(BALTIMORE – June 27, 2025)—Ashburton stood tall this past Saturday to honor a true giant in Baltimore’s Black history. Herbert “Herb” Brown, a centenarian, veteran, entrepreneur, and architect of political progress, was celebrated by unveiling a street bearing his name. Renaming a block to Herb Brown Way marked more than a tribute. It marked a legacy. Mr. Brown served his country in World War II before returning home to serve his people. He made history as the founder of Mondawmin Travel Agency, the first full-service Black-owned travel business in Maryland. At a time when Black travelers faced roadblocks and redlining, his agency became a symbol of access, dignity, and economic strength. Mondawmin Mall had just two Black-owned businesses back then. He was one of them. His impact extended far beyond the travel industry. Mr. Brown was appointed to several key city and state leadership bodies, including the Baltimore City Liquor Board, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Maryland Tourism Task Force, the U.S. International Tourism Task Force, and the Council for Equal Business Opportunity. His behind-the-scenes organizing helped pave the way for a new era of Black political leadership in Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Saturday’s dedication brought together over 100 people, including elected officials, civic leaders, longtime friends, and members of the city’s most influential political networks. Among those in attendance were Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton, Judge Askew Gatewood Jr., Delegates Scott Phillips, Sandy Rosenberg, Malcolm Ruff, developer Theo Rodgers, and former mayors Kurt Schmoke, Sheila Dixon, and Catherine Pugh. Governor Wes Moore also recently visited Mr. Brown, offering gratitude from the highest state leadership level. His son Kevin Brown shared that that moment left Mr. Brown beaming. Members of the historic Vanguard Political Organization were also present to pay tribute. Vanguard played a central role in shaping Black political power in Baltimore during the second half of the 20th century. Herb Brown was part of that movement. His often quiet and consistent work helped uplift others and build the foundation for progress. His great-niece, Chezia Cager, spoke to the larger meaning of the moment. This wasn’t just about one man. It was about honoring a generation that helped change the course of the city’s history. She reminded the crowd that these stories must be told while our elders are here to hear them. The unveiling of Herb Brown Way is more than a symbolic act. It is a living, permanent acknowledgment of a man who helped build the civic and economic infrastructure for Black Baltimore to thrive. At BMORENews, we believe in giving our legends their flowers now. Herb Brown, we salute you. Thank you for opening doors and creating a path for so many to walk through.

You may have missed

Advertisement

‘Stand 10 Toes Down’: Maryland’s  Billion Budget Showdown

The Maryland House of Delegates has passed a contentious $67 billion budget for fiscal year 2026, addressing a $3.3 billion deficit through a combination of spending cuts and revenue increases. The budget, which passed with 100 votes in favor, reflects the difficult choices faced by lawmakers in balancing fiscal responsibility with the need to maintain essential services and investments in the state’s future. At the heart of this budget are several key investments that proponents argue are crucial for Maryland’s long-term prosperity. These include continued funding for the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education initiative, with $65 million in increased local…

Congressman Kweisi Mfume Introduces Legislation to Commemorate African American World War II Hero Doris Miller

(WASHINGTON, D.C. – March 25, 2025) – Today, on National Medal of Honor Day, Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) announced the introduction of a pair of bills to commemorate the life and legacy of African American Mess Attendant Doris ‘Dorie’ Miller. During the attack on Pearl Harbor, Mess Attendant Miller manned an anti-aircraft gun and downed enemy planes, despite the fact that the racially segregated steward’s branch of the Navy was not trained to use anti-aircraft guns. Congressman Mfume’s bills seek to award the Medal of Honor and a Congressional Gold Medal to Mess Attendant Miller. “Today is ‘Dorie Miller Day’…

State of Maryland Announces Grant Funding for Economic Development Projects for Baltimore’s Most-Disinvested Residential and Commercial Corridor in West Baltimore

(BALTIMORE — March 25, 2025) — The State of Maryland’s West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) awards millions in grant funding for its 15-year revitalization strategy to transform the West North Avenue corridor in West Baltimore. In this second round of funding, more than $6.5 million was distributed among 19 recipients, including minority, women, veteran, and returning citizen-led businesses. Chad Williams, Executive Director of WNADA, stated, “These awards will stimulate economic growth and improve community services in West Baltimore. The State’s RFQ opportunity enables our small and local communities to build stronger neighborhoods and become more resilient.” Among the projects…

OWINGS MILLS: “How To Sell Your Home Workshop”, April 5th

We are counting down to April 5th. Make sure you register for our “How To Sell Your Home Workshop.” We will discuss everything from getting the right market value for your home, estate sales, staging, and more. Space is limited. I hope to see you on April 5th in Owings Mills, MD. RSVP HERE

TGR: Ode to Ricky: A So Long Celebration at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum (SEE PICS)

“It was great celebration for a man who has always given so much to so many.” – Meshelle Howard (BALTIMORE – March 24, 2025) – The political maneuvers and obstacles Ricky Smith had to navigate while running BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport would leave many in awe. For those who don’t know, Ricky is Black—and unapologetically so. A proud son of Baltimore, he hails from Whitelock and Brookfield in Reservoir Hill, a community that demands resilience, grit, and excellence from those who emerge from it. Ricky embodies that spirit, representing his family, community, city, and state on the world stage. Tonight, the…

The Freddie Gray Chronicles: A Decade Later: Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Freddie Gray Unrest

(BALTIMORE – March 24, 2025) – Baltimore and the world are approaching the 10th anniversary of the Freddie Gray Unrest, a moment that catapulted Penn-North into the international media spotlight. On April 12, 2015, Gray was arrested at Gilmor Homes in my beloved Sandtown community for allegedly carrying an illegal switchblade. The world watched the footage repeatedly—three Baltimore police officers taking Gray down, one driving a knee into his back. He was clearly injured and unable to walk, yet we saw him being dragged to a police van instead of receiving medical attention. Notably, those officers were white. A decade…