Back Where It All Began: Joe Manns Black Wall Street Returns to DC for 15th Anniversary Homecoming

(WASHINGTON, DC – April 9, 2026) — Fifteen years ago, a vision took root in the nation’s capital. What started as a modest gathering of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates has since grown into a multi-city movement recognizing thousands of Black entrepreneurs across the country.

Now, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards returns to where it all began.

On Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Black Wall Street 15th Anniversary Homecoming — Washington, DC will take place at Busboys and Poets — the very city where the first awards were held.

RSVP now! Limited seating: https://blackwallstreetdc.eventbrite.com

“This is a full-circle moment,” said Doni Glover, founder of BMORENews.com and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. “We’re bringing together Baltimore, Prince George’s County, Washington, DC — and beyond — in one room. That’s what Black Wall Street is all about.”

A Movement Rooted in Community

The upcoming homecoming is made possible in large part by Beverly Smith, Founder and CEO of Momma’s Safe Haven, who once again answered the call to host. Her organization has long been a pillar in the community, serving some of the most vulnerable — particularly children — with compassion and consistency.

Smith’s leadership reflects the very spirit of Black Wall Street: resilience, service, and impact. Having endured life’s challenges herself, she has built and sustained a highly effective nonprofit in the nation’s capital — one that continues to change lives daily.

Honoring Longtime Partners

The 15th Anniversary Homecoming also serves as a moment to recognize those who have been instrumental in the journey.

Among them is Peggy Morris and Sisters4Sisters Network, Inc., who partnered in presenting the very first awards in DC. For years, Sisters4Sisters has raised millions of dollars in scholarships, while providing consistent support to its members and the broader community. Their commitment to giving back remains a model of excellence.

Equally noteworthy are Rick and Odessa Hopkins, longtime supporters from Prince George’s County. Though now enjoying a well-earned retirement, their contributions to the growth and success of Black Wall Street over the years have not gone unnoticed.

From DC to the Nation

Since its inception, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards has honored more than 3,000 entrepreneurs across multiple cities, including Baltimore, New York, Atlanta, New Orleans, and beyond. What began in DC has evolved into a national platform dedicated to uplifting Black business, storytelling, and economic empowerment.

Yet, even with that growth, the mission remains the same: to recognize excellence, foster connections, and strengthen the ecosystem of Black entrepreneurship.

The Homecoming

This year’s event is more than a celebration — it is a reunion.

Prince Georgians. Baltimoreans. Washingtonians. Leaders from across the country. All gathering in one place to commemorate 15 years of impact and to look ahead to what’s next.

Because at its core, Black Wall Street has always been about people — coming together, supporting one another, and building something greater than themselves.

And on June 16, it all comes back home.