(BALTIMORE – August 19, 2022) – Since August is National Black Business Month – and considering it is the month in which Bmorenews.com was officially formed 20 years ago, it is imperative to this news organization to present the people of Maryland/DC Region with “the absolute finest in business networking events” this Monday, August 22, 2022, from 6 to 8 pm at Darker Than Blue Grille, located at 413 N. Charles Street, Baltimore, MD 21201.
We’re calling it “Recognizing Black Business Month” and it will feature, as always, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. Since 2011, Bmorenews.com and its Partners, including Sisters4Sisters Network, Inc., have been recognizing Black entrepreneurs and professionals as well as the people who support them regardless of race. To date, we have honored most every race on the planet. Our aim is to help preserve little-known national Black Wall Street history and to inspire entrepreneurship, beginning in the Black community.
As Maryland Lt. Gov. Boyd Rutherford has repeatedly stated, no one hires Black people at a higher rate than Black businesses. Therefore, it is up to us to rally around our businesses and ensure their success.
Listen, we don’t have to be in love with each other to support each other’s businesses. Heck, we don’t even have to like each other. However, if a Black-owned business is legitimately creating jobs for Black people, it is my obligation as a Black man to support them. If charity starts at home, then I had best do all I can to support a brother or sister’s business. Every other group understands this basic principle of economics. We used to understand it, but today, we are heavily on the consumer side. I envision a Black America with increasingly more business owners and entrepreneurs.
Having grown up in a family business, I am all too mindful of the challenges. Frankly, that’s a big part of why I personally push these awards. The words of my late father come to mind when I started my business. He said, “Doni, if you get out there and try, somebody might see you and they might even help you.” These words came true for me … many times over. That’s why it is terribly important to me to pass on that shot of hope so that someone else will catch the business bug. Then, one day, they can pass on the inspiration to someone else.
That’s how we heal our communities: one person at a time.
Before I get to Monday’s event, let me first acknowledge Mr. Victor Pate, Ms. Regina Smith, and my partner, Tasemere Gathers, CEO of The DM Firm. Mr. Pate always gets us the best honorees, quite often people who help returning citizens. Ms. Regina Smith is the Executive Director of the Harlem Business Alliance. I may as well mention the man behind the scenes, Mr. Walter Edwards. These folks help ensure that Bmorenews.com’s “Black Wall Street” efforts in New York City always succeed.
Our event in Harlem last Friday recognized the following names:
Laquan Word
Dizzy Brown
Ednesha Saulsbury
Kimberly Moore
Ebony Haynes
Orlyn Evans
Tekeasha Newton
Darren Mack
Anisah Sabur
Marvin Mayfield
Tyrrell Muhammad
For Monday, we have a very special set of honorees, including Dawn Moore. Yes, she is the wife of Maryland Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Wes Moore. This recognition is for her support of Black business and the Black Press for the 16 years or so that I have known her.
Not everyone in politics makes it their business to engage with the Black Press. Please don’t make me call names. Dawn Moore does, though, and she always has – going back to when I first met her.
Truth be told, she has put in serious time in our communities. I saw her at Shake-n-Bake back during Freddie Gray. Her work is also known, no doubt, in Prince George’s County, her childhood home.
And today, she’s helping Wes campaign to become Governor. Being at the center of politics is not new to her. She’s worked arduously for other leaders. Now, gladly, she is working with her husband. And that to me is beautiful.
Other honorees include:
Margaret Powell
John Carrington
Sanjay Thomas
Rondy Griffin
Tracy Stevens
Ed Hill
REHAT Apprenticeship Training Program
Omar Muhammad
Cherie Brooks Wallace
DeAndre Wiggins
Lorielle Moore
Marlon “PJ” Bonner, Jr.
Kyle Pompey
Ashley Esposito
Lou Fields
Our keynote speaker is the CEO of BWI-Marshall Airport, Ricky Smith. Smith is one of the jewels of Baltimore City – straight out of the Reservoir Hill Community. He is also the Chairman of the Board for the Greater Baltimore Urban League. To say the least, he is an amazing man, and if you want to set up a business at the airport, I can’t think of a better person you need to meet.
There are other speakers, too. And, Lord, let me not forget to mention our Emcee, BlackUSA.News’ own host extraordinaire, Mr. Michael Haynie.
Be sure to RSVP to https://blackbusinessmonth.eventbrite.com.
