INSIDE

Feminine Fortune 44

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

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

14 MASTER OF MUNDANE-CELEBRATE THE MAGNIFICENT same thing.

Dr. Michelle McKinney Hammond, bestselling author, wants everyone to live in their purpose. So she decided to make it her lives 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.

AFRICA’S HOTTEST NEWCOMER

The world stage shrinks when a generational artist hits the stage. Africa’s Tyla is setting the recording industry on fire and creating a whole new fan base.

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 and 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, may 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

Alicia Robinson

Dream-Believe-Achieve isn't just Limitless Ambition's motto, it's the mindset that fuels Executive Director, Alicia Robinson. Alicia began with a vision of empowering a generation of young women that would one day change the world. The first-generation college graduate walked away from a career in fashion to pursue her purpose and grew the seed of an idea into Limitless Ambition, a fully-functioning non-profit organization that changes the way young women dream of their futures. Limitless Ambition has empowered over 5,000 young women through teen enrichment programs, women's empowerment events and by donating care packages to young girls in foster care. Additionally, Alicia serves as the Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships at Summit Education Initiative - an organization with a goal to increase personal and regional prosperity through educational attainment. Alicia holds a Master's Degree in Human Development and Family Studies and a Bachelor's Degree in Fashion Merchandising from Kent State University. She currently serves on the Greater Akron Chamber Women's Leadership Council, The United Way of Summit County Board of Directors, and the Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio Board of

CURTIS MINTER, JR.

Curtis Minter, Jr was born and raised in Akron, Ohio where he still resides today. For nearly a decade, he has led in the local nonprofit sector that quickly snowballed into a lifelong commitment of serving others through urban revitalization, economic development and social enterprising. In doing so, Curtis learned how to explore these uses in effort to problem solve and better conditions for his community.

Curtis joined senior management at The Well Community Development Corporation where he is primarily responsible for asset management, driving community engagement and operations. In recent history, he's launched his own freelance consulting business to continue his desire to socially engineer change in his community in the spirit of Charles Hamilton Houston.

Deonte Gibson

Deonte Gibson is currently the Defensive Line Coach/Run Game Coordinator for Youngstown State University. In 2020, he was named to 24/7 Sports 30 under 30 coaches. The young veteran coach has produced and recruited multiple All Conference Players, as well as maintaining at least a 3.0 academically within his rooms as a coach.

Along with his wife Dominique of three years, he attended Northwestern University with an undergraduate degree in Communication Studies, as well as a Master’s Degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. Deonte is also a member of Omega Psi Phi, Incorporated.

JASON “NATO” LOUISSAINT

My name is Jason "Nato" Louissaint, chef name is CHEFVIP or let the people say it Mr. VIP or ChefNato. I'm from Canarsie, Brooklyn. Born and raised till ATL adopted me later on. I've been cooking since I was 7 years of age, being mentored by loving Father Chef Marco & loving mother. As well as my grandmother and aunts.

31 years total cooking with 18 years professional underneath my belt. I specialize in Haitian, Caribbean, Mediterranean, American, Italian, and a wide range of delicious authentic Ethnic dishes and cuisines. More Global Fusion, than anything! I love food, food is life, food is art, food can be magic, but over food is a blessing. To be talented in this field and industry and love it whole heartedly with every once of you is passion. I love what I do, I enjoy what I do, and I thank those who've paid the way for me prior on instilling in me great knowledge about the business, the kitchen, the