(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…
(BALTIMORE – April 17, 2025) – Don’t miss the next BMORENews business networking event: Black Wall Street TWENTY-FIFTH STREET, happening Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Terra Cafe Bmore (101 E. 25th Street, Baltimore). Part of the ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES, this gathering features the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which honor Black entrepreneurs and professionals—as well as their allies of all backgrounds—who are making a positive impact. The mission is simple but powerful: to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship, starting with the Black community. RSVP today and be part of the movement! Go to BlackWallStreetTWENTYFIFTHSTREET.eventbrite.com. Honorees include Isaac Loyal. Who is Isaac?…
(BALTIMORE – April 16, 2025) – Back in February 2024, we hosted a Black Wall Street event at HOODFELLAS—now rebranded and relocated as Soul Street. That evening, we honored Ertha Harris, Carde Cornish, and Sheree Rogers with the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award. Ertha is deeply engaged in a wide range of community-building efforts, all aimed at uplifting our people. Carde, a young legend from Druid Heights, is not only a master behind the camera but also an outstanding father and a shining example of Black excellence. And Sheree? I’ve seen her with my own eyes, handing out food…
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(BALTIMORE – April 16, 2025) – Join us for the next BMORENews Black Wall Street Business Networking Event, happening Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Terra Cafe Bmore (101 E. 25th Street, Baltimore). This event is part of the nationally celebrated ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES, and it’s your chance to connect with dynamic entrepreneurs, professionals, and community leaders who are driving positive change. The evening will feature the prestigious Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which recognize Black entrepreneurs—and allies of all backgrounds—who are making a lasting impact in business and beyond. Our mission remains…
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Presented by the Sandtown-Winchester Community Collective (BALTIMORE – April 16, 2025) – Ten years after the tragic death of Freddie Gray and the unrest that followed, Freddie Gray: The Aftermath brings together the voices of activists, leaders, and community members who stood on the front lines in 2015—and who continue the fight for justice today. This powerful retrospective examines what’s changed, what hasn’t, and what still must be done to truly uplift West Baltimore. While the city has seen a renovated police station and a new funeral home, the deeper question remains: where is the sustained investment in the people?…
Abdul Salaam, President, is a longtime resident of Baltimore City, dedicating over 25 years of service to youth and the community. Watch full video on YouTube
(BALTIMORE – April 15, 2025) – Don’t miss the next BMORENews business networking event: Black Wall Street TWENTY-FIFTH STREET, happening Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Terra Cafe Bmore (101 E. 25th Street, Baltimore). Part of the ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES, this gathering features the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which honor Black entrepreneurs and professionals—as well as their allies of all backgrounds—who are making a positive impact. The mission is simple but powerful: to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship, starting with the Black community. RSVP today and be part of the movement! Go to BlackWallStreetTWENTYFIFTHSTREET.eventbrite.com. Honorees include Chezia T. Cager. Who is…
(BALTIMORE – April 14, 2025) – Don’t miss the next BMORENews business networking event: Black Wall Street TWENTY-FIFTH STREET, happening Thursday, April 17, 2025, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at Terra Cafe Bmore (101 E. 25th Street, Baltimore). Part of the ORIGINAL Black Wall Street SERIES, this gathering features the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which honor Black entrepreneurs and professionals—as well as their allies of all backgrounds—who are making a positive impact. The mission is simple but powerful: to promote and celebrate entrepreneurship, starting with the Black community. RSVP today and be part of the movement! Go to BlackWallStreetTWENTYFIFTHSTREET.eventbrite.com. Honorees include Leroy Wilson. Who is Leroy?…
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