SPEAKING WHAT YOU WANT INTO EXISTENCE TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN
THE BEST DATE EVER
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LACK OF SLEEP CAN KILL
BLACKOWNED SPIRITS
BILL
BELLAMY: COMEDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS AUGUST 2022 ISSUE
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[ BUSINESS ]
[ NEWS ]
INSIDE
16 EXPLORE THE LAND OF ART Destination Cleveland encourages residents to experience the area’s visual arts this summer.
Photo by Matt Shiffler.
ON THE COVER
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BILL BELLAMY: COMEDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS The world we live in has never been more challenging. For artists like Bill Bellamy, it is
an opportunity to stay connected to his fans, provide comic relief for those that need it, and brighten the spirit of a happy -starved country that desperately needs to laugh. 10 MOVERS AND SHAKERS Get to know people who are making a
difference in their careers and changing the world! 12 MAN CODES Comedy Style. 23 DANCE IS LIFE Tracey and Jonathan Webb formed Shaker Dance Academy to bring their love of dance to an audience that would appreciate it the most, the parents and children of Northeast Ohio. 36 SPEAKING WHAT YOU WANT INTO EXISTENCE The spoken word is one of the most
powerful tools used by many to impact those around them. Depending on how words are used, they can make or break one’s spirit forever. 40 THE BEST DATE EVER Couples who work out together are building more than muscle, they are building a partnership that includes trust, commitment, and companionship. 44 LACK OF SLEEP CAN KILL The ramifications of not getting enough sleep can lead to serious consequences. Many Americans are pushing their rest to the limit and CODE M / AUGUST 2022 5
[ INSIDE ] their quality of health, too. 48 NEW MUSIC FROM BOSS LUCCI Cleveland recording artist releases new music and shoots up the charts while trying to stay connected to his loyal followers who demand the best in his music. 50 BLACK-OWNED SPIRITS
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SCORING A PAR IN LIFE Damian Cosby leads the Cleveland Metroparks golf courses by making sure everyone has a hole-in-one experience.
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TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN
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Code M Magazine is published by CODE MEDIA GROUP, LLC © 2022 All Rights Reserved
[ TRAVEL ]
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MOVERS &
SHAKERS
C A R M I N E 10 AUGUST 2022 / CODE M
Get to know people who are making a difference in their careers and changing the world!
S T E W A R T
[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ] CARMINE STEWART Carmine Stewart received her Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Eastern Michigan University with an emphasis in special education for the speech and language impaired. She returned home to Cleveland to pursue a Master’s Degree at Cleveland State University. In 2006 Carmine found her passion and purpose in teacher preparation in the field of adult literacy education. Stewart earned her doctorate in August 2012.
MATTHEW FIELDMAN Matthew Fieldman is currently Executive Director of America Works, a nationwide initiative to coordinate the American manufacturing industry's training efforts, generating a more capable, skilled, and diverse workforce. Based at MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network, headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Matt works across the nation's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network to increase collaboration, efficiency, and impact of local and regional workforce development efforts.
NKIRUKA WASHINGTON Nkiruka Washington is a skilled chemist with over 10 years of experience working in the paint manufacturing and pharmaceutical industries. Her career has led her to serve in various technical and Research and Development roles at companies throughout Northeast Ohio including KalCor Coatings where she currently works as the Technical Director. In this role, she oversees a team of chemists in the production of paint, coatings, and adhesives, and manages key resources/accounts. Washington’s passion for science and technology resonates both in her professional career and personal life. Beyond the lab and office, she has served as a mentor to youth and is Vice President of Volunteer Recruitment in Cleveland through Minds Matter and is a strong advocate for women of color in STEM.
IFEOLU A.C. CLAYTOR Ifeolu A.C. Claytor is an experienced campaigns, elections, and policy professional, as well as a community leader and advocate. Professionally, Ifeolu has just joined State Voices, a national network of coalitions fighting for a multiracial, representative democracy. He also recently was elected to and joins Shaker Heights City Council as likely the youngest member in the history of the city. Prior to his currently professional position, Ifeolu served as the Ohio Campaign Manager for All Voting is Local, the Ohio Campus Organizer for the Warren for President Campaign, and a research associate at Burges and Burges Strategists. In 2018, he directed a paid canvassing program to help get the signatures necessary to put Issue 1 on the November ballot.
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START
Steve Harvey
MAN CODES:
COMEDY STYLE
“There's a thin line between to laugh with and to laugh at.” – Richard Pryor “Suffering is a good teacher. It keeps you in its grip until you’ve learned your lesson.” - Bernie Mac. “I carry a knife now because I read in a white magazine that all Black people carry knives. So I rushed out and bought me one.” - Redd Foxx “Laughter heals all wounds, and that’s one thing that everybody shares. No matter what you’re going through, it makes you forget about your problems. I think the world should keep laughing.”– Kevin Hart “How you gonna have racism in a country that don’t belong to nobody… Ain’t nobody belong here. You got people saying go ‘Go home!’ You go home, too. You ain’t from here. ‘Go
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Compiled by Bilal S. Akram
home.’ - Sinbad “You fool, you’re 30 cents away from having a quarter.” – Robin Harris “The advice I would give to someone is to not take anyone’s advice.” – Eddie Murphy “The cost of living is going up and the chance of living is going down.” – Flip Wilson “When you put your efforts into your gift, you are giving God something to bless.” - Steve Harvey “Psalms 37:13 NIV “But the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming”
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[ START ]
SCORING A PAR IN LIFE Damian Cosby leads the Cleveland Metroparks golf courses by making sure everyone has a holein-one experience. by Anthony Kirby
CLE STRONG
A
Cleveland Metroparks Director of Golf, Damian Cosby
nyone looking to reduce their golf score understands the challenging work it takes to do it. Golf is a game of diminishing skills, if you do not play enough, you will lose your skill.
