(BALTIMORE – August 5, 2026) — After weeks of preparation and anticipation, the Black Wall Street Summit is finally here.
This special National Black Business Month edition will feature The Doni Glover Show live and the presentation of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards—continuing a tradition that has celebrated Black entrepreneurs, professionals and community servants since 2011.
I am particularly excited about the two panel discussions.
One panel will include developers and business leaders who understand what it takes to invest, build and create economic opportunities in Baltimore. The other will bring together elected and newly elected officials for a timely conversation about leadership, public policy and the future of our communities.
These are the conversations Baltimore needs.
The summit is designed to connect the people making decisions with the entrepreneurs, residents and community leaders affected by those decisions. It is an opportunity to discuss development, Black wealth, political leadership and the kind of agenda Baltimore needs moving forward.
Then there are the honorees.
This year’s distinguished lineup includes Donovan Murphy of Island Quizine, Dr. Kimberly Hawkins-Salley of the KSAL Empire and Al Wylie of Wylie Funeral Homes, along with other outstanding entrepreneurs and community leaders who have built businesses, created opportunities and served Baltimore.
These are individuals who have built something out of nothing in many cases. They turned ideas into businesses, businesses into institutions and institutions into legacies. Their stories represent the creativity, discipline, resilience and determination that define Black entrepreneurship.
To say the least, this is an entrepreneur’s dream—a Baltimore entrepreneur’s dream.
Few events bring together such a spectacular lineup of business owners, developers, elected officials and community leaders in the same room. This is more than an awards ceremony. It is an opportunity to learn, connect, build relationships and celebrate people who have demonstrated what is possible when vision is matched with action.
The preparation is complete. The anticipation is over.
The Black Wall Street Summit is here.
Doors will open early at 5:30 p.m., with the program running from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Justice Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, 1315 Division Street in Baltimore.
Come ready to connect, learn, and celebrate Black excellence during National Black Business Month.
We’ll see you at the Black Wall Street Summit.
