From selling suits out of a trunk to curating style across continents — a Baltimore success story honored in the heart of downtown.
(BALTIMORE – February 26, 2026) – Tonight in downtown Baltimore, an assembly of legends gathered at Kevin Scott’s brand new location at 119 W. Mulberry Street for Black Wall Street BENEDETTO.
A bishop.
A mayor.
A police commissioner.
A gaming commissioner.
A lawyer.
An accountant.
An architect.
A chef.
And even a surprise visit from a Congressman.
In short, it was BMORENews.com’s way of celebrating a Baltimorean of whom so many of us are deeply proud.
But for me, the night began before the suits.
As guests entered, they were greeted by Mr. Reginald Howard — the attendant at the door. Forty-three years ago, Mr. Howard was my counselor when I was a teenager who had broken the law. I had not seen him since.
He helped save my life.
The lessons he poured into me back then helped me begin to find myself in Baltimore. Seeing him standing at that door tonight set the tone for everything that followed.
From that point on, attendees experienced what Kevin Scott has just unveiled for lovers of fine clothing: Benedetto Haberdashery 2.0.
After years on Park Avenue, Scott personally refurbished this new Mulberry Street location himself — yes, he’s also a developer — just around the corner from where he built his brand.
And tonight demonstrated just how deeply his business is appreciated.
Having known Kevin most of my life, I can say this plainly: he has always been an entrepreneur. Always a hustler.
That’s how many of us were raised — to make something out of nothing.
Attorney extraordinaire Warren Brown, Esquire, reflected on the days when Scott sold clothes out of the trunk of his car. Stories were shared about 2901 Druid Park Drive. There were laughs. There was pride. There was perspective.
People see the fly suits and assume whatever they may.
What they don’t see are the prayers.
The therapeutic conversations.
The mentors.
The patience.
The valleys and dips.
The ebbs and flows.
They may not fathom that Kevin will travel to New York, to Milan, or wherever necessary to curate the specific line and style he has branded for nearly 25 years.
I imagine his parents are smiling down.
Kevin Scott — alongside his ace, Jody Davis — helps Baltimore look good.
From the Governor and First Lady to the everyday professional wanting to elevate their presence, Benedetto Haberdashery and Jody Davis Designs have us covered.
And let’s be clear: Jody is in her 15th year. That milestone deserves its own spotlight — and you already know, we will be there.
The love in that room tonight was undeniable. Baltimore’s First Couple of Fashion is appreciated.
Honoree Arnold Williams, CPA, reminded us that downtown Baltimore comes with its own set of challenges — taxes and even hidden costs that can make business ownership difficult. And yet, Scott remains.
Former Baltimore Police Commissioner Leonard Hamm reminded us all that it’s all about relationships. And his wife, Rose Backus Davis Hamm – the former Principal of the historic Frederick Douglass High School, was equally proud of Scott’s evolution.
For me, he is proof positive that when you surround yourself with greatness, you can’t help but rise — if rising is truly your intention.
As for me, I want to be better than I was yesterday.
Frederick Douglass said it best:
“When we find a man who has ascended heights beyond ourselves, we may know that he has worked harder, better, more wisely than we. He was awake while we slept. He was busy while we were idle. He was wisely improving his talents while we were wasting ours.”
Tonight was more than a fashion celebration.
It was a celebration of a Black-owned business in downtown Baltimore approaching its 25th Anniversary this April.
That matters.
This is Black Wall Street — right here in Baltimore.
Go, Bmore!
