A supportive group of community members, entrepreneurs and esteemed professionals recently gathered for a momentous occasion celebrating the legacy and accomplishments of one of Baltimore’s most influential Black media figures.
Donald Morton “Doni” Glover has built a reputation as a consummate journalist and for his thought-provoking commentary on the most prominent issues and topics facing Black America. This year marks a milestone for Glover as he celebrates 30 years of excellence in journalism.
A two-hour event at Coppin State University’s College of Business building on June 26, 2024 honored Glover’s decorated three-decade journalism career, acknowledging his numerous contributions in the media industry on a local, national and international level.
The landmark event also featured the prestigious Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards, which recognized outstanding Black entrepreneurs, professionals, and their supporters from all racial backgrounds.
“It was perfect,” Glover said of the event. “It means the world to have people think so highly of you. It’s a reminder of the work that [I] do on a daily basis.”
It was fitting to host this milestone event at Coppin State University, where Glover’s journey began. But his deep-rooted passion for storytelling can be traced back before he stepped foot on Coppin’s campus.
Photo Credits: Demetrius Dillard
WBFF Fox 45’s Marc Clarke and radio personality Marsha Jews co-hosted the event. Local residents, longtime friends and relatives, former Coppin State educators, and a host of Black business leaders were also in attendance to show support for Glover.
Kevin Carr, president of the Coppin State University Alumni Association, was also in attendance and shared remarks. He and Glover have worked together for the past couple of years and have developed a great relationship, he said.
The event’s turnout was a success, attracting more than 80 attendees, according to Carr. Glover’s daughter, N’yinde Amaari Glover, and his brother, Andre James, were in attendance.
“I’ve been on his show many times. He’s a great guy and I love what he does for the community,” Carr said. “Doni means so much to the city of Baltimore… he has a lot to offer the city and all around the globe.”
Over the course of his illustrious career, Glover has contributed for several Black publications, including the Sandtown-Winchester Viewpoint Newspaper, the AFRO, The Baltimore Times, The Final Call and BMORENews.com.
“Encouraging youth,” Glover said of how he hopes to leave his mark on society.
“Encouraging the next generation of journalists to thoroughly and effectively tell our story.”
Glover emerged from West Baltimore to build one of the nation’s largest Black news YouTube catalogs and has been the driving force behind BMORENews.com since 2002.
In addition to having hosted the longest-running sponsored show at Radio One and being featured on TV One and CNN, Glover co-hosts the BMORENews Report on Hip Hop Chronicles with Mike Nyce every Thursday at midnight on Morgan State’s WEAA 88.9 FM.
In December 2020, he launched BlackUSA.News, which features streaming shows from across the U.S.
Photo Credits: Demetrius Dillard
The evening’s Joe Manns Black Wall Street Awards honorees, consisting of past and present Coppin State educators and alumni, entrepreneurs and community leaders, included:
- Dr. Anthony L. Jenkins, CSU president
- Dr. Calvin Burnett, past CSU president
- Dr. Hattie N. Washington, former first CSU female vice president
- Dr. Judith Willner, retired chair of the CSU fine arts department
- Dr. Mary E. Wanza (posthumously), former CSU library director
- Dr. Sadie R. Gregory, dean of CSU’s College of Business
- Dr. T. J. Bryant, former director of CSU Ronald E. McNair program
- Amini Courts, retired professor of theatre and speech
- Dr. Patricia L. Schmoke, ophthalmology specialist
- Marvin “Doc” Cheatham, Sr., Coppin alumnus; civil rights and law consultant
- N’yinde Amaari Glover, Coppin student; entrepreneur; daughter of Doni Glover
- Bianca Owens
- DeAndre Williams
- Darren Rogers
- Dr. Carla Jackson, Ph.D.
- Dr. Nilajah Nyasuma Sims, Ph.D.
- Tracey Malone
- Karanji Gacucu
- Allison Duggan
- Sarah McCann
A guiding principle from Glover’s father captures the essence of his philosophy: “With a closed hand, nothing gets in and nothing gets out. With an open hand, there are endless possibilities. The moral of the story is to help somebody.”
Photo Credits: Demetrius Dillard
Glover has authored three books: “Unapologetically Black: Doni Glover Autobiography” (2015), “I Am Black Wall Street” (2021), and the soon-to-be-released “Journapreneur: Pioneering the Digital Age of Black Journalism.”
The tribute and Black Wall Street Award presentations—which are held monthly—were an opportunity to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of journalism. To date, Glover has honored more than 2,700 people in nine cities.
Carr presented Glover with a Coppin State “swag bag” and a “Happy 30 Years of Journalism” cake to culminate the ceremony. Event guests enjoyed the food and exchanged pleasantries.