(BALTIMORE – August 31, 2025) – I have a confession to make. BMORENews.com did not produce a Black Business Month event this year. Every August, Black-owned businesses around the country are front and center. Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy. And between COVID and the onslaught of the current administration in Washington, D.C., many new Black entrepreneurs have emerged — with sisters leading the way.

Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, driving an extraordinary wave of new business creation over the past decade. While they may not yet own the largest share of businesses overall, their rate of growth outpaces every other demographic. This surge reflects both resilience and innovation, as Black women continue to launch ventures that strengthen families, create jobs, and build wealth in communities across the country. Their leadership in entrepreneurship is reshaping the business landscape and setting the pace for future growth.

Truth is, my education comes first. Having just completed my Master’s in Journalism, the time has come for me to finally pursue a terminal degree – Doctor of Business Administration – at the University of Maryland. Much had to be completed within a short window. Hence, there was no way I could effectively do two major things simultaneously. I have learned, and I am learning, my limitations.

With that said, I want to take a moment and highlight a living legend in business who was there when I first got started: Joe Haskins, founder of the Harbor Bank of Maryland. Just like the Afro-American Newspaper is foundational to Baltimore’s Black community, the Harbor Bank is too a foundational institution of utmost significance.

Mr. Haskins tells the story of how he knocked on doors to get those first customers. Put that alongside the business acumen of Reginald F. Lewis, William “Little Willie” Adams, Isaac Myers, and Tom Smith — and what you have is a collection of some of America’s greatest business leaders. Straight out of Baltimore.

I think of Dorothy Brunson, the first Black woman to own a radio station. I think of Oprah herself. Baltimore has produced and helped produce some of the world’s greatest Black executives and entrepreneurs — all demonstrating an unbreakable determination to succeed.

As Derick Queen said, “I’m from Baltimore. That’s why!” Maybe it’s the water, the air, the ground — but Baltimore has given the world entrepreneurs bold enough to believe they could do it.

Mo’Nique has that fire. That spirit that says: In light of all that has happened and all that will ever happen, I will not be denied. It’s my birthright and I claim it in the name of the Most High. Even though we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, the forces of darkness are overcome by the light of God — every single time.

So if you are an entrepreneur — if God has given you that vision to build, to create, to develop, to invent — I ask you: What are you waiting for? Nike, damn it!

Happy Black Business Month to all of our business owners and business owners to be. Be inspired. Be wise. Be intentional. And keep God first.

PS – We are working with Elev8 Baltimore’s Alexandria Warrick Adams and Agile Care CollabConnect’s Tasha Vanzie to produce a Black Wall Street event soon featuring Greater Baltimore’s youth entrepreneurs. Stay tuned to BMORENews.com, the news before the news …

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