(BALTIMORE – July 10, 2026) – We’ve all heard the stories about Baltimore’s vacant houses.
We’ve seen the blight. We’ve watched it become the backdrop of television shows, Hollywood movies, and HBO series. For many of us, it isn’t entertainment—it’s home. We know firsthand what abandoned properties, environmental neglect, and decades of disinvestment have done to our neighborhoods.
We also know the history.
We know about Baltimore’s infamous 1910 residential segregation ordinance, championed by Mayor J. Barry Mahool, a policy that became the blueprint for legalized housing segregation across America. We know about the courageous Black attorneys George McMechen and W. Ashbie Hawkins, who fought Mahool’s racist ordinance and helped defend the humanity and dignity of Black Baltimoreans.
And we know another truth.
Black people have always built.
We think of Otis Warren, whose extraordinary career demonstrated the transformative power of owning land and developing property. We think of Daniel P. Henson III, the former Baltimore Housing Commissioner and Executive Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, a leader so capable that he simultaneously directed two major city housing agencies—something virtually unheard of.
We understand the value of real estate.
We also understand the barriers—access to capital, financing, policy, and opportunity.
That’s precisely why this conversation matters.
On Wednesday, August 5, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., the Black Wall Street Summit will bring together an outstanding group of Black developers, entrepreneurs, and community builders for a conversation about investing in Baltimore, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating generational wealth through real estate.
Leading the discussion will be Danielle Scott, founder of The Styled Hause, Inc. A respected leader with expertise in interior design and governmental affairs, Scott brings a unique perspective on development, public policy, and community transformation.
Joining her on the panel are:
Vennieth McCormick, founder of New Life Recovery Center, who is helping redevelop the 100 block of St. Paul Street, including the former Radio One building and the historic Tremont Plaza.
Jonathan White, founder of Cashland Apparel, whose beautifully designed Bayard Street flagship demonstrates how thoughtful investment can transform a commercial corridor.
Jacqui Cummings, owner of multiple properties along West 25th Street and one of the driving forces behind what many now call Baltimore’s own Black Wall Street.
Renny Bass, owner of the Downtown Cultural Arts Center at 401 North Howard Street and the Shops at North & Charles. Bass also leads KIOBA—Keeping It 100 Black Men’s Association—whose members collectively own an estimated $3 million in real estate assets.
And Kevin Scott, founder of Benedetto Haberdashery, who transformed a former beauty salon at 119 West Mulberry Street into one of downtown Baltimore’s premier men’s clothing destinations. Just one block away, his partner, Jody Davis, operates Jody Davis Designs, continuing the couple’s investment in downtown revitalization.
These aren’t theorists.
They’re builders.
They’re investors.
They’re entrepreneurs putting their own capital, vision, and sweat equity into Baltimore.
If we’re serious about rebuilding our communities, creating wealth, and reclaiming neighborhoods, we must hear directly from the people doing the work.
The Developers Panel is just one highlight of an unforgettable evening that also includes an Elected Officials Panel and the Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, honoring some of Baltimore’s most dynamic young leaders who are making a measurable impact in business, community development, and public service.
Join us:
Black Wall Street Summit
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Thurgood Marshall Amenity Center
1315 Division Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21217
RSVP today: BlackWallStreetSummit26.eventbrite.com
Come be part of the conversation.
Because Baltimore’s future won’t be built by spectators.
It will be built by developers, entrepreneurs, investors—and a community determined to own its future.
