(BALTIMORE – July 3, 2026) — This year’s class of Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award honorees is filled with dynamic, emerging leaders—people I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and watching grow.
I can tell you with confidence: our future is bright.
In politics, you can earn a bachelor’s degree, a master’s degree, or even a Ph.D. in political science. But the truth is, you don’t really learn politics until you’ve worked on a campaign.
That’s where the rubber meets the road.
That’s where the textbook ends, and real life begins.
On this year’s campaign trail, I had the opportunity to watch Oluwa “Toni” Elewa-Gidado in action as part of Julian Jones’ campaign.
He was a soldier.
He showed up.
He worked.
He did what he said he was going to do.
Every time I saw Toni, he was prepared, attentive, and ready to help move the mission forward. In politics, those qualities matter. Campaigns reveal character. Long hours, unexpected challenges, and constant pressure expose who people really are.
Toni never wavered.
As a recent graduate and emerging policy professional, he has already demonstrated a commitment to advancing equity for underserved communities through thoughtful civic engagement and public policy. His passion for advocacy isn’t theoretical—it’s reflected in how he carries himself and the seriousness with which he approaches public service.
I’m proud of this young man.
It’s important that we recognize emerging leaders while they’re emerging—not twenty years later after everyone else discovers them. The Black Wall Street Awards have always been about celebrating not only those who have built lasting legacies, but also those who are preparing to build them.
Toni belongs in that company.
He joins an outstanding cohort of young leaders who I believe will shape Baltimore, Maryland, and beyond for years to come.
Again, I can say it without hesitation:
The future is bright.
Event Information
Black Wall Street Summit: National Black Business Month Edition
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
PS 103 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center
1315 Division Street
Baltimore, Maryland
Presented by BMORENews and BlackUSA.News
The evening features The Doni Glover Show LIVE, thought-provoking forums, networking opportunities, and the presentation of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards.
RSVP today: BlackWallStreetSummit26.eventbrite.com
