BLACK WALL STREET WOODLAWN — 2026 HONOREE PROFILE
A Georgia Tech graduate and Baltimore native, Aris Williams is carrying his father’s legacy into the digital age — one trivia question at a time.
(BALTIMORE – May 31, 2026) — Some people inherit money. Some inherit property. Some inherit family businesses.
Aris Williams inherited something even more valuable: a legacy of service.
His father, Anthony “Marty” Williams, was one of the finest men I have ever known — and my best friend. Marty devoted much of his life to helping young men in Baltimore access higher education. He believed in opening doors, creating opportunities, and investing in the next generation. Long before it became fashionable to talk about mentorship and empowerment, Marty was doing the work.
Marty passed away 13 years ago. His birthday would have been February 7th — he would have turned 61. But his impact never left Baltimore. Every young man he encouraged, every dollar he helped raise for college tuition, every life he touched continues to tell his story.
Rest well, Marty.
Today, that spirit lives on through his son.
Aris Williams recently earned his Master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology — one of the nation’s premier academic institutions. That accomplishment alone reflects the value his family has always placed on education, hard work, and excellence.
But Aris did not stop there.
Rather than simply talk about making a difference, he chose to build something that can.
Inspired by his father’s lifelong commitment to Baltimore and its people, Aris launched Be-More — a mobile trivia game that celebrates Baltimore’s rich history, culture, neighborhoods, and achievements. At a time when far too many headlines focus on what is wrong with our city, Be-More shines a light on what is right.
Inspired by the Freerice model, the app generates advertising revenue that can be directed back into meaningful causes and community initiatives throughout Baltimore. Aris is actively seeking input from local businesses and organizations on potential partnerships — because from day one, this was never just about an app. It was about impact.
Try to get 12 questions correct in a row for a special animation. Then ask yourself: how much do you really know about the city you love?
Aris Williams represents a new generation of leadership — one that understands technology, entrepreneurship, education, and community impact are not separate pursuits. They are connected.
By combining civic pride, digital innovation, and a commitment to service, he has created a platform that encourages people to learn about Baltimore while giving back to it. That is innovation with purpose. That is the Black Wall Street spirit in the digital age.
As I watch Aris build, create, and lead, I cannot help but think about his father. Marty believed in education. He believed in investing in young people. He believed in Baltimore.
Through Be-More, Aris is continuing that mission in a way that speaks to a whole new generation — and perhaps that is the most fitting tribute of all.
I know Marty would be proud.
I know I am.
For academic achievement, entrepreneurial innovation, and carrying forward a legacy of service to Baltimore, BMORENews.com and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards are proud to honor Aris Williams at Black Wall Street WOODLAWN.
A scholar. An innovator. A proud son.
Congratulations, Aris Williams.
Your father’s legacy lives on. And Baltimore is better because of it.
Download Be-More on the App Store:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/be-more/id6758647279
Black Wall Street WOODLAWN • Thursday, June 4, 2026 • 6–8 p.m. • 6665 Security Blvd., Baltimore
RSVP: blackwallstreetwoodlawn.eventbrite.com
Doni Glover is the founder and publisher of BMORENews.com, now in its 24th year of covering Black Baltimore, and the founder of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, now in its 15th year. He is also the host of the Emmy-nominated Doni Glover podcast and The Doni Glover Show on WMAR-TV 2.