Cosby takes a hands-on approach when it comes to managing the Metroparks golf courses. With the courses spread out all over the city, Cosby must manage with trust to ensure that each course gets the attention it needs.
For Damian Cosby, Cleveland Metroparks Director of Golf, the skill of keeping up with your golf game comes from developing the proper mindset about
“It was certainly challenging to keep the courses open during the pandemic,” Cosby said, “but we made sure people could come out, stay safe, and enjoy the courses.”
the game. The Maryland transplant moved to Cleveland to take over the Metroparks eight golf courses around Northeast Ohio right before the pandemic. “It has been very interesting moving to Cleveland at the time of the pandemic, but we are now thriving again, and business is great,” Cosby said.
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Northeast Ohio has always enjoyed having excellent places to golf, and the Metroparks offers some of the best links to enjoy a day out with friends. While there has been some contraction of courses in the area, Metroparks courses continue to see growth and success from those who visit them. “Last year we had record growth and revenue at all our cours-
[ START ]
es. This area has some very loyal golf players, and we do everything we can to honor that loyalty with great facilities,” Cosby explained. With Cleveland weather, it could be said that those who play golf in Northeast Ohio are golf crazy. With only 6 to 7 months to play, area golfers make sure to play as much as possible with the time available during the nicer months. Those who desire a higher level of play can enjoy two of Metropark's championship courses. Sleepy Hollow, which is in the Brecksville Reservation, and Manakiki, which is in the North Chagrin reservation, are both nationally ranked golf courses that offer some of the most challenging play for competitive golfers in the area. “Both of those courses are a good test to any golfer who wants to play at an elevated level, Cosby said. “We do an excellent job of maintaining all of our courses and pride ourselves on how they play and look.” For anyone who is not into golf but wants to visit one of the parks, there is foot golf, which is played with a soccer ball. “We have foot golf at some of our courses for those who want to use a soccer ball to play. It allows parents with smaller kids the chance to enjoy our facilities even if they don’t play golf,” Cosby said. Summer is always a fun time in Cleveland, and those golfers who use the summer to sharpen their skills might want to consider a metro course. For Cosby and his team, making sure you have an enjoyable time is a priority hole-in-one. ●
The golf courses of the Cleveland Metroparks represents some of the best courses in the area.
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[ START ]
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland.
EXPLORE THE LAND OF ART Destination Cleveland encourages residents to experience the area’s visual arts this summer.
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leveland’s world-class arts and culture is front and center this summer – from two expansive triennials to countless permanent and temporary exhibitions that spotlight the city’s creativity and burgeoning talent. As the home of one of the most prestigious art museums in the country and a local art scene that celebrates the city’s diversity and artistic prowess, there’s ample opportunity for residents and visitors alike to experience The Land of Art whenever the desire strikes. HEALTH & SAFETY ALERT: Safety protocols vary by venue and, in some cases, by event at venues. Residents are encouraged to
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review both venue and event-specific protocols before arriving at an event. SPECIAL SUMMER EXPERIENCES Cleveland’s deep-rooted appreciation for cultural conversations will be in the international spotlight as two triennials return this summer. FRONT Triennial
The second edition of FRONT International: Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art will fill Cleveland’s art calendar for nearly three months, from now through October 2. More than 75 artists’ work will be on display across Cleveland and the nearby cities of Akron and Oberlin. While some of the venues – such as Cleveland Museum of Art and Akron Art Museum – are no strangers to art exhibits, the event will also feature artwork in unexpected places like Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Public Library and even Cleveland’s Bop Stop music venue. Residents
[ START ] and their visitors can take part in one of the many special events that are part of the festival or simply enjoy a region-wide tour of this year’s installations.
Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa)
July 16 - Oct. 2, 2022 Various locations throughout Cleveland, Akron and Oberlin; full list of venues, artists and events available online CAN Triennial Northeast Ohio’s artists are the focus of the returning CAN Triennial. After COVID delayed the event by one year, this year’s theme – YOU ARE HERE – is focused on reuniting the Cleveland arts community and offering hope for the future. The Collective Arts Network will host sixteen exhibits highlighting work from 126 Northeast Ohio artists as part of the event, with the goal of providing attendees an experiential journey through six neighborhoods of the city. July 8 - Aug. 31, 2022 Various locations throughout Cleveland; full list of venues, artists and events available online YEAR-ROUND MUSEUMS & GALLERIES From one of the world’s top art museums to unique art experiences in Cleveland’s neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of options for locals looking to enjoy the city’s art scene throughout the year. Cleveland Museum of Art More than 6,000 years’ worth of art from across the globe fills the galleries of Cleveland Museum of Art. Located in the city’s cultural center of University Circle, CMA is world-renowned with a collection spanning from Ansel Adams to Van Gogh and everything in between. In addition to the multitude of year-round galleries, the museum also features a series of special exhibitions throughout the year. Best of all? Admission to view the permanent collection is always free. 11150 East Blvd., Cleveland
MoCa changes its exhibitions three times a year – meaning locals can visit many times with little chance of seeing the same thing twice. The building itself is a 34,00-square-foot work of art, rising seemingly out of nowhere into a mirrorlike zig-zag structure at the corner of Euclid Ave. and Mayfield Rd. in University Circle. Along with the rotating exhibits, moCa also occasionally offers unique events such as yoga classes, silent disco dance parties and artist talks and programs. 11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland Hours: Thursday-Sunday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free admission La Cosecha Galeria This art gallery in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood aims to bring together a diversity of people and art, offering visual arts events and exhibitions as well as workshops, seminars and discussion groups. La Cosecha Galleria’s current exhibition, “Super Natural,” includes pieces from artists whose styles inspire visions of spirituality. The gallery also features an open mic night on the last Saturday of each month. 4490 Pearl Rd., Cleveland Hours: Daily from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Sculpture Center Clevelanders looking for some larger-scale art can pay a visit to The Sculpture Center in University Circle. The gallery features a variety of year-round installations along with special exhibitions, talks and educational programming. The Center is also host to the Ohio Outdoor Sculpture database, which offers a variety of resources about and tours of outdoor sculptures across the state, including Northeast Ohio. 1834 E. 123 St., Cleveland
Hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Wednesdays and Fridays: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Free admission for galleries; some special exhibits require a paid ticket
The Cleveland Art Museum offers amazing views of art and entertainment.
Photo by Nathan Migal.
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[ START] Hours: Wednesday-Friday, noon - 4 p.m.; Saturday, noon - 5 p.m.
ARTFUL at the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus
Transformer Station
The P.E.A.C.E. (People Enhancing a Community’s Environment) Campus is home to a variety of community organizations, including ARTFUL, which offers studio spaces to local artists. Many of ARTFUL’s resident artists teach small or private classes in mediums such as ceramics, painting and more. The P.E.A.C.E. Campus also hosts a quarterly community art experience. On August 20, residents can check out a familyfriendly chalk festival.
Located in Ohio City’s Hingetown district, Transformer Station focuses on bringing the work of contemporary artists to Northeast Ohio. In addition to the museum’s permanent Bidwell Collection, Transformer Station serves as an off-site project and gallery space for Cleveland Museum of Art and hosts several exhibitions throughout the year as a result. A variety of talks, performances and special events are also held at the gallery.
1460 W. 29th St., Cleveland Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. 78th Street Studios This unique space in the Detroit Shoreway neighborhood is the largest fine arts complex in Northeast Ohio, featuring over 60 galleries, studios and arts-based businesses. While the artists in 78th Street Studios don’t keep regular gallery hours throughout the week, locals can make their way through the maze of art during the studio’s THIRD FRIDAY events. Those looking to avoid the crowds can also experience the space during its weekly open house series, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. each Friday. 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland Full schedule of events & details available online Advance registration suggested for THIRD FRIDAYS events HANDS-ON ART EXPERIENCES Clevelanders can get in touch with their artistic side, thanks to the local art community’s commitment to sharing their talents through hands-on classes and experiences.
Coventry PEACE Campus: 2843 Washington Blvd., Cleveland Heights Full schedule of events and more information available online Pivot Center Located in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood, the Pivot Center is home to Cleveland Museum of Art’s Community Arts Center. The center features art displays, including a variety of puppets, costumes and masks from the popular Parade the Circle event, along with free hands-on art activities and experiences. Future Ink Graphics, a screen-printing studio, is also located in the center and offers a series of printing classes for the community. 2937 W. 25th St., Cleveland CMA Community Arts Center: Free drop-in art making and gallery exploration Friday, 2-7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Future Ink Graphics: Wednesday – Friday, 1-5 p.m.; full schedule of classes available online Glass Bubble Project The Glass Bubble Project teaches glass blowing in both private classes and public workshops. For those looking for a different type of experience, there are also welding and sculpture classes to teach the basics of those mediums, as well as a class to create your own windchime. Or, residents can just stop in to watch the
Jim Dennis’s portraits can be seen in the gallery session of his website. Those images capture the years of his amazing work.
Photo by Cody York.
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[ CLE ]
LIVESTREAM
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[ BUSINESS ]
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[ START ] artists at work. 2421 Bridge Ave., Cleveland Full schedule of classes & pricing available online Praxis Fiber Workshop This workshop space in the Waterloo Arts District of the city’s Collinwood neighborhood offers classes, workshops and demo projects – all with the goal of demonstrating how art can be used to build inclusive communities. In addition to offering open studio space and rotating exhibitions from local and international fiber artists, Praxis Fiber Workshop teaches the art form through a series of workshops and classes. 15301 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland Class details & schedule available online EXPLORING PUBLIC ART A series of art-based tours and passports offer locals and visitors the chance to explore the city while taking in the area’s art.
ble to help residents and their visiting family and friends explore the region. Contact the team via email (cleconcierge@destinationcle.org), live chat at thisiscleveland.com, or stop at the Cleveland Visitors Center (334 Euclid Ave., Cleveland) Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. for planning assistance. ● ### ABOUT DESTINATION CLEVELAND: Destination Cleveland is Cleveland’s destination marketing and management organization. This private, non-profit organization’s mission is to drive economic impact and stimulate community vitality for Greater Cleveland through leisure and business travel. In 2020, the COVID-19 global pandemic reduced visitation by 30 percent, with 13.8 million visits occurring. Prior to the pandemic, Cleveland hosted 19.6 million visits annually, with the County experiencing annual visitation increases that surpassed the domestic travel growth rate for nine consecutive years. For more information, visit www.thisiscleveland.com.
