(BALTIMORE – August 7, 2025) – Baltimore is more than a city. It’s a proving ground. It’s a crucible of grit, grace, and relentless grind. Out of this fire come individuals who don’t just survive—they transcend. Five brothers in particular come to mind: Ben Johnson, David Miller, Akio Evans, Choo Smith, and Mario Armstrong. These men aren’t just success stories. They are Baltimore in motion. Ben Johnson You haven’t truly experienced a circus until you’ve been to the UniverSoul Circus. And you haven’t truly understood the UniverSoul until you’ve heard Ben Johnson’s story. A son of Edmondson Avenue, Ben’s work is more than entertainment—it’s a celebration of Black culture, history, and excellence. He didn’t just join the circus. He helped redefine what it could be. Dr. David Miller To understand David Miller, you’ve got to know his mentor, Ademola Ekulona. A rites of passage program changed David’s life, helping steer him from the trauma of watching his best friend gunned down outside O’Dell’s. Today, he’s Dr. David Miller—author of 15+ children’s books, educator in Ghana, and a national voice for our boys and girls. He didn’t just survive—he transformed. Akio Evans If you don’t know East Baltimore, you don’t fully know Akio. You’d have to walk down Eager Street, Holbrook and Hoffman, feel the crunch of glass underfoot, and catch the breeze off the harbor. Akio took that energy and poured it into art, turning pain into purpose. He went from dodging warrants on the West Coast to international acclaim—sharing his work in Australia and snapping pics with A-list celebs. He faced his demons, and he won. Choo Smith Sure, the world knows Choo as a Harlem Globetrotter. But I know him as the man who mentored Meadowlark Lemon in his final days—and who lights up a room full of kids like nobody else. Choo has spent decades pouring into youth and community. His accolades are many: Presidential Service Awards, Hall of Fame inductions, leadership roles with retired players’ associations. But ask him what matters most? He’ll point to the family of a child he coached who was killed—and the fact that he showed up for them. That’s who Choo is. Now, he’s spearheading a $120 million “Choo Smith CommuniVersity” development with Ray Lewis, planned for 52 cities. Just weeks after losing his mother, he kept moving. That’s not just resilience. That’s divine purpose. Mario Armstrong Before AfroTech was a hashtag, Mario Armstrong was putting Baltimore on the tech map. Writing, reporting, broadcasting—he did it all. He pitched a show to WMAR and landed it. Then he leveled up to the Today Show. Mario’s a media force—equal parts entrepreneur and evangelist for Black brilliance. Think Tyrone Taborn for the next generation. These five brothers are more than individuals—they are a movement. They’ve taken their pain and their promise, their Baltimore battle scars and blessings, and built something unstoppable. They didn’t conform. They carved new lanes. They bet on themselves. And they won. Ben kept a circus going—even without animals. Choo…
(BALTIMORE – August 5, 2025) – On Saturday, September 6, 2025, BMORENews.com will once again host the BMORE Black Business…
The Living, Who Refuse to Join The Walking Dead (BALTIMORE – August 3, 2025) – Not another roundtable of buzzwords.Not…
GYIFT is proud to be a facilitator for the Stephen V. Pearce Scholarship Fund at the University of Virginia. For more information about Stephen and…
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(BALTIMORE – July 18, 2025) — In the wake of a mass overdose incident that sent 27 people to local hospitals, BMORENews.com has published an exclusive in-depth feature titled “Penn-North…
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(BALTIMORE – May 19, 2025) – It is so interesting that as I am researching and writing on strategizing Black economic wealth and power in the United States for my next book, this particular day – Monday, May 19, 2025 – is Malcolm X’s 100th birthday. Honestly, it wasn’t the first thing on my mind today. What’s on my mind is presenting the very best manuscript I can muster to bring light, clarity, and solutions to the dilemmas facing my community. In fact, a part of this struggle is a very important topic we, as a people, are often afraid…
ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today joined elected officials and leadership from Morgan State University for the groundbreaking of their new Science and Research Center. The project will receive $337 million in state funding, the largest state investment in Morgan State University history. During the ceremony, the governor highlighted the significance of the state’s investment in contributing to Baltimore and Maryland’s economic growth, with leadership in science, technology, engineering, and math being the key driving component. “We are here today not only to celebrate a beautiful building, but to celebrate a beautiful future for this campus and city,” said Gov. Moore. “With…
(BALTIMORE – May 13, 2025) – In case you haven’t heard the news, BMORENews.com publisher Doni Glover is on TV again! That’s right! G. Grant Griffin Media presents The Doni Glover Show on Sundays at 5:30 am on WMAR-TV2 in Baltimore. Missed it? See the shows on demand below: Doni Glover TV Show: Dr. Al Hathaway, Saidah Spinner, & Marsha Jews Doni Glover TV Show: Jacqui Cummings, Charlyn Nater, & The Boss Ladies of Baltimore The Doni Glover TV Show: Akio Evans (Artist) and The Boss Ladies of Baltimore at Sankofa Children’s Museum of African Cultures Doni Glover TV Show:…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8QLL8rOAAg SANKOFA CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF AFRICAN CULTURES: Fine Art Shoe Muralist + Creative Director + Director + Film Producer Akio Evans is a renowned shoe muralist born and raised in Baltimore, MD, whose artistic vision has graced the feet of celebrities such as Dave Chappelle, Kevin Hart, and Dr. Dre. All Evans’ art apparel is signed and numbered. His pieces have been collected by writer/directors: Angel Williams, Ava DuVernay, Courtney Kemp, David Simon, Donnell Rawlings, D. Watkins, Pharrell Williams, Reinaldo Greene, Sascha Penn, Spike Lee, and Terrell Alvin McCraney to name a few. With a unique blend of craftsmanship and…
(RANDALLSTOWN – May 13, 2025) – We have a serious problem in Randallstown. Before I go any further, let me be clear: I love this community. I’ve been coming here since I was a teenager, visiting my siblings and their families. I remember Cook’s on Liberty and Rolling Road. I remember the vibes at Sista’s Place — always a solid spot for a good time. I’ve shot countless hoops at Scotts Branch. I even served as the inaugural editor of Kenny Brown’s Northwest Voice newspaper for its first six months. I’ve had a front-row seat to the story of this…
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