve challenging personal goals. Through this role, Harpool supports the organization’s mission to promote initiative, achievement, and service among youth. His involvement with the Congressional Award aligns with his broader commitment to public service and community engagement, fostering the development of future leaders.
Harpool’s extensive experience and unwavering commitment to strategic communication, political strategy, and community development make him a valuable asset to any organization or campaign he supports. His work continues to profoundly impact the communities he serves, cementing his legacy as a transformative leader in the fields of public relations and political strategy.