Destination Cleveland Resources There’s no shortage of public art throughout The Land, and Destination Cleveland offers several resources for those looking for more detail on what they’re viewing. Locals and visitors can enjoy an architecture and public art walking tour throughout Downtown using Destination Cleveland’s Walk CLE map, available online or in hard copy at the Cleveland Visitors Center. Or, residents can celebrate the city’s Black culture and commemorate contributions of Black Clevelanders through the ‘Expressions of Black Culture’ public art passport, which features 35 unique public art installations from local and national artists. The City is our Museum The free “The City is our Museum” app from LAND Studio offers self-guided tours of public art and spaces throughout Cleveland’s neighborhoods. Users are encouraged to use the app to explore and completely immerse themselves in the neighborhood they’re visiting. Five tours are currently available, with plans to add more in the coming months.
DON’T FORGET: Destination Cleveland’s Concierge Team is availa-
Visit the Cleveland Museum of Art and experience great art for yourself.
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SPOR
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ARTS
DANCE
IS
LIFE Tracey and Jonathan Webb formed Shaker Dance Academy to bring their love of dance to an audience that would appreciate it the most, the parents and children of Northeast Ohio.
Johnathan and Tracey Webb
Written by DAVID CHRISTEL David has been ghostwriting books for well-known people since 1995. He is also the author of Married Men Coming Out: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming the Man You Were Born to Be.
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ife is such a jumble of events, experiences, challenges, demands, and distractions. It’s hard to figure out where you’re going and why. It’s also difficult finding a sense of purpose that will carry you through thick and thin, that will give you direction, help you grow and establish yourself in the world. For Tracey and
Jonathan Webb, dance was and is the driving force in their lives. As Tracey puts it, “Dance gave me life.” Tracey and Jonathan are the founders and owners of Shaker Dance Academy, what can be described as a one-stop-shop for far more than dance classes in every genre. Dance is an outlet for not just physical expression, but for learning about oneself and developing character traits that will last a lifetime. Tracey, originally from Manhattan’s Upper West Side, realized early on that she wanted to be a dancer. She envisioned seeing herself on stage, on television, in movies. But where she lived was a deterrent, its adverse distractions had to be avoided. With intense determination, she pushed herself and found that being in the dance studio was where she came alive. It became CODE M / AUGUST 2022 23
[ ARTS ] the home of her heart and soul. For Jonathan, football, basketball, and gymnastics were his focus in school — until his junior year in high school when he accompanied a friend to a dance class. The teacher had him take the class, too, something that astonished Jonathan when he discovered how taxing it was, more so than sports. And he was hooked. Training hard to catch up to other students, he found his athleticism from sports was a perfect segue to all that dance had to offer.
The two met while working on Prince’s film Graffiti Bridge and realized that the chemistry they felt for each other and dance was just the tip of the iceberg. Working on both coasts for a while, they then settled in LA, both of them in high demand for film, television, and videos and working with celebrities and luminaries in the business. In the back of their minds, though, they
were thinking about having children and opening a dance school. Retiring from the profession, they decided to move to Cleveland. What they observed was that girls were being underserved. Boys were getting a lot of attention because of sports, but girls were being left to their own devices. What was missing for them was purpose and focus. Mothers urged Tracey to start a dance studio for their daughters, a place where they could learn discipline, self-empowerment, determination, and poise. So, in 2001, Shaker Dance Academy was born. Here’s where the one-stop-shop comes into play. Dance, as an art form, isn’t something you just do for fun whenever you feel like it. It’s also about life lessons. Many young people aren’t used to dealing with constructive criticism, discipline, stamina, self-composure, unwavering focus, channeling energies, and hard work. And their home life isn’t necessarily supportive of those attributes. School and street life aren’t indicative of those traits either. Shaker Dance Academy offers a space that exemplifies all of those qualities. Young people develop a level of maturity, motivation, and determination not found elsewhere — all of which can be applied to every aspect of their lives. Tracey and Jonathan’s love of young people and their devotion to their futures, not just in dance but in life, is the enduring legacy they are creating for the Cleveland area and beyond. As Jonathan says, “Dance gives you the confidence, the ability, and the vision to be able to make whatever you want happen.” Over the past twenty years, the studio has helped innumerable young people find themselves, even if they don’t go on to pursue a dance career. Both Tracey and Jona-
The Shaker Dance Academy is the number one location for teaching children the art of dance in Cleveland.
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[ HEALTH ]
Cover and inside photo taken by Mychel Lilly.
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[ ARTS ] than do what they call “designing your life.” They created the life they now deeply enjoy and are role models for current and future generations. And every day, they pay that approach forward as they help young people learn to become independent, strong, resourceful, and self-assured. As a wonderful acknowledgment of the work Tracey and Jonathan have put into their studio, former students now bring their children in for classes knowing that they’ll be in good hands. It’s not surprising that Shaker Dance Academy has been awarded “Best Dance Studio” for eleven years in a row. Life is a dance and dance is life in all respects. It and the studio are a haven from the distractions and demands of life, a place of self-expression, of sweat and tears, of joy and accomplishment, of growth and elevation of spirit. As Tracey has said, “Like our heartbeat, the studio gives us life still.” ●
Students awarded for their hard work.
