Business

The giants who built Minority Business Enterprise didn’t act like this. Not one of them. (ANNAPOLIS – March 8, 2026) – I was there.  At the very first MBE Night in Annapolis. Helped promote it, in fact.  I know what it was built on. I know who was in the room. I know the spirit that animated it — a spirit that came directly from the giants who spent their lives fighting to open the doors of economic opportunity for Black and minority business owners in Maryland and across this country. Which is why what I am watching unfold right now…

Mfume, Elfreth, and Olszewski Formally Request Public Service Commission to Rollback BG&E Utility Rate Increases

The federal lawmakers copy the letter to BG&E making the same request (WASHINGTON, D.C. – February 28, 2025) – Today, U.S. Representative Kweisi Mfume led a letter alongside Representatives Sarah Elfreth and Johnny Olszewski formally requesting the Maryland Public Service Commission (“PSC”) to rescind the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (“BG&E”) utility rate increases that took effect this year and to stop any future increases for 2025. The federal lawmakers made the same request of BG&E and attached a copy of the letter they sent to the PSC. “We are writing to communicate our extreme concern and disappointment as we…

Meeting Notice: WNADA Resident Coordinating Council, March 8th

(BALTIMORE – February 28, 2025) – The WNADA Resident Coordinating Council members will be given a report by our Executive Director Chad Williams on his recommended FY25 grantee awardees on Saturday, March 8 from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Walbrook Mill Apartments’ Community Room, 2636 W. North Avenue, Baltimore, MD  21216. The report will be sent to the WNADA Governing Board for review and approval on Monday, March 24 and shared with the public during the next WNADA Comprehensive Planning meeting scheduled for Saturday, April 26 from 10 AM to 12 PM at Unity Hall. The WNADA Resident Coordinating Council members,…

Black Wall Street THE MADISON 801 Set for March 19th

(BALTIMORE – February 25, 2025) – Mark your calendars! The next Black Wall Street is March 19th at Baltimore’s newest upscale restaurant! Join us at The Madison 801 for an unforgettable evening celebrating Black excellence and entrepreneurship! Black Wall Street is back—bigger and better—highlighting incredible Black-owned businesses and talented professionals. Enjoy great food, powerful networking, and a night dedicated to uplifting the community. Be part of something special and spread the word about the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, where we honor Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and their supporters—regardless of race. 📅 Wednesday, March 19, 2025⏰ 6:00 PM – 8:00…

BREAKING NEWS: Ricky Smith to Lead Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

(ATLANTA – February 25, 2025) – Ricky Smith, the current Executive Director and CEO of BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport, has been appointed to lead Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the busiest airport in the world. In 2024, ATL retained its title as the world’s busiest airport for the 23rd consecutive year, with 62.7 million seats filled. This is the 23rd year in a row that Atlanta has been the world’s busiest airport. During his tenure at BWI, Smith oversaw record-breaking growth, including a historic 2.6 million passengers in June 2024—an 11% increase from the previous year—and more than 27 million passengers for…

BMORENews Branding Bootcamp, March 15th :: EARLY BIRD SPECIAL 9

A Small Business Masterclass Saturday, March 15, 2025 ⏰ 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (Bonus Networking Reception to Follow) Location: Shared Upon RSVP to BMORENewsBrandingBootcamp.eventbrite.com Presented by Fox & Lion Communications, LLC in conjunction with BMORENews.com Ready to Take Your Brand to the Next Level? Join industry experts and media professionals for an exclusive branding masterclass designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Learn strategies to build, market, and protect your brand, while networking with top media influencers. Featured Experts Include: ✔️ Doni Glover – Media Visionary & CEO, BMORENews ✔️ Kenny Brown – Publisher, Northwest VOICE Newspaper ✔️ Ericka…

Opinion: The Financial Reality of Black Organizations: A Call for Strategic Change

(TULSA – February 24, 2025) – I’m currently researching the financial positions of major Black organizations—including the NAACP, Urban League, NSBE, NPHC organizations, NBMBAA, UNCF, and others—as well as HBCU endowments. My intent isn’t to be confrontational; rather, this is an offer to help. Many people in leadership roles may not fully grasp the broader systemic challenges at play, and it’s important to recognize that these financial struggles aren’t isolated to individual organizations. The reality is that resources are limited, underscoring the need for reparations. However, even without them, there’s a lot we can do. While the combined assets of these…

The Doni Glover Show Returns to the Airwaves

(BALTIMORE – February 23, 2025)—After a hiatus, The Doni Glover Show made its much-anticipated return to television in December, featuring on WMAR TV 2. The first episode brought powerful voices to the forefront, discussing economic development, business, and recovery efforts in Baltimore. Among the esteemed guests was Charlyn Nater, the Baltimore Main Street coordinator, who shared insights on efforts to support small businesses and revitalize local corridors. Chad Williams, Executive Director of the West North Avenue Development Authority, detailed plans for the $28 million investment to redevelop West North Avenue—an area long overlooked but now poised for transformation. The episode…

Black Bank, Black Developer, Black Restaurant: Ribbon Cutting for The Madison 801 (SEE VIDEOS & PICS)

Shareef’s Latest Expansion (BALTIMORE – February 18, 2025) – Today marked the grand opening of The Madison 801, a new upscale sit-down restaurant in East Baltimore, just steps from Johns Hopkins Hospital. This latest venture further solidifies Shareef’s brand as a Greater Baltimore metropolitan area staple. The restaurant’s success is a testament to the vision and dedication of Shareef Faulcon and his wife, Sydney Shaw, who deserve high praise for their entrepreneurial spirit. The Madison 801 results from efforts led by The Harbor Bank of Maryland, a historic Black-owned institution founded by Joseph Haskins. Decades after Haskins went door to…

Chukes Okoro Recognized at Ribbon Cutting of The Madison 801 

​   Developer making strides in Baltimore Chukes Okoro started this business about 20 years ago after coming to Baltimore from the U.K., where he was working as a computer scientist. After renovating his first property in 1997, real estate became his passion. bringing old, historic buildings back to life and creating thriving communities.​Holding a Bachelor’s and Master’s background in Mathematics, Statistics, and Decision Modelling, Chukes has instilled a rigorous analytical approach to successfully develop projects, developing 50+ properties across single-family historic, multi-family, and commercial.Additionally, Chukes is looking to expand on the company’s long-term proven track record of success by using the knowledge gained…