THE MEN BEHIND THE MISSION CLE STRONG

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.

Written by ANTHONY KIRBY

When Bilal S. Akram retired from the Cleveland Fire Department he left with a heavy heart. His last five years as a firefighter, he also served as an EAP (Employee Assistance Program). That allowed him to help firefighters who struggled in life.

Akram knew something more had to be done because if these strong-willed, determined men, needed assistance, the average man needed even more assistance. In 2018 Akram launched Code Media Group, LLC with the hopes of creating a product that would continue to aid in helping Black men.

“I knew that if these strong men who were coming to talk to me needed help, that all men could use some type of encouragement to deal with the problems we all face,” Akram said.

CODE M Magazine was born out of a need of a lack of positive representation for how Blac men live, how they feel, and most importantly, how they see themselves.

But Akram wanted CODE M to be more than just a magazine, he wanted to be a movement. Akram knew that if it was done right it could make a difference around the world. When he met with Brad Bowling, he realized that Bowling had the same vision.

“When I met Brad, he told me my own vision board for the company without even seeing it. So I knew he could take the company to the next level,” Akram said.

In 2020 Bowling joined Code Media Group as the coowner and President of the company and worked to bring their vision board to life.

“With my background as a journalist and having owned a marketing agency, it was the right time to put all those things together to make the magazine a viable option for those who need a true perspective of how Blacks think and report on the kinds of stories that resonate with that audience,” Bowling said.

That goal has created a monthly publication that has grown to over 1.4 million readers around the United States and world and is considered the only national Black men’s magazine.

Along with the Magazine Code Media Group owns a cigar line, clothing line, media agency and non-profit.

“We launched the non-profit to effect real change in those who need it,” Akram continued, “We want to be able to make a difference in young peoples lives, so we donate and provide respite for those who otherwise would not get a chance to go on vacation.”

Their hopes for 2023 are to reach as many Black men as possible so the magazine continues it’s mission to be a movement of positive inspiration for those who need it. Many feel like the main stream media only shows Blacks in a negative light and like CODE M serves as a counter balance to that.

“Our job a CODE M is to showcase and highlight men of color doing incredible things. We put people in the magazine who ordinarily wouldn’t get the praise the deserve by other media outlets. We feel like if you make the lives of Black men better, you make the world better,” Bowling said. ●

Most people think CEOs have all the answers. But when they don’t or they need assistance, they call Tiffany Murphy. Murphy’s company, The Culture Equity, offers executive leadership training and consulting for executives who desire to become more well-rounded.

The Culture Equity offers executive development, along with strategic planning for some of the largest companies in the United States.