(BALTIMORE – January 1, 2025) – The Black Wall Street NEW YEAR EMPOWERMENT Summit is more than an event—it’s a call to action for entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers to come together, celebrate achievements, and build a brighter future. With insightful panels, dynamic workshops, and the prestigious Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, this summit is designed to inspire and equip attendees with the tools to make 2025 a year of impact and empowerment.
Join us on Saturday, January 4th, from 10 am to 2 pm at the Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures, and let’s make history together. Let’s kickstart this year with purpose, connection, and a shared vision for economic empowerment and community excellence.
RSVP now at BlackWallStreetSummit2025.eventbrite.com.
Itinerary
- (10 am) Panel Discussion: Community Economic Development
- Moderator: Diane Bell-McKoy
- Panelists: Charlyn Nater (Baltimore Main Streets), Yolanda Jiggets (Park Heights Renaissance), Renny Bass (KIOBA), Rasheed Azziz (Citywide Youth Development), and Jacqui Cummings (Notre Maison)
- (11 am) Workshop: JOURNAPRENEUR
- Facilitator: Carl Brown
- Presenters:
- Ericka Alston-Buck (Social Media)
- Sean Stinnett (State of Maryland)
- Doni Glover (Marketing)
- Robert Dashiell, Esq. (Business Law)
- Jim Peterson (Banking)
- Omar Muhammad (EDAC/Resources)
- Dr. Leroy McKenzie (Book Publishing)
- Kenneth W. Morris, CPA
- Gail Moody, State Farm Insurance
- (12 pm) Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award Ceremony
- Recognizing individuals and organizations making a meaningful impact in their communities, setting a standard of excellence for 2024.
- Keynote Speaker: Chad Williams, WNADA – “Reinvesting in Maryland’s Moment and Baltimore’s Time for Economic Empowerment”
- Special Remarks: Doni Glover, Publisher of BMORENews.com and Author of Journapreneur
- (1 pm) Panel Discussion: Regional Economic Development
- Moderator: Ricky Smith
- Panelists: Dr. Tyrone Taborn (STEM CITY USA), Dewan Clayborn (Central MD Chamber), Sen. Antonio Hayes (MD General Assembly), Delegate N. Scott Phillips, Esq., and Michael Haynie (MD Hospitality Training)
- There is a youth component featuring seven entrepreneurs from the area.
Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awardees
include:
Adeyemi Adeduro
Wanda Best
Marci Flournoy
Akio Evans
Sebastian Coates
Maria Thorpe
Tiana Wells-Lawson
Omar Muhammad
Naijha Wright-Brown
Pía Brown
Kenneth Morris, CPA
Kelli Redmond-Bagby
Richard Conway
Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew
Shanyon Vann
Solace Vanzie
Nasir Vanzie
Zoe Chester
Aanjay Garrett
Serenity Vanzie
The event highlights the importance of celebrating achievements, providing entrepreneurs and community leaders with practical tools, and launching initiatives to inspire and empower the next generation.
This summit is our gift to the community, made possible by the generous sponsorship of the West North Avenue Development Authority and Fulton Bank. It’s our way of giving back and investing in a brighter future. Wishing you a healthy, prosperous, and successful 2025!
