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AFRO American Newspapers
The Black Media Authority
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By Ericka Alston Buck
Special to the AFRO
On Friday, March 21, 2025, the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront transformed into a vibrant celebration of excellence and opportunity as the Presidents’ RoundTable (PRT) and the PRT Reach Foundation hosted the 2025 Scholarship Awards Gala. The evening’s spotlight was on higher education, honoring institutions with over $250,000 to date in scholarships—specifically supporting students attending six Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Maryland region.
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This year’s scholarship recipients hailed from Bowie State University, Coppin State University, Howard University, Morgan State University, the University of the District of Columbia and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Proud faculty, students and alumni attend the event to celebrate those receiving funds for higher education.
These scholarships will support students studying business, entrepreneurship and leadership-focused disciplines, reaffirming PRT’s mission of cultivating the next generation of African American innovators.
“This night is about more than just writing checks,” said Jeff Hargrave, PRT Chair, president and CEO, Mahogany Inc. “It’s about investing in dreams, removing financial barriers, and equipping our young people with the tools they need to succeed and lead.”
The evening began with a warm welcome from Tony Hill, PRT Treasurer and Managing Partner of Edwards and Hill Office Furniture, who also served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies. An invocation was delivered by Rev. Maurice D. Walker, Sr., Assistant Pastor at New David Baptist Church of Christ and President and Managing Broker at Birch Advisor.
Guests enjoyed a multi-course dinner as the program unfolded with inspiring remarks that reminded attendees of the organization’s broad impact—1,750 people employed by PRT members and $500 million in assets under their control. Hill emphasized that this gala wasn’t just a celebration—it was a continuation of a legacy.
Four major honors were presented during the gala to recognize exceptional leadership and partnership:
One of the night’s most celebrated moments was the presentation of the Anthony Overton Entrepreneur Trailblazer Award, given to two transformative leaders in business:
In his acceptance remarks, Brown reflected on both his personal journey and the broader mission of inclusion:
“At the Ravens, we come to work every day focused not just on winning football games, but on making sure we’re positively impacting our Baltimore community,” said Brown. “That mission gives us real joy and daily inspiration.”
Brown also shared a powerful memory from his college search process.
“I was told attending an HBCU would be a mistake—but I knew better. HBCUs represent legacy, opportunity and resilience. As that legacy faces new challenges, it’s on all of us to keep showing up, supporting and making sure everyone in our community rises—not just a select few.”
His remarks underscored the importance of representation, access to opportunity, and bold leadership in traditionally underrepresented spaces.
Throughout the night, guests were treated to a high-energy performance by the Urban Guerilla Orchestra, which added a celebratory flair to the evening. Additional remarks were delivered by Rev. Dr. Alvin Hathaway, Sr., president and CEO of Beloved Community Services Corporation, who encouraged attendees to remain rooted in service while striving for success.
The program concluded with heartfelt closing reflections from Jeff Hargrave, followed by an after-party featuring the Urban Guerilla Orchestra and DJ Drift—ending the evening on a high note.
Founded in 1983, the Presidents’ RoundTable (PRT) is a collective of high-growth African American business owners dedicated to strengthening minority communities. In partnership with the PRT Reach Foundation, their mission is clear: to improve economic conditions, support entrepreneurship and expand access to education through targeted investments.
Together, PRT and the Foundation have awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships and have made tangible impacts through mentorship, capital access and capacity-building.
The gala was more than an event—it was a reminder that supporting HBCUs is not just charity; it’s strategy. As the institutions walked away with more than just checks—with confidence in community, and clear pathways forward—the energy in the room was electric with possibility.
With continued leadership from PRT and its partners, Baltimore and the greater region can look forward to many more stories of success—rooted in education, powered by community and driven by purpose.
132 years ago we were covering Post-Reconstruction when a former enslaved veteran started the AFRO with $200 from his land-owning wife. In 2022 we endorsed Maryland’s first Black Governor, Wes Moore. And now we celebrate the first Black Senator from Maryland, Angela Alsobrooks!
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The AFRO knows what it’s like to endure challenging times. John H. Murphy, Sr., a former enslaved man founded the AFRO in 1892 with $200 from his wife, Martha Howard Murphy. Together they created a platform to offer images and stories of hope to advance their community. The AFRO provides readers with good news about the Black community not otherwise found.
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