Derrick Whiting to Receive Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award at Black Wall Street Summit
(BALTIMORE – July 1, 2026) — When people talk about second chances, Derrick Whiting talks about first responsibilities.
For years, the Baltimore civic leader has quietly become one of the city’s most respected voices on reentry, trauma-informed care, criminal justice reform, and community empowerment. On Wednesday, August 5, Whiting will be recognized with the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award during the Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition, hosted by BMORENews and BlackUSA.News at the PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center.
The annual award honors individuals whose leadership strengthens the Black community through service, entrepreneurship, advocacy, and institution building.
Whiting embodies all four.
A Baltimore-based civic leader, human services practitioner, and community organizer, Whiting has transformed his own life experience into a mission of helping others rebuild theirs. Having experienced incarceration himself, he has become one of Maryland’s leading advocates for returning citizens, proving that redemption can become leadership when paired with purpose.
As Founder and Executive Director of the Flowers Whiting Initiative, Whiting leads programs focused on workforce development, reentry services, trauma-informed practices, and community empowerment for individuals and families impacted by the criminal justice system.
His organization has become a bridge between people seeking a second chance and the resources necessary to build sustainable futures.
“Derrick represents what Black Wall Street has always been about,” said Doni Glover, founder of the Black Wall Street Summit. “It’s about investing in people, creating opportunity, and building institutions that help our community thrive. Derrick has turned adversity into advocacy, and Baltimore is better because of it.”
Whiting’s commitment extends well beyond nonprofit leadership.
In 2023, he was unanimously appointed to represent Baltimore City’s 40th District on the Baltimore City Democratic State Central Committee before later seeking election to continue serving residents through grassroots civic engagement.
He currently serves on the Maryland Correctional Ombudsman Advisory Board and represents reentry interests on the Baltimore City Public Safety Advisory Commission, helping shape policies that strengthen collaboration among government agencies, community organizations, and neighborhood leaders.
His influence can also be seen through service on numerous boards and advisory councils dedicated to trauma-informed care, neighborhood revitalization, youth empowerment, and public safety.
Before launching the Flowers Whiting Initiative, Whiting served in roles with the Social Security Administration and FEMA, experiences that broadened his understanding of government systems, disaster response, and the importance of effective public service.
He also served in the Maryland Army National Guard, deploying in support of Operation Enduring Freedom while continuing his lifelong commitment to serving others.
Today, Whiting combines lived experience with professional expertise.
A graduate of the University of Baltimore with a degree in Human Services Administration, he is pursuing a Master of Social Work at the University of Maryland School of Social Work, preparing himself to continue influencing policy and practice throughout Maryland.
His leadership has earned widespread recognition.
In 2024, he was named a Baltimore Homecoming Hero, recognizing community leaders whose work has transformed Baltimore through innovation and service. That same year, The Baltimore Banner selected him as one of its Emerging Leaders, highlighting the next generation of civic leadership across Maryland.
In 2025, The AFRO American Newspapers recognized Whiting as one of its Who’s Who in Black Baltimore Emerging Leaders, further cementing his reputation as one of the city’s rising changemakers.
Whether advocating for stronger voter participation, promoting equitable public policy, supporting returning citizens, or mentoring future leaders, Whiting has consistently demonstrated that meaningful change begins with relationships, trust, and service.
His vision for Baltimore reflects a belief that communities become stronger when everyone has an opportunity to participate in building them.
That philosophy aligns closely with the mission of the Black Wall Street Summit, which convenes leaders from business, government, media, education, real estate, and nonprofit organizations to explore practical strategies for building wealth, strengthening neighborhoods, and expanding economic opportunity throughout Black America.
The evening will feature The Doni Glover Show LIVE, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards honoring individuals whose work creates lasting impact across Baltimore and beyond.
Event Information
Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center
Baltimore, Maryland
Presented by BMORENews and BlackUSA.News
RSVP: https://blackwallstreetsummit26.eventbrite.com/
As Baltimore continues searching for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges, leaders like Derrick Whiting remind us that transformation is possible—not simply through policy, but through people willing to dedicate their lives to lifting others.
That is the spirit of Black Wall Street.
And that is why Derrick Whiting is this year’s Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award honoree.
