(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 a block away after leaving 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…
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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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(NEW ORLEANS – May 4, 2025) – Be sure to RSVP for the long-anticipated Black Wall Street NOLA. It’s our 10th Anniversary! It will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2025, beginning at 7 pm at Corey “Bing” Mathis’ 2 Phat Vegans at 303 Decatur, New Orleans, LA 70116. RSVP to blackwallstreetnola2025.eventbrite.com today! BMORENews.com has joined forces again with 2 Phat Vegans for this 10th Anniversary Celebration in Nawlins. Our first event in New Orleans in 2015 also marked a decade since Hurricane Katrina. “Bing” is the consummate architect of great gatherings and fully comprehends the Black Wall Street mindset.…
(ATLANTA – May 4, 2025) – The date is set for Black Wall Street ATL 2025: Friday, July 11, 2025, beginning at 6 pm at TST Studio, located at 3032 Miller Rd., Lithonia, GA 30038. RSVP today to blackwallstreetatl.eventbrite.com! BMORENews.com has joined forces again with the TST Studio Family for yet another marvelous occasion in one of the greatest cities in America, Atlanta. As always, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award will be bestowed upon Black entrepreneurs and professionals as well as the people who support them regardless of race. Since 2011, BMORENews.com and its Partners have recognized nearly…
(BALTIMORE – May 4, 2025) – A groundbreaking investment in the future of digital equity was announced today as STEM City Baltimore, an initiative of STEM City USA, secured a $100,000 grant from the State of Maryland to provide immersive AI and metaverse training for Baltimore youth. The funding represents a pivotal step toward closing the technology divide and preparing the next generation for a digitally driven economy. Spearheaded by Maryland State Senator Cory McCray (District 45), the grant is more than a financial boost—it’s a strategic alignment with national priorities, including the latest Executive Order from President Trump that…
(BALTIMORE – May 3, 2025) – More than 25 years ago, LaRian Finney launched his entrepreneurial journey—and never looked back. A proud son of Cherry Hill and graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Finney has become one of Baltimore’s most influential entertainment curators. He’s a master at drawing crowds for unforgettable musical experiences that span generations and genres. From the steps of City Hall to Hopkins Plaza, Baltimore Peninsula, and now full circle, back again to Hopkins Plaza, his signature event, Jazzy Summer Nights, has remained a cornerstone of the city’s cultural calendar. Over the years, he’s brought icons like Fertile…
A very proud moment to see my grandson hit the ball. Thank you, God! Watch full video on YouTube
(BALTIMORE – May 3, 2025) – We all know the landscape. You can go right, or you can go left. It’s that simple. Those in the middle – on the fence – ayeee! You may as well go home. For all of my young brothers in Baltimore, if there is one single piece of advice I can think of, it’s travel. See the world. Go to Africa, Europe, South America, Wisconsin, California – just go and see how other people live. Travel provides the greatest education, one you will never find in a book. One thing you get is a better…
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