(BALTIMORE – March 2, 2025) – It was an absolute pleasure to witness the CIAA return to Baltimore once again. From Mayor Brandon Scott to Visit Baltimore’s Al Hutchinson to the incomparable Zack McDaniels, a dynamic mix of leaders and organizers came together to produce yet another spectacular event celebrating HBCUs. This all unfolded in the heart of downtown Baltimore over the past week. Last year, the tournament generated over $32 million in economic impact, and this year’s numbers could be even higher. While Morgan State and Coppin State are not part of the CIAA, the event still honored the rich…

Dear Black Community, Many of us are deeply troubled by the actions of the current U.S. president. Likewise, we cannot ignore the egregious decisions of his counterpart from South Africa, Elon Musk. Like you, I am frustrated by the direction in which this country is headed. Just days ago, General Charles O. Brown, the Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair, was dismissed. Chief of Naval Operations Lisa Franchetti was also fired. In light of Donald Trump’s actions, I pose a critical question: Are we practicing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community? We criticize Trump, but do we not sometimes treat…

(BALTIMORE – February 19, 2025) – The President of the Edmondson Village Community Association said it last week. So did Edmondson Village community advocate David Smallwood. The reason Lakesha Brown Wright-El did not vote for Malcolm Ruff was more troubling than many had hoped. Wright-El has remained silent on why she flipped her vote from Delegate Malcolm Ruff (D-Baltimore City) to then-Delegate Dalya Attar (D-Baltimore City) for the state Senate seat. However, sources suggest her decision was part of a calculated political maneuver to secure support for her own bid to become a delegate in the 41st District. Now, Wright-El…

(February 17, 2025) – Every now and then, I am reminded of the Mother of the Black Hair Care industry. Why? Because people often associate the industry with Madam C. J. Walker (no slight intended), I am compelled to remind folks who actually mentored Walker. I think it is important to help people see the bigger picture. We are easily attracted to millionaires and billionaires. Of course! I think it is essential, however, to give credit where credit is due. Meet today’s champion of courage: Annie Turnbo Malone (August 9, 1877 – May 10, 1957). She was one phenomenal Black…

(BALTIMORE – February 12, 2025) – Not that the world will ever make sense of a Donald John Trump presidency. And not that one word I write will even matter. But, … I just gotta say: This guy! That’s it. This guy! This guy who is the president of the free world, who said that the plane and helicopter collision was the result of DEI—when all of the people flying the aircraft were white—is now saying the nation will not support BEYA (beya.org), the premier event for Black engineers. With Trump, you’re damned if you do and damned if you…

(BALTIMORE – February 10, 2025) – The 41st District State Central Committee convened virtually on January 21st to select a replacement for former state Senator Jill P. Carter. Carter had previously succeeded Lisa Gladden, who had unseated Barbara Hoffman. Gladden, a Black woman, reclaimed the seat in a majority-Black district, restoring a sense of pride within the African American community both within the district and citywide. Carter’s appointment by Gov. Wes Moore to the state Board of Contract Appeals created a vacancy, prompting the committee to choose her successor. The final vote saw four committee members—Lakesha Brown Wright-El, Alex Friedman,…

Photos by George White (BALTIMORE – February 3, 2025) – Despite the many opposing narratives about the African American community, I continue to witness its beauty, love, and resilience. Our people have endured trials that few could survive, yet we remain steadfast. We are here. And many of us are about business. Ricky Smith, CEO of BWI-Thurgood Marshall Airport, is a true legend in Baltimore. He leads one of the nation’s busiest airports while also serving as chairman of the board for the Greater Baltimore Urban League. As we celebrate Black History Month, Smith stands as a living icon—his leadership results…

(BALTIMORE – February 1, 2025) – Although I have spent most of my life in West Baltimore, my story actually began in East Baltimore. My earliest years were spent living above my parents’ funeral home. Our first location, at 1701-1703 N. Patterson Park Avenue, around 1968, had a morgue out back. The second, at 712-714 E. North Avenue, had a more advanced setup—its morgue was in the rear of the first floor, equipped with a machine for lifting bodies. The funeral chapel was at the front, and overall, it was a much better facility than the first. It wasn’t until…

(BALTIMORE – January 31, 2025) – Black people in the US can catch a bad rap so quickly. Between the news and social media, it is painful to see how we can sometimes go at each other over something otherwise – in the big scheme of things – petty. This isn’t about calling anyone out. This isn’t about blame. I’m just stating facts. Last night, however, was a pleasant reminder of the love, beauty, and power within our community. We (BMORENews.com) hosted a Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award ceremony at BWI-THURGOOD MARSHALL Airport where Ricky Smith is the CEO. I…

(BALTIMORE – January 31, 2025) –  We, as a people, are so beautiful! I don’t care what anyone says. When one peruses the landscape of last night’s Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards ceremony at BWI-THURGOOD MARSHALL Airport’s Observation Deck, I saw a beautiful thing. There were not only business owners present from across the DMV, but also their supporters. While we thank the airport’s chief executive, Ricky Smith, and his phenomenal team – Annette Fisher, Geraldine Bailey, and John Harvell, I have to take a moment and mention how important it is for entrepreneurs to have their family members present…