INSIDE

12 MAN CODES Persistence.

14 THE MEN BEHIND THE MISSION

When Bilal S. Akram launched his vision for a magazine that targeted Black men, he knew it could make a difference. That difference has turned into a mission to celebrate Black men all around the world.

16 THE CEO’S SAVING GRACE

Tiffany Murphy could be called the CEO whisperer, due to her ability to advise and consult some of America’s top Executives. Her journey started when she bet on herself and became her own boss.

21 MIND MOTIVATION FOR A BETTER LIFE

Getting your body in incredible shape doesn’t have to be complicated. If you’ve been following along with CODE M’s four-part Home Workout Without Weights series, you know just how true this is.

30 DIVIDED STATES OF AMERICA

Americans are being divided on everything from race, class, sex, and sexuality to political affiliation. And while everyone is busy arguing with each other, the country is slowly slipping away into a bottomless pit of low expectations.

46 Distraction Creates On Action

Social media distraction is at an all-time high. It’s to the point where people aren’t living, but instead choose to sit in isolation, all day, and view reel after reel.

56 Socks And Cocktails

If you haven’t noticed by now, Socks make the man. Here is our take on blending great fashion and spirits one incredible look.

Nothing But Fireworks

Advertise With Code M

Blacks influence the latest trends of popular culture, fashion, and music more than any demographic. Reach them when you advertise with CODE M Magazine. With over 1.4 million viewers monthly, we have your audience. Call 216-273-9400 to request a rate kit.

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

Shauntina Lilly

Shauntina Lilly is a performance-driven communications and diversity equity & inclusion leader with proven experience in developing strategies and programming to effectively propel objectives forward. Lilly currently serves as the manager of public relations, diversity & inclusion at JOANN Stores, a multibillion-dollar specialty craft retailer headquartered in Hudson, OH.

Lilly utilizes her expansive 13-year background in public relations to combat crisis matters, manage brand perception, and partner with influential media and content creators to garner awareness for key launches and initiatives.

Additionally within her dual role, Lilly has led the company's diversity and inclusion focus from inception, and continues to successfully foster a culture of belonging and representation across a myriad of facets.

DR. LEANNE MOORE

Dr. LeAnne Moore is dually board certified in pharmacotherapy and infectious diseases. Currently, she is the co-director of pediatric antimicrobial stewardship at a children’s hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. As a pharmacist in this role she ensures that children are on the best medications to treat infections.

She works inter-professionally with physicians, nurses, and nurse practitioners to develop best practices and treatment guidelines. The antimicrobial stewardship program with her co-leadership has garnered national recognition as a Center of Excellence by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).

Kwame Botchway

LaRaun Clayton, MBA, LSW - is an U.S Army Veteran, Nonprofit leader, Licensed Social Worker and Certified Yoga Instructor. LaRaun currently serves as Vice President, Veterans & Housing for Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana and Also teaches Power Yoga at Cleveland Yoga – Little Italy. His professional career has been dedicated to supporting and advocating for Veterans, the LGBTQIA+ Community and People living with HIV/AIDS.HIs commitment to service is shown through active board membership with local and national organizations addressing disparities within various communities, specifically communities of color.

He's also a lover of all things Cleveland, Yoga CrossFit, Running and spending time with his husband Charles. Additionally, he is currently an Ambassador for Lululemon and the Union Home Mortgage Cleveland Marathon Race weekend.

Abra Smith

Abra Smith is a nutritionist, holistic wellness educator and community advocate. She currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan with her two sons, Christian (15) and Carter (12) and is originally from Cleveland, Ohio. Abra earned a Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Sonoran University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ferris State University and is also certified as a health coach, life coach and trauma & resiliency trainer. She will complete a 200-hour yoga teacher certification in 2023.

Through her family’s own personal health struggles, Abra became inspired to learn more about the connection between sickness, disease, and nutrition and how to help people to heal naturally. Abra has served her community over the years as an educator in the public schools and community educator, a business owner, family advocate, quality coach, trainer, local wellness collaborator and board member.