(NEW YORK – April 15, 2026) — By all accounts, and by the looks on their faces, the Black Wall Street CHELSEA cohort of Joe Manns Black Wall Street honorees left more than satisfied.
One of the honorees, Nancy Alers, shared this reflection on Facebook:
“Love you, Baltimore. Who would have thought the Bmore love would reach me all the way in NY? Let me tell you, there are people out here doing impressive work: from assisting incarcerated folks in getting free legal assistance to fighting systemic issues, authoring children’s books, providing free shoes to underserved children on their first day of school, etc. The list goes on and on. I left inspired to do more for others.”
That is the Black Wall Street spirit Rev. Michael Carter of Black Wall Street USA talks about: God, love, action.
Baltimore- and now Tanzania-based media personality April Watts turned to honoree Toni James and said, “I love you. I appreciate you. Thank you for not only the work that you do but the impact, because a lot of times, people want to be seen, people want to be heard, people want to do things, but what is your why? And for me, the why is always impact. And if nobody told you, if that award doesn’t tell you, the work that you are doing truly has an impact on people.”
It was a perfect afternoon in Manhattan — about 60 degrees, the sun popping, people moving about as New Yorkers do. The city was as electric as always. The sight of the skyline rising up the road is always a breathtaking moment for me. “Now, THAT’S a city!” I think to myself.
First, giving all praise, glory, and honor to God for traveling mercies and a successful event. Secondly, I’d like to acknowledge my prayer partner, retired BPD Officer Chuck Lee. When I first began seriously researching Tulsa’s Greenwood District, I came across Rev. Michael Carter of Black Wall Street USA, based in California. His words still ring clearly in my mind: “Brother Glover, if it ain’t got God in it, it ain’t Black Wall Street.”
With that in mind, I have to thank our wonderful, family-oriented team at G. Grant Griffin Media, including Marvin Wilson, our director and cameraman. Last evening, Marvin did a masterful job capturing The Doni Glover Show LIVE in New York. We recorded the Black Wall Street CHELSEA ceremony at the offices where Mr. Victor Pate works. And we mustn’t forget our dear sister from another mister, Tasemere Gathers, who always adds her own special touch.
Now, talk about someone worthy of celebration. For those who do not know him, know that he is as serious as serious gets when it comes to the formerly incarcerated. He is even more adamant about ending solitary confinement because he knows first-hand what it is like. Let that sit with you for a minute. Many times, people are released from solitary confinement directly back onto the streets — no debriefing, no transition. Mr. Pate regularly travels to Albany, the state capital, to advocate for legislation that supports those behind bars and those who have returned home.
America has roughly 5% of the world’s population, but about 25% of its incarcerated. Around 30% of the men in state prisons across America are Black, while Black people make up only about 13% of the U.S. population. Something is fundamentally wrong with that equation. The mass incarceration effect on Black America is evident: poor schools, a lack of jobs, and a host of distractions glaring in the faces of people who are simply trying to live. One thing leads to another, and some members of our community find themselves caught in a seemingly inescapable cycle of going in and out of prison.
Honoring Excellence: The CHELSEA Cohort
At the heart of Black Wall Street CHELSEA was a powerful group of honorees — each bringing their own discipline, story, and commitment to impact:
Ambre Anderson — Actress, author, and filmmaker, now producing her very own work and building a multi-dimensional career in entertainment. We’ve followed Ambre’s journey for 15 years, including her roles in Power and the Marvin Sapp biopic, and her modeling feature on the Special K cereal box. She never ceases to amaze — and she is a longtime supporter of BMORENews.com.
Nancy Alers — U.S. Navy-trained clinical laboratory scientist and New York-based entrepreneur with more than 20 years of leadership across hospital, reference, and academic laboratory environments. Her rise from lab assistant to lab director embodies discipline, precision, and uncommon depth.
Toni James — Owner of Katwalk Boutique in Fells Point and founder of the Education Matters Program. Katwalk has been recognized as Baltimore’s Best Boutique by Baltimore Magazine, Style Magazine, City Paper, and The Baltimore Sun for more than ten consecutive years. Toni’s philosophy: empower women to embrace their uniqueness, prioritize quality and fit, and walk confidently in their personal style. She and her husband have also built a men’s store in Fells Point, in business since the 1990s.
Gina C. Williams — Community advocate and leader committed to service, outreach, and uplifting underserved populations.
John Royster — Business professional and connector known for supporting community-based initiatives and economic engagement.
Edward Harrison — Advocate for justice and reentry who served four decades in prison and has transformed that experience into a life dedicated to helping others. Today, he is doing everything he can, with every fiber of his being, to be part of the solution.
Nathaniel B. Evans — Strategic thinker and community leader focused on advancing opportunity and development.
Five Mualimmak — Nationally recognized advocate for the formerly incarcerated and a leading voice against solitary confinement.
Swannie Batista, MS, CP — Certified professional and community-focused leader advancing excellence through education and service.
Richard E. Pelzer II — Entrepreneur and author focused on personal development, leadership, and business growth.
Taylor Varga — Times Square–affiliated professional contributing to one of the world’s most iconic commercial and cultural corridors.
Jody Davis — International fashion designer with work extending to Milan, bridging Baltimore and the global fashion stage. She is ten toes down when it comes to fashion, and we will be hosting a 15th Anniversary Black Wall Street event at her establishment on May 23rd — Black Wall Street JODY DAVIS, 110 W. Saratoga St., Baltimore.
From Milan to Times Square. From Baltimore to Manhattan. This cohort reflects reach, range, and relevance. These are not people waiting for opportunity. They are creating it.
The Bigger Picture
I am excited. Despite all the negative stereotypes that tend to grab the headlines, these are the everyday heroes and sheroes in our community. That’s Black Wall Street. No excuses. No hemming and hawing. Just strategy and execution.
One thing I saw with my own eyes last night: one man giving another man his card. A white man offering to help a Black man’s program for the formerly incarcerated. BINGO. That’s it. That’s Black Wall Street.
Our purpose is simple: We celebrate Black entrepreneurs and professionals, as well as the people who support them, regardless of race. To date, we have honored over 3,000 individuals in nine cities since 2011. We seek to infuse entrepreneurship, beginning in our own community. Our history shows us clearly that we have built and run our own towns before. We can do the same today — and given today’s technology, we can do it even better.
We are an amazing people who have endured a lot of unnecessary chicanery at the hands of people who clearly have low self-esteem issues, coupled with guilt and laced with miseducation. I believe if public school systems shared more about the contributions of Black people, more people would gain a deeper appreciation of all that Black people have done to help make America the greatest nation in the world.
Black Wall Street is not history. It’s happening right now.
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.
