From Fashion Icons to Tech CEOs, Community Advocates to Political Trailblazers—Baltimore Celebrates Excellence at The Doni Glover Show LIVE Pilot
(BALTIMORE – February 4, 2026) – BMORENews.com is proud to announce twelve exceptional entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers who will receive the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award on Thursday, February 5th, at The Doni Glover Show LIVE pilot episode.
The Black History Month celebration, taking place at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center from 6-8 PM, honors individuals who embody the entrepreneurial spirit, resilience, and community commitment that define Black Wall Street.
“This year’s honorees represent the full spectrum of Black excellence in Baltimore and beyond,” said Doni Glover, founder of BMORENews.com. “From business owners celebrating 25 years to tech executives managing billion-dollar contracts, from formerly incarcerated individuals transforming policy to law enforcement leaders breaking historic barriers—these are the stories that inspire the next generation.”
2026 JOE MANNS BLACK WALL STREET AWARD HONOREES:
KEVIN SCOTT – Celebrating 25 years of Benedetto Haberdashery. From his iconic location at 324 Park Avenue to an emerging real estate developer, Scott epitomizes fashion excellence and business acumen. Immaculate from head to toe, he’s Baltimore’s professor of style and substance.
JODY DAVIS – Baltimore’s Queen of Fashion marks 15 years of Jody Davis Designs. Creating timeless elegance and dressing Baltimore with distinction, Davis has built a fashion empire grounded in impeccable taste and unwavering professionalism.
ALEXIS SOLIS – Technology executive and congressional candidate (MD-5) who managed over $1 billion in government contracts as VP of a technology firm and now leads her own international consulting firm. Author of She Rose: The Story of Strength, Vision, and Voice. District resident for over 30 years, fighting for mental health funding and immigration reform.
SABRINA TAPP-HARPER – Baltimore City Sheriff candidate with 34 years in law enforcement. In 2022, became the highest-ranking woman in Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office history. Former Baltimore Police Major, White House guest for Violence Against Women Act advocacy, and Region Three President of the National Black Police Association, overseeing 20 states.
CARLMICHAEL “STOKEY” CANNADY – From incarceration to inspiration. Community advocate, anti-violence activist, published author, president/CEO of The Stokey Project, Marketing Manager for Shoe City, and partner with Jay-Z and RocNation. Baltimore City honored him with the naming of “Stokey’s Way” in his community for his community transformation work. Living proof that setbacks become setups.
SHANTEARI “SHANNY” YOUNG – Released from prison December 17, 2025, and within six weeks began working with Delegate Sean Stinnett to pass legislation making sexual abuse training mandatory for Maryland childcare workers. Former Correctional Officer (11 years) and childcare center owner (17 years) turned reform advocate, launching a nonprofit to support sexually abused children.
ATTORNEY NATALIE PIERRE-LOUIS – Multi-talented business attorney with over 18 years providing high-impact legal and compliance solutions. Passionate advocate providing translation services in her native Haitian Kreyol while guiding creatives and entrepreneurs through business formation via legal services and her weekly live social media show. Mission: making business and legal education accessible to everyone—with laughs and a sparkling personality.
WILLIAM “TANK” BAILEY – Cloverdale Basketball official with a long track record of service to West Baltimore, building community through sports and youth development.
LINDA DORSEY WALKER, MBA – Chair of Westside Map Coalition and leader of the 4More Campaign to expand Baltimore County Council representation. Her four-year advocacy effort aims to bring Baltimore County’s African American political representation in line with jurisdictions like Prince George’s County and Montgomery County. Champion for redistricting reform and political equity.
BRAXTON STREET – Dynamic educational professional with over a decade as a certified educator, currently serving as School Improvement & Grants Specialist for Baltimore City Public Schools. Morgan State University doctoral candidate in Urban Educational Leadership. Past Master of St. Johns Lodge No. 5, Baltimore Teachers Union Executive Board member, District 40 Democratic State Central Committee member, and Vice President of Ashburton Area Community Association. Graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and Morehouse College.
SHANTIA MURPHY – IT specialist, basketball coach, youth ministry leader, and producer of the Money, Power, and Politics podcast. Holds a Master of Science in Health Systems Management from the University of Baltimore and a graduate degree in Computer Science. Building Legacy House brand focused on expanding girls’ youth basketball—creating opportunities, fostering sisterhood, and mentoring young women on and off the court.
LESTER “BIG LES” THORNTON – Community leader organizing Baltimore’s premier basketball tournament featuring nearly 200 men competing locally and traveling to Philadelphia, DC, NYC, Detroit, and Miami. Building community and opportunity through sports excellence.
ABOUT THE JOE MANNS BLACK WALL STREET AWARDS
Established in 2011, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards have recognized over 3,000 entrepreneurs across nine cities, celebrating business excellence, economic empowerment, and community impact in Black communities nationwide.
EVENT DETAILS:
What: The Doni Glover Show LIVE Pilot + Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026, 6-8 PM
Where: Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center, 1315 Division Street, Baltimore, MD
RSVP: donigloverlive.eventbrite.com
Produced by: STEM CITY USA
Featured guests include: Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones, Alexandria Warrick Adams (CEO, Elev8 Baltimore), Edwin Avent (CEO, Baltimore Collegiate School for Boys), Larry & Kim Lancaster, and more.
About BMORENews.com
BMORENews.com is Baltimore’s leading independent digital media outlet, serving underrepresented communities in Maryland for 23 years. Founded by Doni Glover, BMORENews provides comprehensive coverage of Baltimore’s business, politics, and community development.
For media inquiries, interview requests, or additional information, contact:
doni@bmorenews.com
MEDIA ASSETS AVAILABLE:
- High-resolution honoree photos
- B-roll from previous Black Wall Street Awards ceremonies
- Interview opportunities with honorees
#BlackWallStreet #Baltimore #BlackHistoryMonth #Entrepreneurship #BMORENews
