In Baltimore, Black women entrepreneurs are reshaping the city’s economic and cultural future. From downtown revitalization to oyster innovation and creative stationery, Shelonda Stokes, Jasmine Norton and Alisa Brock are building purpose-driven businesses rooted in community and resilience.
Category: BUSINESS
Posted inBUSINESS
Howard, Bowie State alumnae build brands from passion
Howard University alumna Skyler Buchanan and Bowie State University alumna Chanel Turner have each carved unique paths in entrepreneurship—Buchanan with her custom rug business, Decor Ones, and Turner with her premium vodka brand, FOU-DRÉ. From a home studio to international shelves, both women continue to grow their ventures with persistence and a clear creative vision.
Posted inBUSINESS
From roots to remedies: How two entrepreneurs are preserving ancestral herbal knowledge
Herbalism, one of the oldest forms of medicine in the world, has deep roots in Africa and the Caribbean. Black women entrepreneurs Monica Joseph and Shalita O’Neale are keeping that ancestral knowledge alive—growing herbs, creating natural products and teaching their communities about the healing power of plants.
Posted inBUSINESS
Investing in equity: How grants provide Black women with pathways to success
Black women are launching businesses at record rates but often face steep barriers to funding. Grant programs like SoGal, IFundWomen of Color and the Fearless Fund are stepping up to fill the gap. With expert insights from Felicia Wise of UNCF, this article explores how targeted funding and transparent communication can help Black women entrepreneurs thrive.
Posted inBUSINESS
From parenting to profits: How moms are growing thriving businesses
Establishing work-life balance is challenging for any entrepreneur, but for these Black mothers, motherhood is a superpower that shapes how they run successful businesses and impact their communities.
Posted inBUSINESS
‘Lift as you rise’: Black women founders mentor the next wave of leaders
With more than 2 million businesses generating $118.7 billion collectively, Black women are reshaping U.S. entrepreneurship and mentoring the next generation as they rise.
Posted inHealth
Licensed but locked out: Why Vilissa Thompson built her own path in disability advocacy
Vilissa Thompson was on track to become a therapist, but after realizing the social work field wasn’t built for wheelchair users like herself, she took a different route. Now, as founder of Ramp Your Voice, she’s creating space for Black disabled women and femmes to be heard, supported and politically empowered.
Posted inBaltimore Events
ABC’s The Cookout returns: Celebrating Black culture, community and equity in Baltimore
Associated Black Charities (ABC) announced the return of its signature event, The Cookout, on Sept. 13, 2025, at The Village of Cross Keys in Baltimore. Presented by SECU, the free, family-friendly celebration will feature a march and rally, children’s activities, game tournaments, live entertainment, food trucks, and a showcase of Black-owned businesses.
Posted inBUSINESS
GBC and UpSurge outline vision, strategic priorities following merger
Following its merger with the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC), UpSurge is focusing on data-driven strategies to support high-growth startups and strengthen the region’s innovation economy. The organizations aim to balance targeted investment with community-building efforts to create a more dynamic and resilient startup ecosystem.
Posted in!Front Page Baltimore News
Greater Baltimore Urban League placed on immediate probation
The Greater Baltimore Urban League (GBUL) is officially on probation according to an Aug. 15 letter sent from the National Urban League. The communication, recently obtained by the AFRO, details 11 alleged violations by the GBUL Board of Directors.
Posted inHealth
Thousands of patients insured by UnitedHealthcare cut off from in-network care at Johns Hopkins Medicine
Following eight months of failed negotiations, Johns Hopkins Medicine will no longer be covered as “in-network” for patients with insurance through UnitedHealthcare. This leaves thousands of patients in Maryland, D.C., and Virginia potentially facing higher costs or reduced coverage.
Posted inNational News
Target CEO to step down amid company struggles
Boycott leader doubts leadership change will address DEI concerns By Anne D’InnocenzioAP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — Target named an insider as its next chief executive officer Aug. 20, a decision that comes as the discount retailer tries to reverse a persistent sales malaise and to revive its reputation as the place to go […]
