By Doni Glover, Publisher
(BALTIMORE – October 13, 2024)—It was overwhelming. To see so many examples of Black excellence is truly a treat for this “unapologetically Black” news publisher/marketing CEO/3x author. Despite the negativity bombarding our community regularly, I witnessed three powerful examples of Black unity.
As far as I know, there were no TV cameras or reporters. ‘Everyday people’ were out there making a difference because they cared.
It started with our Black Wall Street event at the Black Swan, a Black-owned business at 1302 Fleet Street. The room was packed as phenomenal Black entrepreneurs and business professionals were recognized for their work.
Vennard Wright, for instance, came from Prince George’s County with his lovely wife. He is an AI guru committed to being a change agent in the community. I ensured he met Jeffrey Scruggs, a younger version of himself who is also heavily into AI. That’s the joy I find in my work: connecting people who should know each other.
Charlyn Nater, the director of Baltimore Main Streets, brought a whole crew to the event, including Khadeeja Muhammad, Stephen Campbell, and Reginald Mack. They all work with her at the Mayor’s Office of Minority and Women-owned Businesses under the guise of Chris Lundy.
They brought a powerful energy to the room. And we can’t forget the illustrious Frank Johnson. We honored his wife, Par’ris D. Rose, for writing and producing a play on domestic violence.
Yesterday, the momentum continued at 25th and Charles as Notre Maison founder Jacqui Cummings once again presented her semi-annual Black Wall Street EXPO to highlight Black-owned businesses on 25th Street and across Baltimore.
True to form, she put forth another herculean effort to help highlight and empower Black-owned businesses on Black Wall Street Way. We are so proud of her love for Black Wall Street and what it means to us in Baltimore.
Finally, actor Lamman Rucker took the lead at Coppin State University, where a respectable crowd of Black men came together for collective healing. Coppin President Dr. Anthony Jenkins welcomed the 99.9% Black men audience to Just Heal, Bro as the men addressed issues not typically discussed in public forums.
Outside the event, I met Lamman’s mom, Nana Malaya. She is a true queen who loves her son. She also told me about the son she lost to street violence. I was moved by the fact that she turned her pain into healing and is spreading the word across the land that serenity is always available – if we seek it.
Great job, Black people! And to boot, BMORENews.com was there to capture the greatness!
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