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[ HEALTH ]
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COVER
BILL
BELLAMY: COMEDY IS SERIOUS BUSINESS ND
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[ COVER ]
The world we live in has never been more challenging. For artists like Bill Bellamy, it is an opportunity to stay connected to his fans, provide comic relief for those who need it, and brighten the spirit of a happy-starved country that desperately needs to laugh.
Written by BRAD BOWLING Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communication and an MBA in marketing. He contributes articles to the magazine continuing his love for writing.
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s the room full of eager patrons wait for the show to start, you can tell that there is something different about life today. We all feel a little pressure right now to get back to the things we once took for granted. Venturing inside with no mask, sitting among friends for an evening out. These are the things that we now appreciate more than ever. And as we wait for the main act to come out, you can tell people are ready to laugh. The room darkens as the music starts and the opening act calls out his name, “Welcome to the stage, Bill Bellamy!” The room claps with applause as Bill walks up to the stage. But the audience not just clapping to see Bill. They are clapping to have something normal back. They’re ready to feel good again, ready to have their souls fed by someone they trust. Bill Bellamy does not disCODE M / AUGUST 2022 29
[ COVER ] appoint as he delivers joke after joke like he does every time he visits Cleveland.
gaining a national fan base. His interview skills quickly became trusted by those who were interviewed.
“I always love coming to Cleveland,” Bellamy relates to the audience, “but I had no idea Cleveland rocked like this in the summer. I will never be back in November again!” he jokes.
Bellamy developed a rapport with his guests and quickly learned that the best way to win the trust of the people he was interviewing was to just be himself. That formula worked as Bellamy became a sought out person to do most of the interviews with anyone of interest at the time.
The crowd claps with agreeance and the fun continues for another hour. The stage feels like home to Bellamy, who grew up in Jersey. The 1989 high school graduate always knew he wanted to do something special. It was college where Bellamy got his break. He was asked to host a talent show for the Alpha-Phi-Alpha organization and killed it onstage. “I must give a shout-out to one of my friends, Keith Williams, who is an Alpha, for putting me on stage. Keith gave me my first break and it has been on from there,” Bellamy said. Bellamy broke into television when he landed an opportunity with MTV. He would later host MTV Raps and other shows while
“People started to seek me out for interviews because I would make them laugh, which would help break down their walls for the interview. That meant that I got a better conversation out of them, and the audience was able to learn more about the person I was interviewing” Bellamy explained. While growing in popularity on MTV, Bellamy started to branch out and do other things. He started to get small parts in commercials and other campaigns from major brands. After those opportunities, Bellamy broke into film. One of his first roles was in a film called, Who’s The Man, with Ed Lover and Dre. After getting bit by the acting bug, Bellamy started to get some interesting parts. His next role would prove that Bellamy could act. Love Jones gave Bellamy the opportunity to play something different. “When they asked me to do Love Jones, no one thought that I could play a negative character,” Bellamy said. “The role in Love Jones required me to be a bad person, so I had to prove I could do that, and I was able to pull it off.”
And he is right. Love Jones is a Black movie favorite because of its storyline and the actors in the film. It starred a young Larenz Tate, Nia Long, and Bill Bellamy. The film got rave reviews and is still a choice today for anyone looking for a good film to watch. One of his most memorable performances was in How to Be a Player. Bellamy starred as the lead in the film about dating, working, and living your best life, with a little humor thrown in.
Today, Bellamy is continuing to live his best life with a
Bill Bellamy tours the country annually to deliver his take on American life to audiences everywhere.
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[ COVER ]
Bellamy has a book coming out about his life in April of 2023.
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[ COVER ]
Bill Bellamy’s Podcast is currently ranked number on Apple.
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[ COVER ]
https://blackbottomkitchen.com/
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[ COVER]
Bill Bellamy enjoying life with his wife and two kids.
gorgeous wife and two lovely kids who keep him grounded and centered. Residing in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Bellamy gets some of his material from his own life experiences. “Kids only really are aware of what is going on when you cut the Wi-Fi off,” Bellamy joked to the audience. “It’s only after they realize that there is no connection that they come out of their rooms stunned and looking for answers as to why life has stopped.”
As of last week, Top Billing is the number one Podcast on Apple. Bellamy’s recent guests included rap artist T.I. and comedian Tony Rock. He will continue Top Billing as he jets across the country to do comedy shows around the nation. Later this year, Bellamy has a book coming out and a feature film scheduled for this fall called Back to the Strip — starring Kevin Hart, Wesley Snipes, BJ Smooth, and Gary Owen — where they play strippers trying to get their mojo back.
“I always love coming to Cleveland.” Bellamy says to the audience. “But I had no idea Cleveland rocked like this in the summer. I will never be back in November again!” Bellamy jokes. Bellamy’s new comedy special called, I Want My Life Back, details the things that everyone does daily. “It’s a tribute to getting back to normalcy. Getting over COVID, the kids getting back to school, trying to make your marriage work, going on date night, back to the movies, and just living life,” Bellamy said. I Want My Life Back can be seen on Amazon Prime, along with Bellamy’s other movies. He is also hosting a new podcast show called Top Billing, on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube where Bellamy gets back to his roots of interviewing his guests about the things that make them tick.
