Black Wall Street
BMORENews.com and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards Honor Gordon Dean “Pett” Wilder
(WOODLAWN – June 1, 2026) – Some people make their mark through titles. Others make their mark through service. Gordon Dean Wilder, affectionately known to his friends as “Pett,” has spent a lifetime serving his community, helping others, and proving that success means little if you do not reach back and lift someone else up. A proud son of West Baltimore, Gordon’s story begins at Matthew A. Henson Elementary School, where he was a member of the school band and played the trombone. From there, he attended Lillie May Carroll Jackson Junior High School before becoming a Walbrook Warrior at…
“The Last One Has Left Us”: A Prayer for Robbie and the Legacy of Goon Squad Member O. Patrick Scott
(BALTIMORE – May 3, 2026) – I met Robbie at Morehouse. When you’re 700 miles from home and you run into a homeboy—somebody who understands you before you say a word—that’s a bond that holds. Robbie stayed in Atlanta. I made my way back to Baltimore.But we stayed in touch. Over time, I came to know his father. O. Patrick Scott. It took years before I realized they were father and son. When I found out, it made perfect sense. O. Patrick Scott was not just a man. He was an institution. A visual artist and graphic designer whose work helped…
(SPARROWS POINT, MD — May 3, 2026) — A powerful cross-section of leadership, legacy, and community impact will take center stage as Black Wall Street SPARROWS POINT returns to Baltimore County on May 9, honoring a distinguished group of trailblazers whose work continues to shape the region and beyond. Set against the backdrop of the historic Pleasant Yacht Club—Baltimore’s only Black-owned yacht club—the event will celebrate individuals across business, public service, faith, entertainment, and grassroots leadership. This year’s honorees include: Jade Johnson Servant Courtney Speed Arkia Wade Betty Watkins Kevin Clash Ronnie Lacks Chief Louis Winston Gloria Nelson Johnny Mathis…
(TURNER STATION, MD – May 3, 2026) – A towering figure in Maryland politics and a lifelong advocate for justice, Kweisi Mfume will be honored at the upcoming Black Wall Street SPARROWS POINT event for his decades of service, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the people. A proud son of Turner Station, Mfume’s journey is deeply rooted in one of Baltimore County’s most historic Black communities. Born in Baltimore and raised in West Baltimore, his life story reflects resilience, intellect, and purpose—qualities that have defined his path from local activism to national leadership. A graduate of Morgan State University, where he…
(SPARROWS POINT, MD – May 2, 2026) — A true pillar of Turner Station and a lifelong servant leader, Servant Courtney L. Speed will be honored at the upcoming Black Wall Street SPARROWS POINT event, recognizing her decades of unwavering commitment to community, family, and legacy. Rooted in faith and guided by the principle that “he that is greatest among you shall be your servant,” Speed has lived a life defined by humility, resilience, and impact. Born in Baltimore and raised between East Baltimore and Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Speed’s early life instilled in her the values of hard work, discipline,…
(BALTIMORE – May 9, 2026) — In a profession where seconds matter and leadership can mean the difference between life and death, Fire Chief Louis Winston has built a career defined by service, discipline, and unwavering commitment to community. On Saturday, May 9, the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards—now in its 15th year—will honor Chief Winston at the Black Wall Street Sparrows Point edition, taking place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Pleasant Yacht Club. Chief Winston currently serves as Fire Chief of the Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, a role he has held for…
(BALTIMORE – April 29, 2026) – When Bishop John Richard Bryant shows up for your ribbon-cutting, you know you have arrived. But hold on — is that Imam Earl El Amin, too? It sure was, as dozens of fans and supporters — including the young men from Uncle T’s youth program — gathered Sunday afternoon for the 2:30 pm ribbon-cutting at Kevin Scott’s newly-renovated, two-story office building on West Mulberry Street in downtown Baltimore. Senator Antonio Hayes and Downtown Partnership’s Shelonda Stokes were both on hand. Kevin Scott’s Benedetto Haberdashery got the welcome it deserves. For 25 years, Kevin has…
ROBERT HARRINGTON HONORED AT BLACK WALL STREET BENEDETTO 2.0 — BUILDING BALTIMORE FROM THE GROUND UP
(BALTIMORE – April 26, 2026) — When you talk about the backbone of a city, you’re talking about infrastructure — the unseen systems that make life possible. And in Baltimore, few have done more to build and protect that backbone than Robert Harrington, CEO of R.E. Harrington, widely regarded as the largest minority-owned underground utility company in the region. At Black Wall Street BENEDETTO 2.0, BMORENews.com proudly honors Harrington not just as a businessman, but as a builder of systems, opportunity, and legacy. A LEGACY ROOTED IN BALTIMORE The story of R.E. Harrington begins in 1998, when Robert Harrington, Sr.…
(BALTIMORE – April 26, 2026) — There is an energy swirling in Baltimore right now. A momentum is in motion. And if you’re paying attention—not just to headlines, but to the people, the investments, the leadership, and the wins—you can feel it. This weekend alone made that clear. I watched Chrisean Rock — “Holy Hands” — earn a split decision on YouTube, representing Baltimore with strength and discipline. And in this city, moments like that don’t happen alone. They are shaped by institutions—by people like Calvin Ford and Kenny Ellis—who have built champions from the ground up in West Baltimore. At…
LRW Traffic Systems founder brings Black Wall Street spirit to BENEDETTO 2.0 (BALTIMORE – April 23, 2026) – When Robert Scott-Coples decided to bet on himself, he wasn’t just launching a company. He was making a statement. After more than 16 years working in damage prevention, the Baltimore native walked away from the familiar and founded LRW Traffic Systems, LLC in July 2019. He started with two employees and a mission: provide safe, reliable traffic control solutions — and create real opportunities for people in the community. Fast forward to 2026, and that mission is paying off in a major way.…
(BALTIMORE – April 23, 2025) — As BMORENews.com continues its 15th Anniversary celebration of the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, this Sunday’s Black Wall Street BENEDETTO 2.0 will shine a light on leaders whose work is not only impactful — but life-saving. Among them is Vennieth McCormick, CEO of New Life Recovery Center and host of The New Life Recovery TV Show — a man whose mission is rooted in one powerful idea: a new beginning in recovery. A graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute and a U.S. Army veteran, McCormick has dedicated his life to helping individuals overcome substance…
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