‘Who’s Who in Black’ highlights best of Baltimore

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January 6, 2026

By Andrea Stevens

AFRO Staff Writer

The AFRO, in partnership with Real Times Media, hosted the “Who’s Who in Black Baltimore” awards reception on April 9, at the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront. The evening honored individuals who exemplify excellence, leadership and impact within Baltimore’s Black community.

“Turbulent times demand the best of our business and civic leaders, and Who’s Who recognizing the people who are shaping our future, addressing our challenges and leading with inspiration couldn’t come at a better time,” said Mark Thomas, president and CEO of the Greater Baltimore Committee.

The event, he added, fuels “even greater commitments from those honored and help path the way for others seeking footsteps to follow.”

Among the honorees were Black leaders who have shaped Baltimore’s cultural, civic and professional landscapes, including legal luminary William H. Murphy Jr., an attorney, former judge and managing partner of the Murphy, Falcon and Murphy law firm.

Baltimore giants William H. Murphy Jr., an attorney, former judge and managing partner of the Murphy, Falcon and Murphy law firm, left, and Kurt Schmoke, the first Black mayor of Baltimore, former dean of Howard University School of Law and president of the University of Baltimore, have earned their place among the city’s Who’s Who. Credit: AFRO Photo/ James Fields – See additional photos and Honoree videos below

“I feel immense gratitude for such a wonderful award,” Murphy said.

Whitney Brown, communications director for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, was also among the list of Who’s Who. “ It means a lot to be included in this group of changemakers,” she said.

The reception began at 6 p.m. with an hour of networking, followed by the formal awards presentation at 7 p.m. This year’s celebration included categories such as Living Legends, Game Changers and Most Influential, as well as a special Lifetime Achievement Award presentation.

As the AFRO celebrates over 132 years of Black journalism and advocacy, its role as presenting partner reflected its commitment to honoring Baltimore’s rich legacy and promising future.

“We believe it’s always the right time to celebrate Black excellence,” said Lenora Howze, executive director of the AFRO. “But especially now—when cultural identity and diversity are being threatened in many parts of the country—it’s even more important to uplift those making a difference in our community.”

We believe it’s always the right time to celebrate Black excellence.
Lenora Howze, AFRO Executive Director

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to Dr. Thelma T. Daley, a nationally renowned educator, counselor and civil rights advocate who has served as the director of Women in NAACP, the 16th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and the eighth national president and chair of the National Council of Negro Women, among other distinctions.

“This honor couldn’t go to a more deserving individual,” said Howze. “Dr. Daley’s legacy is one of empowerment, leadership and service—not only here in Baltimore, but across the nation.”

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, left, Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Dr. Thelma T. Daley and Maryland first lady Dawn Moore are shining examples of Black excellence in the state. Credit: AFRO Photo/ James Fields See additional photos and Honoree videos below

In addition to the evening’s awards, the event was accompanied by the release of a stunning commemorative coffee table book produced by Real Times Media. The publication features portraits and biographical profiles of each honoree, outlining their achievements and the reasons for their selection.

Individuals featured in the book were nominated by members of the community, their peers or by the editorial team at the AFRO.

Alicia Wilson, who serves as vice president for civic engagement and opportunity at Johns Hopkins, said she was “thrilled to be a part of this event and to have been able to write the foreword to the book.”

The Who’s Who in Black series is held in major cities across the country, highlighting the accomplishments of African Americans in various industries—from business and healthcare to education, arts and government. The Baltimore edition drew notable guests from across the region and reaffirmed the strength of the city’s Black leadership.

Event videos courtesy of Real Times Media

Many thanks to our generous Sponsors who helped us to highlight the accomplishments of so many Baltimore African Americans in various industries