Black wealth, political empowerment and entrepreneurial excellence took center stage as more than 300 people gathered at the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center.
(BALTIMORE – August 5, 2026) — To God be the glory, first and foremost.
We opened the Black Wall Street Summit 2026 with prayer, and what followed was one hell of an occasion.
At least 300 people packed the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center for an evening of serious conversation, Black political empowerment, entrepreneurship, laughter, recognition and love. People traveled from Washington, D.C., Harford County, Baltimore County and communities throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area to be there.
And the people did not merely attend. They participated. Just about everyone who wanted to say something was given an opportunity to speak.
The evening began with a Black wealth and development panel moderated by Danielle Scott. Her guests were Ven McCormick, Jonathan White and Renny Bass—three men who are investing in Baltimore and transforming important properties across the city.
Renny Bass is developing a cultural arts center in downtown Baltimore. Jonathan White is the owner of Cashland, located in Southwest Baltimore. Ven McCormick owns the former Radio One property—essentially the entire 100 block of St. Paul Street—where he operates the New Life Recovery Center.
Their conversation demonstrated what Black ownership looks like when vision is backed by action, investment and a commitment to the community.
I moderated the second panel, featuring Juliana Jones, Malcolm Ruff, Arkia Wade and Sabrina Tapp-Harper. The discussion was informative, pointed and, at times, very funny. Most importantly, it addressed leadership, public service and the continuing need for Black political empowerment.
I opened that portion of the program with a short monologue that included a story about my mother—whom I jokingly called a terrorist. Yes, I said it. LOL.
But the most exciting portion of the evening was clearly the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards.
The room was filled with people who came to celebrate individuals who have built businesses, served their communities and created opportunities for others. Our Lifetime Achievement Award recipients were Dr. KSAL, Donovan Murphy and Mr. Al Wylie—three extraordinary entrepreneurs whose work has made an undeniable impact.
Mr. Al Wylie has developed a phenomenal following throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area. When you have buried family members or provided funeral services for families across this region, you become more than a businessman. You become a household name.
Al Wylie is unquestionably a household name.
However, nothing he has accomplished was simply given to him. He applied intelligence, entrepreneurial skill, hard work, patience and dedication. That is why we are so proud to honor Mr. Al Wylie and the legacy he continues to build through Wylie Funeral Homes.
We are equally proud of Donovan Murphy. Born in Jamaica, Donovan has built Island Quizine into a seven-location enterprise with a phenomenal national catering operation. His journey represents discipline, expansion and the ability to turn a vision into an increasingly powerful brand.
Then there is Dr. Kimberly Hawkins-Salley, better known as Dr. KSAL, and the remarkable KSAL Empire.
What that woman has accomplished is simply amazing. Her empire includes educational institutions serving children from infancy through eighth grade, performing arts, television, radio, social media and youth development. The KSAL Empire recently celebrated reaching 400,000 YouTube subscribers, and The KSAL Show airs on WMAR-2, Baltimore’s ABC affiliate.
Dr. KSAL did more than accept an award. She believed enough in what we have built to bring her own production crew to cover the summit. The Black Wall Street Summit will be featured on The KSAL Show on WMAR-2.
Thank you, Dr. KSAL. Your belief in our work, your presence and your support mean more than you know. Much respect.
The evening also recognized a phenomenal ensemble of emerging and established leaders, including my childhood friend Kurt Dunham. Many of this year’s honorees are young adults who have been out here kicking butt and taking names. They are younger than I am, but I have watched them work, grow, lead and do their thing.
I am proud of them. Truly proud.
A very special thank-you goes to Dr. Al Hathaway and Beloved Community Services Corporation for making the Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center available for this important gathering.
Thank you to Dionne Waldron McNeal for sponsoring the refreshments and helping us welcome our guests with genuine hospitality.
We are also deeply grateful to Wayne Frazier and the Maryland Washington Minority Companies Association, better known as MWMCA, for sponsoring the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards. Their support helped us properly recognize people who are building businesses, strengthening communities and creating a legacy throughout our region.
Finally, special thanks to Josh Manns of Legacy Awards—formerly known as Joe Manns Awards—for doing such a wonderful and splendid job producing the awards. Josh continues a tradition of excellence attached to a name that has become synonymous with recognizing Black entrepreneurs and community leaders.
Tonight was bigger than an event.
It was a demonstration of what happens when our business leaders, political leaders, community advocates, media professionals and residents come together under one roof. It was proof that Black Baltimore still knows how to show up, speak up, celebrate its own and honor those who are building something meaningful.
After weeks of preparation and anticipation, the Black Wall Street Summit 2026 delivered a packed room, powerful conversations and an unforgettable evening.
To God be the glory.
