(BALTIMORE – February 3, 2026) – Some people let their past define them. Shanny Young refused.
This Thursday, February 5th, BMORENews will honor Shanteari “Shanny” Young with the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award at The Doni Glover Show LIVE pilot episode. Her story isn’t just about resilience—it’s about radical transformation, unwavering accountability, and the audacity to turn the darkest chapter of your life into a blueprint for change.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Shanny began her career at 22 years old as a Correctional Officer, serving for over 11 years before transitioning into early childhood education. She went on to own and operate two childcare centers, dedicating more than 17 years to nurturing and protecting children in her community.
In July 2022, an unforeseen and life-altering incident changed the course of her life and resulted in a four-year prison sentence. Prison was one of the most difficult adjustments she had ever faced, but Shanny made a conscious decision not to fall into depression, bitterness, or the darkness that exists behind prison walls. Instead, she chose to use that time wisely—to reflect, grow, and build a new vision for her future.
She was released to a halfway house in Washington, D.C. on June 25, 2025, and later placed on home confinement. On December 17, 2025—less than two months ago—she officially regained her freedom. One of the most memorable moments of her life.
“Gaining my life back from the penal system is a feeling that cannot easily be put into words,” Shanny says.
Throughout her entire ordeal, she made herself a promise: she would not become bitter or hateful. She refused to become a victim of her circumstances. Instead, she vowed to turn her pain into purpose and make a meaningful difference from the experiences she endured.
Today—barely six weeks after her release—Shanny is already working alongside Delegate Sean Stinnett of Maryland’s 41st District to advocate for legislation that would make sexual abuse and molestation training mandatory for all individuals working in childcare. She is also committed to advocating for inmate reform, launching a nonprofit organization to support sexually abused children, and serving as a positive and impactful voice within her community.
This is what Black Wall Street looks like in 2025.
Not just businesses. Not just success stories that started at the top. But people who fell, who faced their hardest truths, who refused to stay down, and who came back swinging—not with bitterness, but with purpose.
“I am not the tribulations I’ve been through,” Shanny declares. “I am Shanny Young. I am HER. And I am Unapologetically ME.”
Join us Thursday, February 5th, as we honor Shanny Young—along with Kevin Scott (25 years), Jody Davis (15 years), Stokey Cannady, Sabrina Tapp-Harper, and Braxton Street—at the pilot episode of The Doni Glover Show LIVE.
📅 Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 6-8 PM
📍 Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center | 1315 Division Street
🎟️ RSVP: donigloverlive.eventbrite.com
This is Baltimore’s story. This is redemption. This is Black Wall Street.
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