Sandtown Tour, Second Chances, Black Wall Street Awards, Best of Black Baltimore, “The Doni Glover Show”
(BALTIMORE – March 19, 2025) – What a phenomenal week it has been! It was a time of encouragement, empowerment, and celebration, highlighting some of the true jewels in our community. From recognizing the success of formerly incarcerated individuals to showcasing youth entrepreneurship and honoring community leaders, the past week has been a testament to the resilience and brilliance of Baltimore.
On Monday night, for instance, Ericka Alston Buck reported on the Met.Gala Unveil:
Baltimore Met Gala Unveils 2025 Theme in Spectacular Celebration
Spotlight on Second Chances
One of the most inspiring events of the week was co-hosted by local businessman and developer Renny Bass, who convened a group of men who were formerly incarcerated to share their journeys of success. As part of a four-week series, these discussions serve as a beacon of hope, proving that redemption and reintegration are possible. Among the speakers was Shawn Gardner, currently incarcerated but making an extraordinary impact as an author and mentor. His dedication to mentorship has earned him a prestigious Presidential Award for his service—an incredible recognition of his work in guiding others toward positive change.
BMORENews.com’s Mission in Action
At BMORENews.com, we remain committed to our five-point agenda: Black business, public education, the formerly incarcerated, affordable housing, and universal access to healthcare. This week showcased each of these priorities, from covering employment training programs to highlighting community efforts in Sandtown. Whether addressing vacant properties, recognizing business leaders, or advocating for better living conditions, our media platform continues to serve as a voice for the underserved.
Empowering Youth Entrepreneurs
Friday night in Owings Mills saw the Agile Care Network host a remarkable business fair that placed youth entrepreneurs front and center. The Vanzant Family, a homeschooling powerhouse, exemplifies self-empowerment. Each child in the family is actively running multiple businesses, with ventures ranging from book publishing to software development. Even more impressive is their ability to collaborate with like-minded families, forming a network that strengthens community ties and fosters economic independence.
Black Wall Street THE MADISON 801: A Resounding Success
The highlight of the week was undoubtedly Black Wall Street THE MADISON 801. This prestigious event took place at Baltimore’s newest Black-owned, upscale restaurant at 801 N. Chester Street, bringing together a diverse group of professionals, business leaders, and community advocates. At a time when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are under threat, gatherings like this prove that our greatest strength lies in supporting one another.
You have to see the testimony of Alfreda Robinson. It was mind-blowing. Clearly, she has a heart of gold and extends it to people behind the walls. Mrs. Bonaparte, the wife of Joe Manns Black Wall Street honoree Andre S. Bonaparte, shared a wonderful testimonial about honoree Cynthia Brooks’ mother, the late Bea Gaddy. It was also to hear from Dunbar legend Dwayne “Kosher” Wood, the point guard who helped pave the way for another Poet legend, Tyrone “Muggsy” Bogues.
Our Black Wall Street events serve as a crucial platform for entrepreneurs to connect, celebrate achievements, and foster business collaborations. Many of us go about our daily lives unaware of the talents and businesses thriving within our own circles. By creating spaces for networking and recognition, we strengthen the fabric of our economic and social communities.
Among the distinguished honorees were:
- Dwayne “Kosher” Wood
- Keith Goodie
- Ron Lacks
- Cynthia Brooks
- Leon Purnell
- Alexandria Warrick Adams
- Chukes Okoro
- Dee Walker
- Andre Bonaparte
- Raymond Zaquen
- Alfreda Robinson Dawkins
- Shareef Faulcon
- Nicole Shaw
- Char Wilson
This event was a gathering of greatness, uniting educators, nonprofit leaders, business owners, and community organizers in one powerful night of recognition and appreciation.
A Stand for Sandtown
Thursday witnessed a remarkable show of community engagement in Sandtown, where Mayor Brandon Scott, BUILD (Baltimoreans United in Leadership Development), and local leaders met to address pressing issues. Perhaps most moving was the involvement of the children of Sandtown, who eloquently voiced their concerns about the need for safe play spaces and action against abandoned properties and trash. City Administrator Faith Leach’s swift response to illegal dumping and parking violations was a rare and commendable display of immediate action—a step toward real change in a historically neglected community.
Do see the video of Rev. William Johnson, the pastor of the historic Sharon Baptist Church in Sandtown. Also, don’t miss Baltimore City Administrator Faith Leach‘s words to attendees.
Showcasing Black Excellence in Media
The week culminated in an extraordinary media effort by our team at BMORENews.com, covering the Best of Black Baltimore event. Our collaboration with Marc Clarke’s “The Good News Show” and Dr. Vonnya Pettigrew’s “Marketplace” ensured that these pivotal stories reached a broader audience through WMAR TV-2. Special thanks to Executive Producer Rondy Griffin, G. Grant Griffin Media, and Frank Johnson Media for their outstanding contributions.
Additionally, we had the privilege of covering the new annual event by the 40-year-old Black-owned newspaper, The Baltimore Times. Founder Joy Bramble’s visionary leadership has played an instrumental role in Black media in Maryland, and it was an honor to document this legacy.
Looking Ahead
This week was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and success within our community. Whether through mentorship, business empowerment, or advocacy, these events underscore the importance of unity and collaboration.
Stay tuned for the next “Doni Glover Show” airing Sunday at 5:30 am EST on WMAR-2, where we will continue highlighting the stories that matter most. And do see the last show featuring Elev8 Baltimore’s Alexandria Warrick Adams and my beloved big brother, Charlie Dugger.
Together, we rise!
