INSIDE

Feminine Fortune

Femininity is often associated with weakness, vulnerability, and dependency. However, this is far from the truth. Femininity is a powerful force that embodies strength, resilience, and compassion.

On The Cover

SHEILA E.: LA VIDA GLAMOROSA

Music legend, Sheila E., discusses what drives her passion for music and her future plans as she tours the

14 MASTER THE MUNDANECELEBRATE THE MAGNIFICENT same thing.

Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond, bestselling author, wants everyone to live in their purpose. So she decided to make it her life’s work to make sure everyone finds their self-worth.

24 MAMA’S GOT A BRAND-NEW BAG country.

10 MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Get to know people who are making a difference in their careers and changing the world!

12 MAN CODES Confidence.

16 CODE M CELEBRATES 10 WOMEN ACHIEVERS WHO ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE

CODE M was born to showcase and highlight Black people who are making a difference for their businesses, community, and their families. We are proud to celebrate these women this month and we encourage you to do the

Black women have made incredible strides in the last 30 years. They are outpacing Black men in income, home ownership, education, and professionally. They have the bag and make no excuses for it.

28 Celebrating Women

“I was honored to be featured on the front cover of CODE M magazine a few months ago with my wife as we discussed marriage and money. We were amazed with all the positive responses from readers, across America and even other countries.“

Time Makes The Man

Men have very few accessories to pick from when it comes to adding to their style. Time pieces add a personal touch that defines who is wearing it.

40 THE EVER-CHANGING WOMEN’S MOVEMENT

Throughout history, women have struggled to live, work, and play on a level playing field with men. It still ain’t happenin’.

50 The Beauty In The Journey

The CODE M Health section has encouraged empowered men to dominate this year through no equipment and no -cost physical and wellness information and routines. Men or women can significantly enhance their lives by reading the articles and implementing the calls to action. This month, JUNE we shift the paradigm and adhere to the nourishment of women.

54 LIVING IN THE MOMENT

Avery Sunshine has found her groove, post-pandemic, by falling back in love with her writing, her music, her fans, and the journey of this thing called life.

60 Fashion Dresses

As summer approaches, women will have the opportunity to shine in amazing summer dresses. Nothing better than stepping out in fashion.

PUBLISHER

Bilal S. Akram

PRESIDENT

Brad J. Bowling

SENIOR ADVISOR

Alexandria Johnson Boone

MANAGING EDITOR

David Christel

PAGE EDITORS

Anthony Kirby-Lifestyles

Laron Harlem-Fashion

Paris Lampkins-Movers & Shakers

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Stiff Arm Media

MEDIA COORDINATOR

Carole Anthony

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

To the PUBLISHER

Ladonna “Lala” Dicks

DIRECTOR OF RADIO/PODCAST

Anita Butler

RADIO/PODCAST HOSTS

Darrell Scott

Grace Roberts

ENGINEER RADIO/PODCAST

Imari Hill

SOCIAL MEDIA

Rachel Woods

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

David Williams

Kevin Jones

IT CONSULTANT

Anthony Jones

Digital Jetstream, LLC

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

David Christel

Leslie Logan

Brad J. Bowling

Garrett Wallers

Bilal S. Akram

Laron Harlem

Bolling Smith

Chris Matthews

Anthony Kirby nce Burnley

CODE MEDIA GROUP LLC

STAFF

Sharif Akram

#CODEMAGINTL

To submit comments, feedback or to inquire about advertising please contact us at info@codemediagroupllc.com

TRANSFORMING CODE M Magazine was created to be a guiding force in creating a dialogue for black men everywhere. Code M focuses on the conversations of advancement, mental health, career choices, the political landscape and relationships that define and shape the lives of black men everywhere.

CEO AND CFO: BILAL AKRAM bilal.akram@codemediagroupllc.com 216-695-0911 PRESIDENT: BRAD BOWLING brad.bowling@codemediagroupllc.com 440-796-5763 ADVERTISING: KEVIN JONES kevin.jones@codemedialgroupllc.com 216-926-3999

Brittany Smith

Brittany Smith grew up in the inner city of Cleveland, attending Cleveland Public Schools such as the Cleveland School of the Arts and Glenville High School. Brittany developed a passion for helping others in the city at a young age and has spent most of her professional career doing so.

Brittany began her work directly in the Glenville community as early as high school where she worked at the Glenville recreation center after school. Brittany would then attend Kent State University and earn a

Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology with a minor in political science. Shortly after she graduated, she began work at the St. Martin De Porres Center located in Ward 9. There, she provided parenting education on development, nutrition, and other factors that contribute to the overall health of infants and toddlers.

HANNE-LORE GAMBELL

While pursuing her JD / MBA from The University of Akron School of Law and The University of Akron College of Business Administration, respectively, Hanne-Lore was an Associate Editor for the Akron Law Review.

She also served as President of The University of Akron’s Chapter of Black Law Students Association from 2016-2018, winning National BLSA’s Small Chapter of the Year for the 2017-2018 academic year; and Chief of Staff for the Midwest Region of National Black Law Students Association where she assisted with coordinating the 2018 MWBLSA Regional Conference in St. Louis, MO. Hanne-Lore also volunteered with the Inmate Assistance Program, where she assisted inmates at Summit County Jail with legal research issues.

AMBER C. PAYDEN

With over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, and partnerships. Amber has worked in National Accounts for companies such as AT&T and James Hardie Building Products. Managing corporate and retail relationships with Apple, LG, HTC, Home Depot, Lowes, Best Buy, and more.

After leaving AT&T; Amber started her own marketing agency focusing on sports wearables, Healthcare SaaS products, and youth consumer sports brands, with clients ranging from the Lebron James Shooting AllStars Tournament, Pulmonary Apps, and Nascar Race for Autism Initiative featuring driver Armani Williams.

DR. LISA BELL

Lisa Bell is a program management specialist, educator, business owner, community servant, and mother. Dr. Bell currently serves as Deputy Assistant Program Manager for the National Aeronautics Space Administration (NASA) Office of STEM Engagement (OSTEM) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (“NSTEM”) contract; which is valued at approximately $290 million.

In this role, Dr. Bell leads and supports the continuity of services under a model of excellence; promoting NASA’s vision and mission to immerse students, especially those underrepresented and underserved in NASA’s work and research, enhance STEM literacy, and aiming to inspire the next generation of aeronautics and space explorers. Dr. Bell provides crossfunctional supervisory support for the Office of STEM Engagements’ Awards & Grants functions, Engagement & Recruitment functions, Internal Business Solutions.