(MILFORD MILL, MD – April 10, 2026) — On Saturday, April 11, 2026 (4-6 pm at IQ Bar & Grill, 8128 Liberty Road), the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards returns to Baltimore County with Black Wall Street MILFORD MILL 2.0, a powerful celebration of Black excellence, resilience, and enterprise.
RSVP to blackwallstreetmilford.eventbrite.com.
This latest installment of the now 15-year movement continues a legacy that has recognized more than 3,000 entrepreneurs, professionals, and change agents across the country. From boardrooms to courtrooms to grassroots organizing, this year’s Milford Mill honorees reflect the depth, diversity, and determination of Black leadership in the region.
Honoring Excellence Across Disciplines
The 2026 honorees include a distinguished group of professionals whose work spans law, public service, business, and community empowerment:
- Tonya Baña, Esquire – A fearless attorney known for taking on complex workplace discrimination cases and advocating for justice on behalf of employees navigating difficult systems.
- David Baña, Esquire – A respected legal mind and partner in a dynamic husband-and-wife legal team committed to protecting the rights of their clients and uplifting the community.
- Robert Dashiell, Esquire – A seasoned attorney and thought leader whose voice continues to shape conversations around law, policy, and civic responsibility.
- Emanuel J. Stanley, 33° – A highly accomplished leader whose dedication to service and excellence reflects the highest ideals of discipline, integrity, and brotherhood.
- Derrick Burnett – A business and community figure whose work underscores the importance of economic empowerment and local investment.
- Jonathan Purnell – A committed professional making meaningful contributions through leadership and service.
- Andrea Contee – A dynamic force whose work continues to impact communities through advocacy, engagement, and forward-thinking leadership.
A Movement, Not Just an Event
What began in 2011 as a modest awards ceremony has grown into a multi-city movement rooted in one central idea: honor the builders while they can still smell the roses.
Black Wall Street is not just about recognition—it’s about connection. It’s about bringing together entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who are often grinding in isolation, and reminding them that their work matters.
In Milford Mill, that spirit will be alive and well.
Building Legacy in Real Time
At a time when small businesses face mounting challenges—from access to capital to navigating an ever-changing digital landscape—the Black Wall Street platform continues to provide something invaluable: visibility.
These honorees are not waiting for validation. They are creating impact in real time—serving clients, leading organizations, mentoring the next generation, and building institutions that will outlast them.
And on April 11, the community will pause to celebrate them.
The Bigger Picture
Black Wall Street MILFORD MILL 2.0 is part of a broader 2026 series that spans multiple cities, including New York City, Sparrows Point, and Washington, D.C. Each stop reinforces a simple but powerful truth:
Black enterprise is alive. Black excellence is thriving. And the story must be told.
For Doni Glover and BMORENews, that mission remains unchanged after more than two decades—tell our stories, honor our people, and build platforms that ensure our narratives are never erased.
On Saturday, April 11, Milford Mill will be the place where that mission continues.
And the people will be watching.