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It might be fair to say that Bellamy is winning in his personal and professional life by never having any controversy around him. That is something he takes pride in and protects by living a well-intentioned life.
At the end of his show, the crowd gave Bellamy a rave review of his performance by clapping for several minutes. For Bellamy, nothing has changed in a world where everything has changed and needs comics more than ever. ●
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LIFE
SPEAKING WHAT YOU WANT INTO EXISTENCE The spoken word is one of the most powerful tools used by many to impact those around them. Depending on how words are used, they can make or break one’s spirit forever.
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by Brad Bowling y mother always understood the power of the spoken word. She used to tell my brother and me to “always leave people in a better place than where you found them.” That meant that if I could not find one positive thing to say about someone, I
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was to try until I found the right words. You never know what someone might be going through and your brief encounter with them, if positive, might impact the rest of their day in a good way. The spoken word has been used forever by those who hope to positively impact those around them. Religious leaders, politicians, teachers, and doctors use the spoken word to effect change in those who are listening. They understand that if they’re going to have an impact on those listening, then they need to offer encouragement and positivity. Now imagine speaking to yourself. Imagine thinking about
[ LIFE ] the things you want for yourself. There is no better cheerleader than you, for yourself. Speaking what you want into existence is the most powerful tool we can use to manifest the things we want in life. Developing the proper mindset is the beginning of using the spoken word to invite the things you want in life to find you. This is called the Law of Attraction. Understanding this law will help give you the blueprint for getting what you want.
has an energetic and vibrational element. “Can we speak anything into existence, like being able to do something harmful to someone by calling it into existence?” That would actually be creating negative Karma for oneself. Simply put, Karma is the process based on “what you sow, so shall you reap.” If your intention is to enact harm on someone else, then at some point, you will have to face the consequences of your actions.
“Developing the proper mindset is the beginning of using the spoken word to invite the things you want in life to find you. Understanding the law of attraction will help give you the blueprint into getting what you want.” The Law of Attraction is a practice by which a person manifests their desires by putting belief into intent. It’s also known as a “self-fulfilling prophecy.” There exists a belief held by some that if a person places their will and focuses on a particular thought, as well as using items such as a journal to set the desired outcome, the Universe will, through time and its own means, fulfill the request into existence. Scientifically speaking, there is no concrete evidence that says the Law of Attraction exists. Proponents say the Law is supported by theories from quantum physics that suggest this “law”
Manifestation is not wrong or sinful if your intentions are for the good. If used appropriately, it’s a way to focus on gratitude, improve your circumstances, help others, and build confidence in yourself and your abilities. If you manifest in good faith and are willing to work for what you want, good things will come your way. After establishing a better understanding of the power of what it means to speak something into existence, let’s examine how to speak something into existence.
When you have the right mindset, incredible things appear in your life.
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[ LIFE ] EIGHT WAYS TO MANIFEST ANYTHING •
Be clear about what you want,
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Figure out how what you want makes you feel,
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Create a plan — and stick to it,
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Practice gratitude and radical kindness,
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Address limiting beliefs,
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Trust the process,
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Raise your vibration, and
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Don’t be afraid to receive and acknowledge signs from the Universe.
While there are many more ways to accomplish the goal of speaking what you want into existence, those represent a great start. It’s critical to understand that action, along with speaking what you want into existence, go hand in hand. You will need to walk in your own truth about what you want. If you desire a better life, then you will need to do the challenging work of creating a better life for yourself.
[ LIFE ] If you want to make more money, you will need to do the things that are required to create more income. There is a saying that luck looks a lot like demanding work. The same is true for speaking what you want into existence. MANIFESTING THINGS INTO EXISTENCE WITH WORDS You can make the power of words work for you by paying attention to a few things. And remember: thoughts are the words you say to yourself. Take care to:
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Think positive
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Choose the right words
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Frame your words on a positive note
Be careful not to: •
Engage in negative self-talk
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Think ill of others
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Project a wrong image of yourself to others
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Keep the company of people who are critical and unsupportive
Manifestation is all about setting goals and making them a reality. You begin by scanning your mind to know what you want to manifest. You may have so many wishes you want to manifest but you need to choose one that you really want and are passionate about. Once you have decided what you want, start your manifestation journey by focusing your energy on it. If you’re using a manifestation journal, write down your goal. With this simple step, you are adding another facet to your desire. With manifestation techniques like visualization and affirmations, you’re adding more depth and intensity to the goal. When you visualize your future in your mind’s eye, or when you create a vision board with images and words related to your goal, your focus improves. Repeating affirmations, whether you are writing them down or saying them aloud, adds to the depth. When you speak aloud, you’re adding an extra element to your goal. With this, you’re raising your positive energy, as well as making your intention about the goal clear to yourself and the Universe. Keeping your desires within your mind has its own limitations. However, when you say it aloud, even if you are the only person to hear it, the impact is huge. You feel more committed and responsible to make it happen. So, begin the journey of speaking what you want into existence and see what happens. You might be surprised at how fast you see results. Either way, you will enjoy a more positive existence with your personal ● by someone who was biased against young Black males. Trayvon Martinuniverse. was murdered CODE M / AUGUST 2022 39
HEALTH
THE BEST DATE EVER
Couples who work out together are building more than muscle, they are building a partnership that includes trust, commitment, and companionship. by Leslie Logan
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eeting and dating the right person is always the goal when looking for a meaningful relationship. It all starts with physical attraction, which then leads to creating a mental bond and the molding of separate lives into one workable union. Working out with your significant other can do more than get you both into shape, it could lead to a stronger verbal and non-verbal connection. According to Psychology Today, working out with your partner — running at the same pace, lifting weights in rhythm, or tossing a medicine ball back and forth — creates “nonverbal matching.” Nonverbal matching helps you feel “emotionally attuned with one another.” Nonverbal matching creates a higher level of communication with
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Working out together is one of the best dates ever.
