(BALTIMORE – April 10, 2025) – A cool breeze swept across the entrance of the Marriott Waterfront Hotel as a line of sleek vehicles waited for valet service. Inside, the lobby buzzed with energy as a diverse crowd made their way to the second floor for The Afro-American Newspaper’s “Who’s Who in Black Baltimore”—an event celebrating Black excellence across generations, industries, and neighborhoods.
BMORENews.com was honored to receive media credentials for this exclusive event, featuring a powerful mix of community legends and emerging leaders. Special thanks to The AFRO, Real Time Media, and G. Grant Griffin Media Group, Executive Producer of The Doni Glover Show. We conducted several on-site interviews—stay tuned to WMAR-TV 2, Sundays at 5:30 a.m. EST, for full coverage.
Among the most touching moments were the visible legacies in the room: funeral directors Victor March with daughter Carmalita March-Harris, and Al Wylie with son Brandon—powerful symbols of Black generational wealth and enterprise. As the son of a funeral director myself, witnessing this in 2025 reminded me of the spirit of Black Wall Street in motion.
March-Harris said, “Just being in that room, with all that excellence and humble strength, was something special. It was truly an honor to celebrate not just the amazing individuals in the spotlight but the power we all bring when we come together.”
Another honoree recognized, Brittny Bagby, said, “Last night’s event was more than a celebration. It was a reminder that Baltimore is overflowing with Black brilliance. I was deeply honored to be among such dynamic leaders and it inspired me to keep showing up, keep building, and keep pouring into this city that shaped me.”
One standout was Devin Jackson, the dynamic new President of the Greater Baltimore Black Chamber of Commerce. He summed up his mission clearly:
“I’m not just pushing for economic mobility. I’m designing blueprints for communities to thrive, cities to flourish, and futures to be transformed.”
“Seeing Mayor Kurt Schmoke and Attorney Billy Murphy was great,” noted entrepreneur and banker Phil Allen. “I’m so glad they honored the living legends.”
The AFRO, a Black family-owned institution since 1892, knows that surviving today’s media landscape means embracing innovation while remaining rooted in purpose. Events like “Who’s Who” help keep its legacy alive and relevant, not just documenting the moment but shaping it.
Two years before his death, AFRO founder John H. Murphy Sr. wrote to his sons:
“A newspaper succeeds because its management believes in itself, in God and in the present generation… Whether it has kept faith with the common people… Whether it is fighting to get rid of slums to provide jobs for everybody… It is that kind of newspaper now, and I hope that it never changes… God willing, they shall not fail.”
—John H. Murphy, Sr.
From its beginnings as a church newsletter, The AFRO became the most widely circulated Black paper on the Atlantic coast, confronting Jim Crow head-on. Today, 131 years later, it remains in the hands of 4th and 5th generation descendants, still advocating for justice and amplifying Black voices.
As a former paperboy and writer at The AFRO, I deeply appreciate this institution. Baltimore must cherish it too—because the world already does. As a fellow media owner, I know how tough the terrain is. But I also know the power of vision.
Cheryl Washington, President and CEO of East Baltimore Development, Inc. (EBDI), echoed that sentiment:
“The unveiling of Who’s Who in Black Baltimore was more than a celebration—it was a powerful affirmation of Black excellence and leadership… Their work not only documents our progress but helps drive it.”
Cheryl attended with her mother, Dr. Hattie Washington—both longtime champions for community. Another key figure, attorney Alicia Wilson, chaired the event and wrote the book’s foreword:
“The range of talents and contributions was remarkable. I was honored to help spotlight so many who continue to shape Baltimore, Maryland, and the world.”
Honoree and entrepreneur Kelli Redmond-Bagby summed it up:
“Yesterday, I had the incredible honor of being recognized as one of the honorees for the #WhosWho of Black Baltimore, sponsored by @afronews. #wwib. I stood alongside powerful contributors from across the city—each of us representing just a fraction of the brilliance that continues to pour into our beloved Charm City and beyond.”
Last night was more than a gathering. It was a moment—a reminder that we are the legacy, and we are the future.
