(BALTIMORE – November 17, 2025) — BMORENews.com, celebrating 23 years as “the news before the news,” will honor four Baltimore leaders at its anniversary benefit on Thursday, December 4, at the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Museum.
Co-Women of the Year: Teresa Stephens and Jacqui Cummings
Teresa Stephens joined the West North Avenue Development Authority (WNADA) in October 2023 as Public Affairs Officer, bringing extensive experience in brand management, content development, public relations, and neighborhood development. A proud Upton resident, she also helped produce the Annual Historic Pennsylvania Avenue Cadillac Parade.
Jacqui Cummings, founder of Kuumba Fest and owner of multiple properties in Baltimore’s Bromo Arts District, has transformed her vision into tangible Black wealth through real estate ownership and cultural entrepreneurship.
Co-Men of the Year: Renny Bass and Senator Cory McCray
Renny Bass founded KIOBA Network, a collective investment group where Black men pool monthly contributions into what is now $2 million in real estate assets. His model proves that cooperative economics can scale Black wealth-building beyond what individuals can achieve alone.
Senator Cory McCray (45th District) brings his IBEW Local 24 union roots to the State Senate, where he advocates for working families and Northeast Baltimore communities. He also founded a political organization that has helped elect several young community advocates.
“These four leaders show us that Black economic power is built through multiple strategies,” said Doni Glover, founder of BMORENews. “Public infrastructure, real estate ownership, collective investment, and legislative power. Teresa strengthens an all-important commercial corridor. Jacqui owns buildings and runs a youth nonprofit. Renny mobilizes group investment and builds properties nationally. Cory wields political influence. All four pathways are essential.”
The benefit runs from 6:30-9 pm, with VIP reception beginning at 6 pm. Tickets available at bmorenews23.eventbrite.com.
