Howard University’s School of Business is redefining entrepreneurship education by combining a rigorous academic foundation with hands-on experience, mentorship, and cutting-edge tools like AI. With support from initiatives like the PNC National Center for Entrepreneurship, Howard is preparing students to lead with purpose and innovation in a rapidly evolving business world.
Category: BUSINESS
Generational wealth summit highlights franchising as a way forward
The Generational Wealth Business Summit filled the Reginald F. Lewis Museum in Baltimore with Black entrepreneurs eager to learn practical steps toward ownership and financial independence. Over its 11 years, the event has become a stage where lessons about business strategy meet the lived experiences of those who took the leap.
The 50-year legacy of Black Classic Press
Paul Coates, a former Black Panther Party member, founded Black Classic Press in 1978 as a program to provide books for incarcerated African American people. From chicken dinners to book drives, the business has now become a publishing and printing house where a few of his children and grandchildren work to continue the mission of sharing Black narratives.
E.E. Ward Moving and Storage owners share keys to lasting legacy and innovation
E.E. Ward Moving and Storage, the nation’s oldest Black-owned business, continues to thrive as Brian Brooks leads with strategic preparation, community investment, and a commitment to lasting legacy.
Harbor Bank of Maryland opens new branch in Silver Spring
The Harbor Bank of Maryland has opened a new branch in Silver Spring, marking its seventh location and a strategic expansion into the Montgomery County market. The community-focused bank celebrated the soft opening with a visit from Afrofuturist icon George Clinton, whose artwork is now on permanent display inside the branch.
Sunni Gilliam closes Teavolve after 20 years of success
Kendra BryantSpecial to the AFRO Teavolve Cafe, a Harbor East Black-owned restaurant known for tea, closed on Sept. 19 after 20 years in business. Over the past two decades the establishment has made a name for itself as much more than just a trendy spot to enjoy a hot beverage and connect with friends. Founder […]
Black-owned floral businesses blossom with creativity and community care
Fleurs d’Ave in Baltimore and Postal Petals in Los Angeles use flowers to spark creativity, encourage self-care and build community, blending floral design with events and wellness activities.
Meet the Maryland veterans forging new paths from service to small business success
From gourmet burgers to high-tech solutions, Black-owned veteran businesses across Maryland are shaping communities with innovation and resilience. This spotlight highlights five standout ventures—from a father-son carry-out kitchen to a pioneering oyster bar—each proving that military discipline and entrepreneurial passion are a powerful combination.
There’s a clear gap in credit scores depending on race and place: How Baltimore is working to fix itÂ
By Victoria Mejicanos AFRO Staff Writer vmejicanos@afro.com The weight of a number For residents of Baltimore, the barrier to buying a home, starting a small business or managing unexpected costs doesn’t rely on ambition alone. There’s a three digit number that plays a major part: the credit score. Research shows that a person’s credit score, […]
This nonprofit is bringing Black teachers back to New Orleans
By Aaricka WashingtonWord in Black In the two decades since Hurricane Katrina drowned the city and its public school system, the story of K-12 education in New Orleans has gone something like this: nothing good happened until charter schools, and White reformers, showed up. But Adrinda Kelly, a New Orleans native, knows that’s not the […]
After surviving a suicide attempt, T-Kea Blackman created an organization to bring hope and healings to others
T-Kea Blackman survived a suicide attempt and has since dedicated her life to breaking the silence around suicide in the Black community. Through her nonprofit, Black People Die By Suicide Too, she creates spaces for healing, conversation and support.
From Baltimore to D.C.: Building the next century of Black business
By Dr. Frances Murphy DraperAFRO Publisher and CEO Black-owned businesses have always been a cornerstone of our communities—anchoring neighborhoods, creating jobs and proving that vision can thrive even in the face of economic headwinds. Last week, we celebrated companies across the country that have endured for a century or more, surviving depressions, recessions, and sweeping […]

