By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
On Feb. 1, The Baltimore Times set the stage for an extraordinary evening as they hosted the “Best in Black Baltimore” event at the Light Street Pavilion of Baltimore’s Harbor Place. This star-studded celebration marked the kickoff of Black History Month, bringing together notable community members, professionals, artists and businesses to recognize the remarkable contributions of Black people in the city.
The event, a culmination of The Best in Black Baltimore campaign, was not just a recognition ceremony but a vibrant manifestation of the dynamic and thriving Black business community in Baltimore. The Afro American Newspaper’s editor, Alexis Taylor played a crucial role in capturing the essence of the evening through exclusive interviews with influential personalities, including Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, The Baltimore Times Publisher Joy Bramble, and Larry Poncho Brown, recipient of the Best Visual Artist award.
The program included congratulatory remarks by Mayor Scott and Y. Maria Martinez, special secretary, Governor’s Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs. Their words echoed the importance of recognizing and uplifting Black businesses in the community. Mayor Scott’s commitment to the cause was evident in his remarks.
“I’m a very, very, very strong advocate of Black business. And very few of them actually get a lot of recognition. This is a wonderful thing to do, and we are absolutely amazed at the response that we’re getting. So now we know, we have an annual event,” Scott said during an exclusive interview with the AFRO.
“Isn’t that wonderful?” he added, expressing his appreciation for the overwhelming response from the community.
In an exclusive interview with the AFRO, Larry Poncho Brown, the Best Visual Artist winner, expressed his surprise at his nomination and his deep-rooted connection to Baltimore’s artistic community. Brown’s journey, spanning 40 years in the art business, exemplifies the richness of talent within the city.
“I didn’t even know I was nominated,” Brown said. “And by the time I found out I was nominated, votes had already started coming in. But I knew that if it were up to my people, I was going to win because I have a very good online and social following.”
Joy Bramble, publisher of The Baltimore Times, shared the success of the “Give Black 4 the Holiday” campaign, which generated 3.5 million social media impressions on X, previously known as Twitter, and received overwhelming community support. “We are absolutely amazed at the response that we’re getting,” Bramble said during her interview with AFRO.
Keesha Wallace, president of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Baltimore Alumni Chapter, reads The Baltimore Times newspaper at the event. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Chris Simon, left, owner of Blk Swan; Saon Brice and Chris McCray pose with the Best All-round Restaurant award. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Founder of The Baltimore Times, Joy Bramble and editor, Paris M. Brown pose for a picture. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Derrick Chase, organizer of the Baltimore Met Gala, left, Albert P. Wylie, Mayor Brandon Scott and Brandon M. Wylie, vice president of Wylie Funeral Homes. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
WEAA radio personality Robert Shahid holding the award for Best Black Radio Station Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
ortlyn Jones, left, Peyton Murrill, Vivienne Howard, Londyn Wright, Iyana Brumfield, Taniyah Parker, Jordyn Wright, Keri Darden, LaKeish Johnson, Adia Greene, Austyn Johnson, Jaeden Rollins and Ne’Vaeh Ward are dancers from Fearless Dance Empire, who performed during the event. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Sistah Sweets’ Erin Bowman and Lena Bowman, winners for Best Black-Owned Business under the “ Best Dessert” category Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Erin Bowman, left, Mayor Brandon Scott and Lena Bowman. Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Erin Bowman and Lena Bowman, owners of Sistah Sweets, display their award as they pose with The Baltimore Times founder Joy Bramble (middle). Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
Joy Bramble, founder of The Baltimore Times, and Nikia K. Vaughan, owner of NKVSKIN, winner of best skincare category Credit: EDOGHOGHO UGIAGBE
David Bramble, co-founder and managing partner of MCB Real Estate, the firm tasked with the redevelopment of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, emphasized the importance of hard work in achieving success during his remarks at the event.
“Everyone who’s involved in a small business knows how much work it is to keep the lights on, to meet the payroll, to find the customers, to grow the business,” Bramble said.
The “Best in Black Baltimore” event, from its inception with nominations to the grand celebration, was a testament to the power of community support and recognition. As Black History Month unfolds, this event stands as a shining example of the strength, resilience, and excellence within Baltimore’s Black business community. The echoes of the awards night will undoubtedly reverberate, inspiring future generations and fostering continued growth for Black-owned businesses in the city.
