Baltimore Basketball Leader to Receive Joe Manns Black Wall Street Award
(BALTIMORE – September 21, 2026) — Simon Edwards, a Baltimore-born former Division I basketball player, coach, motivational speaker and community leader, will be honored at Black Wall Street COLIN’S on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Colin’s Seafood & Grill.
Edwards’ basketball journey began in Baltimore, where he learned the game at the historic Bentalou Recreation Center under the mentorship of Coach Herman. He also credits “Mr. Bill” at Cloverdale with helping shape his development.
After attending Towson Catholic High School, Edwards continued his career at Dawson Community College. As a freshman, he was named Dawson’s team MVP, earned All-Region 9 honors and was selected to the All-Tournament Team at the Medicine Hat Junior College Tournament.
Edwards later fulfilled his dream of playing Division I basketball at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. During his senior year at UMES, he led the team in scoring and was named team MVP.
But his story did not end with his playing career.
“I had to come back,” Edwards said of his decision to return to Baltimore and invest in the community that raised him.
After spending 20 years as a motivational speaker and appearing before audiences across the country, Edwards returned home with a mission: use basketball to help Baltimore’s young people prosper.
Today, he serves as co-director of Nike Basketball Camp and was selected in 2025 to direct the Nike Basketball Camp at Johns Hopkins University. He has also led programs affiliated with the Jr. NBA and Her Time To Play, the NBA and WNBA’s initiative designed to expand opportunities for girls in basketball.
Through his company, Simon Says Shoot Hoops Not Guns, Edwards combines player development with community service. The organization has conducted backpack and school-supply distributions, neighborhood cleanups, food and clothing giveaways, and holiday toy drives.
His work is rooted in a simple but urgent idea: basketball can provide young people with discipline, direction, exposure and an alternative to violence.
Edwards has already helped young athletes advance. Among his success stories is Eric Anderson, now at Baltimore City College High School.
Beyond the court, Edwards is a digital content creator whose YouTube channel features basketball highlights, recruiting guidance, skill development, film study and information designed to help players navigate college recruiting and NIL opportunities. The channel has generated more than 1.8 million views.
The Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards recognize Black entrepreneurs, professionals and community servants who strengthen their communities and inspire others through their work.
BMORENews.com proudly salutes Simon Edwards for coming home, giving back and using basketball to help build Baltimore’s next generation.
Information about Edwards’ playing career, motivational work and community programs was confirmed through his official US Sports Camps coaching profile.
