Fearless Dance Empire (winner of Best Dance Ensemble poses with Baltimore TImes publisher Joy Bramble
The Baltimore Times is on a mission to galvanize and uplift the Black small business community of Baltimore. In this effort, we created a reader’s poll to identify the best Black-owned businesses in the city. Over 259 businesses were submitted in more than 60 different categories tallying more than 12,000 votes. The winners were selected, and the contest culminated with a stylish “who’s who of Baltimore” celebration at the Baltimore Inner Harbor’s Light Street Pavilion.
There was a riveting red carpet entrance where African dance company Xaala Mainama set the atmosphere as guests were photographed and interviewed. Attendees were also treated to a full buffet prepared by contest winners and nominees and elegantly presented by Flight Baltimore.
The entertainment was curated by nationally syndicated radio host Maria More and included performances by Fearless Dance Empire, Rufus Roundtree and Da Baltimore Brass Factory. Other highlights were brief acknowledgments and congratulations from The Baltimore Times publisher, Joy Bramble; Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott; Special Secretary Y. Maria Martinez; MCB Real Estate founder P. David Bramble, event sponsors and others.
If you missed the event, we have included a photo gallery recap. Enjoy!
Rufus Roundtree and Da Baltimore Brass perform on the main stage African dance company Xaala Mainama welcoming attendees on the red carpet. MCB co-founder David Bramble congratulates attendees and delivers an inspiring speechMayor Brandon Scott poses with event attendees Event attendees and host, Maria More having fun with the DjCori Ramos poses with winner Darrell McMillan, Best Radio Station, WEAAWinner of the Best Hair Salon: Affordable Styles Hair SalonMCB co-founder P. David Bramble with Gerald and Sean Stinnett enjoying the evening’s festivities Attendees enjoying the main stage Best Dessert winner Sistah’s Sweets and Best Skin Care Product NKVSKIN NKVSKIN winner of Best Skin Care Product finders her business on the printed winners list Bmore News publisher Doni Glover poses with Ida C. Neal and Joy Bramble of The Baltimore Times Terrence Dickson of Terra Cafe (Winner for Best Fried Fish) poses with Joy BrambleEvent producer James Collins, with his wife and host Maria “More” CollinsFrom left to right: Dirk Johnson, Craig Alston (Best Artist Instrumental), Patheia Smith, James Collins (rear), Olu Butterfly, Corey Baker and Spyda Event host, Maria More, Sheila Goodwin and Robert Shahid, Station Manager, WEAA (Best Radio Station), with Baltimore Times Associate Publisher Paris Brown Mayor Brandon Scott delivers a welcome message and congratulates the attendees
