By Alexis Taylor
AFRO Managing Editor
Nearly 1,200 guests attended the 2026 Baltimore Tea, hosted by AFRO News at Martin’s West on April 25.
Clad in bright colored tea dresses, sleek suits, big hats, lace gloves and their best shoes, the hostesses and attendees of this year’s Baltimore Tea proved once again why the celebration has been a sold-out event year after year.
The 2026 installment of the tea placed a special spotlight on women who have dared to take on positions in the “c-suite,” such as chief executive officer, chief financial officer and chief operating officer. Each of the honorees have graciously handled the pressures of leadership in the corporate and nonprofit sectors.
(Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
“It was a beautiful sight to see everybody – from little girls to seniors – fellowshipping and taking pictures,” said AFRO News Publisher and CEO Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper. “Of course, the outfits and hats were gorgeous, but I’m also really happy that we honored amazing Black women, some of whom have been flying under the radar.”
Honorees included Janet S. Currie, president of Bank of America Greater Maryland; Shannetta R. Griffin, executive director and CEO of the Maryland Aviation Administration; Baltimore City Administrator Faith P. Leach; Robyn Murphy, CEO of Create Baltimore; Tamla Olivier, president and chief executive officer of Baltimore Gas and Electric Co.; Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson, founder of Black Girls Vote; Shelonda Stokes, president and CEO of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore and executive director of Downtown Management Authority; Chrissy M. Thornton, president and CEO of Associated Black Charities; Alicia Wilson, vice president of civic engagement and opportunity for Johns Hopkins University; Karsonya “Kaye” Wise Whitehead, Ph.D., founding executive director of the Karson Institute for Race, Peace and Social Justice.
(Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Lenora Howze, who recently stepped down from her role as long-time AFRO executive director and advertising director, was also called to the stage to receive her flowers.
Nykidra “Nyki” Robinson spoke with the AFRO about receiving recognition.
“It is such an honor to be celebrated this year by the historic AFRO – a legacy publication. I don’t take anything for granted,” said Robinson. “To be among such powerful, beautiful, unapologetic Black women is such an honor. I know that I stand on the shoulders of many people who have come before me.”
(Photo courtesy of Baltimore Office of the Mayor / J.J. McQueen)
Robinson said the tea was necessary, given the current social and political climate.
“There are so many Black women who are suffering in silence right now,” she said. “Over 300,000 Black women have lost their jobs under this current administration. We know that Black women are hurting. To be here is a reminder to us: Don’t forget to smile at the woman next to you because you never know what she’s going through.”
Aside from the honorees, other special guests included Maryland First Lady Dawn Moore; U.S. Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D-Md.-07) and his wife, Dr. Tiffany McMillan; Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott and First Lady Hana Scott; Baltimore County Councilman Julian Jones (D-District 4) and Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman.
Lierman praised the tea as a time for “hats, gloves and brilliance.”
“The data backs up what we already know in our hearts,” she said. “Research has found that when 30 percent of a company’s c-suite are women, firms can expect to add more than a full percentage point to the net margin and a 15 percent boost to profitability. We know that in the two years following the appointment of a female CEO, stock prices outperform those of male-led companies by an average of 20 percent.”
Sponsors for the 2026 Baltimore Tea included Kaiser Permanente; Johns Hopkins University; Associated Black Charities; BGE Exelon Company, GBMC Healthcare; Public Justice Center; United Way of Central Maryland and Wylie Funeral Homes.
Though some in the room, like 5-year-old Karis Shelton, were AFRO Tea veterans (her mother has brought her to the event for the last three years), for others, like Baltimore First Lady Hana Scott, the 2026 tea was the beginning of a tradition.
First Lady Scott said the event was a “100,” when asked to rate the tea on a scale of 1-10.
“It’s really important, especially in these times, to continue Black traditions, to create and be in spaces with each other, especially as Black women because Black women are under attack more than ever right now and we’re all we got,” she said. “We need to be in community with each other and stay in community with each other and what better place to do it than here at the AFRO Tea. I love it, I understand why it’s sold out and why everyone tries to get here every year.”
Mayor Brandon Scott concurred, calling the tea “one of my favorite events of the year.”
“It’s an event that exudes Black excellence,” he said. “This long-standing Black institution showcases the best and brightest of Black Baltimore. It shows you what’s possible when we come together and work together.”