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[ HEALTH ]
your partner that increases the attraction between the two of you. ships and carry that feeling forward long after the workout is over. That feeling also translates to their relationship and leads Research, conducted by Sackett-Fox and colleagues, was published to more committed and happier outcomes in other aspects of in the November 2021 issue of the Journal of Social and Personal their lives. Relationships. It found that individuals who work out together with their romantic partner experience a better mood during exer- And that is the goal for any couple looking to build on the succise, a better mood during the day, and a higher level of relation- cess they already have. So, if you want to create nonverbal ship satisfaction. matching for you and your lover, hop on a couple of treadmills and go to work. ● That is exactly what Mike Brown and Camille Phillips had in mind when the couple started working out together in January. “We hold each other accountable, and we make sure we push each other to work out as hard as we can,” Brown said. From Shaker Heights, the couple is also building a strong mental bond with one another. As their nonverbal communication develops, it continuously increases their level of trust for each other and their combined commitment. Exercising together with a romantic partner was associated with a greater positive mood during exercise — beyond the happiness boost that results from the exercise itself — and it correlated with a higher positive mood (but not reduced negative mood) during the day. Lastly, it was related to greater relationship satisfaction. Why relationship satisfaction? Perhaps because couples who work out together are engaging in activities both enjoy and value. For example, exercise helps them make progress toward health goals, such as maintaining an active lifestyle. “For us, it’s a lot of fun until one of us doesn’t want to do a workout,” Philips said. “Then we must push each other to complete the work we set out to do for the day. This keeps us in tune with our goals and we get to support each other.” Because couples spend so much time together, the merging of two goals into one helps create a deeper connection with your partner as well. Often, the goals that are set for the weight room continue to be life goals. “We cut out fast food completely,” Brown explained. “We hardly ever eat sweets. We added more vegetables and protein to our diet, and we also started cooking meals at home.”
Couples who work out together often feel happier in their relation-
Brown and Phillips keep each other motivated as they work towards a better lifestyle.
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[ HEALTH ]
LACK OF SLEEP CAN KILL The ramifications of not getting enough sleep can lead to serious consequences. Many Americans are pushing their rest to the limit and their quality of health, too. by Bolling Smith
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ust like everything else, the pandemic has changed the way we sleep. With most workers staying remote, it means that you now can work day and night depending on your desires. It also means you can lose serious rest if you don’t take some time away from work and find a workable balance.
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While having a work/life balance is important, many people are not able to mentally get away from their jobs due to the ever-changing world we live in. This lack of sleep or rest is making zombies out of most people and impacting their quality of life. It only takes one day to experience the side effects of lack of sleep, and the consequences of it can be deadly if you are not careful. “My work schedule changes and I find myself struggling to stay awake when I drive sometimes,” Carlos, from Old Brooklyn, said. “If I find myself getting sleepy, I will pull over in a rest area and get rest before I drive halfasleep.” Carlos is not alone. Many Americans are feeling the
[ HEALTH ]
Here is how the body tends to respond when you stay awake: 1 Day Staying awake for 24 hours can affect you in much the same way as intoxication. Research from 2010 suggests that staying up for 20 to 25 hours affects your focus and performance as much as having a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.10 percent. In most places, you are legally drunk when you have a BAC of 0.08 percent. You are going to want to avoid driving or doing something potentially unsafe if you have been up for a full day and night. A sleepless night can have other effects, too. You might notice things like:
stress of inflation, being overworked, and having to pay more while making less income. If you throw in the random gun violence and our current political climate, people are feeling overwhelmed, and our quality of sleep and way of life are under assault.
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daytime sleepiness
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fogginess
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changes in mood, like crankiness or a shorter temper than usual
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difficulty concentrating or making decisions
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tremors, shakiness, or tense muscles
Lack of sleep impacts us all differently. Depending on your line of • trouble seeing or hearing work, lack of sleep can be life-threatening. Anyone who drives for “I work third shift, so I understand the need to get the right a living needs to pay special attention to getting the proper amount of sleep,” Tina, from Canton, said. “It takes my body amount of sleep. about five days to adjust to a new schedule if it changes. If I Andre, from Cleveland, said, “I have been driving for Amazon for don’t get good rest, then it impacts my ability to do my job.” the last two years and I can admit that the night runs have me 2 Days feeling like a zombie during the day. If I drive for multiple nights, it When you go without sleep for 48 hours, things start to get takes a toll on my body and mind.” miserable. You may drift through the day, feeling foggy or comMultiple nights with little to no sleep only increases the dangers associated with not getting the proper amount of rest. CODE M / AUGUST 2022 45
[ LIFE ] pletely out of touch with what is happening. General effects of sleep deprivation usually worsen. You might find it even more difficult to concentrate or remember things. You may also notice increases in irritability or moodiness. The effects of sleeplessness on your immune system also intensify after two days. This can increase your chances of getting sick since your immune system can’t fight off illness as well as it usually would.
