(BALTIMORE — November 17, 2025) — Mark your calendars! BMORENews.com’s 23rd Anniversary Benefit is set for Thursday, December 4, 2025, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Douglass-Myers Maritime Museum in Baltimore. RSVP today at bmorenews23.eventbrite.com.
A hallmark of Baltimore’s Black business and media community, the annual celebration spotlights the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, honoring individuals whose leadership and service uplift their industries and communities. Since 2011, BMORENews and its partners have recognized more than 3,000 honorees across nine U.S. cities for their contributions to Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment.
This year introduced an exciting new feature — the Black Wall Street Youth Awards — highlighting the next generation of changemakers, visionaries, and emerging business leaders shaping the future of Black enterprise.
Among this event’s honorees is Wendell Supreme Shannon.
Wendell Supreme Shannon is a fine artist, muralist, and designer whose work delves into the viewer’s journey through life, exploring the milestones and transformative moments that shape one’s path. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he attended Dulaney High School and later pursued a degree in business management at Morgan State University.
Shannon’s path to art was shaped by a personal struggle. During his sophomore year at Morgan State, he was diagnosed with Dermatomyositis and Rheumatoid Arthritis, which left him unable to use his hands for two years. Undergoing extensive treatment at Johns Hopkins Hospital, Shannon turned to art as a form of therapy to help his physical and mental well-being. This period marked the beginning of a deep fascination with the arts, ultimately propelling him toward a career as a fine artist.
In 2011, after his health improved, Shannon created his first documented painting, “Re-Joyce,” and founded his art company, Solely Supreme. Over the years, Shannon has grown as an artist, developing his signature geometric abstraction style, which he calls “Perfectionism.” His work features vibrant color palettes, bold geometric shapes, and meticulous lines that guide the viewer’s eyes through a visual narrative of life’s unpredictability.
Shannon has exhibited his work nationally and internationally, contributing to significant murals, exhibitions, and community art projects. His ability to merge his artistic passion with commercial ventures has established him as a sought-after muralist and designer. From live painting at community events to collaborating with notable brands and institutions, Shannon continues to create meaningful art while mentoring young artists and giving back to his community. In 2023, he joined MICA’s Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in the Business of Art and Design program, adding to his impressive portfolio of achievements.
Shannon’s art is influenced by geometric abstraction pioneers like Piet Mondrian and Frank Stella, and his works are known for their color-blocking techniques, bold outlines, and precision. His style continues to evolve, as does his mission to inspire others to navigate life’s changes through art.
