(BALTIMORE – April 23, 2026) — As BMORENews.com continues its 15th Anniversary celebration of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, this Sunday’s event in downtown Baltimore represents both progress and appreciation.
BMORENews will host Black Wall Street BENEDETTO 2.0 at 119 W. Mulberry Street — the newly redeveloped location of Kevin Scott’s haberdashery. By the way, he is the developer.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony is scheduled for 2:30 p.m., followed by the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards at 3 p.m.
The setting itself tells a story.
The property, which once operated as a beauty salon, has been completely gutted and transformed by Scott as one of his first development projects. His relocation to this space reflects a broader shift from operating a business to investing in and reshaping property — a key step toward long-term ownership.
What started in Washington, DC, in 2011 has grown into a multi-city platform recognizing Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and the allies who support them. From New York to New Orleans — and now back home in Baltimore — the mission remains the same.
“Our philosophy is simple,” said BMORENews publisher Doni Glover. “We celebrate unconditionally. If you are a Black-owned business, or if you hire Black people and contribute meaningfully to our community, you are part of this story.”
This Sunday, that philosophy takes center stage.
BMORENews is using the occasion not only to continue its national celebration, but to thank the supporters — those who have shown up, invested, believed, and contributed to the growth of Black business over the years.
The work is also grounded in faith.
As Rev. Michael Carter of Oakland-based Black Wall Street USA once said, “If it ain’t got God in it, it ain’t Black Wall Street.”
Honorees include former Baltimore Mayor Catherine Elizabeth Pugh. She has been a part of Kevin Scott’s life for a long time. He recalls her getting her hair done at his new location, which was formerly a beauty salon.
“She’s the kind of person who would have her driver bring her up Pennsylvania Avenue as opposed to going up I-83,” said Scott. “That’s what I know about her. And Doni, when she came through one night, she saw a little boy on Penn-North. He was ‘out there.’ Cold. Hungry. So, she took him to his house. And she stayed in contact with him. Made sure he was clothed. That he showered. And she stayed helping him. Doni, that’s what I know about her. She was the kind of mayor who understood Black business and that she needed to help them.”
Scott’s story is reminiscent of Marion Barry — long remembered as “Mayor for Life” for his connection to the people. In much the same way Scott describes former Mayor Pugh, Barry built a reputation for supporting Black businesses and showing up for the community.
Scott added, “We need politicians who understand that they gotta look out for Black business.”
Fresh off a successful Black Wall Street event in New York City, BMORENews now brings that same energy back to Baltimore — continuing to highlight the entrepreneurs and leaders shaping the city’s economic and cultural landscape.
Sunday is about more than an event.
It is about transformation.
It is about gratitude.
And it is about recognizing the people who make it all possible.
RSVP: blackwallstreetbenedetto25.eventbrite.com