Staying awake also becomes challenging.
Charles, from Bedford, explained. “Because I drive an hour to work, then work ten hours, and then drive an hour home, I know that if I’m too tired, I will sleep in the car before I start my drive. 3 Days If you have gone three days without sleep, things are about to get weird. Chances are, you won’t be able to think about much besides sleep. You will find it difficult to focus on conversations, your work, and even your own thoughts. Even simple activities,
“Research from 2010 suggests that staying up for 20 to 25 hours affects your focus and performance as much as having a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.10 percent. In most places, you are legally drunk when you have a BAC of 0.08 percent.” After two full days without sleep, people often begin experiencing what is known as microsleep. A microsleep happens when you lose consciousness briefly, anywhere from a few seconds to half a minute. You don’t realize what’s happening until you come to, but you will be reawakened with some confusion and grogginess. “I know that I need sleep if I’m falling asleep at red lights,”
like getting up to look for something, might seem too difficult to contemplate. Along with this extreme exhaustion, you might notice your heart is beating much more rapidly than usual. You will also notice changes in mood or problems with emotional regulation. It’s common to experience feelings of de-
Driving tired is one of the most dangerous things you can do.
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[ HEALTH ] pression, anxiety, or paranoia after going without sleep for a few days. Going without sleep for this length of time can also affect your perception of reality, which can: •
cause delusional thinking and hallucinations
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make you believe inaccurate information is true
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trigger what is called the “hat phenomenon,” which happens when you feel pressure around your head
There are no quick answers for those who suffer from poor sleep. Getting as much rest as possible might mean a change in career, creating better sleep habits, or altering your lifestyle. However, you attack the problem could mean the difference in causing an accident while driving or putting other people in danger while working. The bottom line: investigate your options to get more rest and quality sleep. Your life and those you love to depend on it. ● The body will steal opportunities for sleep when it needs it.
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MUSIC
[ LIFE ]
NEW MUSIC FROM BOSS LUCCI Cleveland recording artist releases new music and shoots up the charts while trying to stay connected to his loyal followers who demand the best in his music by John Horton
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Boss Lucci
ecording artist Boss Lucci has come a long way from his complex upbringing on the gritty streets of Cleveland, Ohio. Boss Lucci takes that upbringing and puts it in his music.
With flawless flows, slick wordplay, unpredictable rhyme patterns, and vast ambition, Boss Lucci raps with old school dedication and raw individuality. Releasing his debut single Neighborhood Superstar in 2017 along with two mixtapes, one in 2018 Free Nights N Weekends and Henny Gold n Denim in 2019 prepared him for future
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success. Boss Lucci is back with his biggest hit yet Last Night Drinking. In a world full of painful departures, his art gives listeners reason to believe that, somehow, as he advances, the people who he’s left behind will still be waiting for him at the end. If you’re looking for something new to listen to. you can go to https://www.nervedjmixtapes.com and download Boss Lucci’s music. Cleveland continues to develop artists for the national stage and Boss Lucci is no different. ●
[ LIFE ]
Today’s children can feel intense societal pressures and want to hide.
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FASHION
BLACKOWNED SPIRITS CODE M does its best to support Black-owned businesses. Blending business and fashion means celebrating some of the best spirit brands in America with style and grace! Written by LARON HARLEM
A wardrobe shopper, stylist and accessories designer who specializes in dapper looks that truly appeal to the most discerning eye. mailto:styledbydecar-lo@gmail.com, https://www.styledbydecarlo.com/
MR DENNIS KEARNEY MR DAVID THOMPSON 2/3 OF THE OWNERS OF SIPSOUTH VEGAN WINE Sip & Share Wines is a boutique winery producing a diversity of handcrafted vegan wines. We're passionate about creating community with wine, especially for wine lovers often overlooked and underrepresented by the wine industry. @sipsouth https://sipandsharewines.com
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MR JAMES ROACH MR KWELLIN GORDON 2/4 OWNERS OF GREENWOOD WHISKEY Greenwood Whiskey is a premium African American owned rye whiskey brand that symbolizes a celebration of community, success, entrepreneurship, & excellence. These attributes were pillars of the Historic Greenwood District neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma – also known as, “Black Wall Street” that have inspired us to strive for greatness. By 1921 the community of Greenwood was home to 600 African American owned businesses; the largest concentration in the US during a time when African Americans didn’t have many rights or resources. Our brand is a celebration of “Black Wall Street” and the visionary entrepreneurs who came before us. @greenwoodwhiskey https:// www.greenwoodwhiskey.com/
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MR KEVIN JON OWNER OF ISLANDJON VODKA
IslandJon Vodka was founded by Levi and Kevin John. Hailing from the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago, Levi has spent his life on stage and traveling the world as a musician. In his decades of island living and world travel, Levi learned that there is nothing more important than embracing unforgettable moments. It’s this attitude that IslandJon Vodka is distilling in their award-winning craft vodkas. @islandjonvodka https://islandjon.com
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