2025 CODE M MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER ISSUE

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN

COOLER WEATHER MEANS COOLER CLOTHES

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES The new Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO, Jamar O. Rahming discusses his vision for the library and the future of CCPL’s 27 branches.

DREAMING OF LOVE WITH A BROKEN HEART

THE DEMISE OF DECISION MAKING

+ INTIMACY REIMAGINED

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SEPTEMBER 2025 ISSUE

[ CLE ]

22 APRIL2025 / CODE M

[ BUSINESS ]

[ LIFE ]

44 SEPTEMBER2025 / CODE M

[ HEALTH ]

!

CODE M / SEPTEMBER2025 45

8 SEPTEMBER2025 / CODE M

INSIDE

48

INTIMACY REIMAGINED

A journey of connec on, growth, and self-discovery.

ON THE COVER

40

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES The new Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO, Jamar O.

Rahming discusses his vision for the library and the future of CCPL’s 27 branches.

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

17 MAN CODES Civil rights.

20 THE DEMISE OF DECISION MAKING

Though ul reasoning seems to have

exited the arena in America. Nowadays, instead of making decisions based on a ra onal decision tree, we’re leapfrogging over all that and arriving at violence as the answer to everything.

26 EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS The outcomes of our educa on system affect everyone. A strong school system builds a strong economy. It shapes workforce readiness, civic engagement, innova on, and public trust.

33 NONE OF US IS THE ENEMY OF THE OTHER We’re living in very disorien ng mes right now. Fear, insecurity, unchecked greed and lust, and deluded psychosis seem to have overrun our country.

39 CODE M BEAUTY Amazing women are refining what it means to be sexy.

54 DREAMING OF LOVE WITH A BROKEN HEART

Falling in love can be one of the most rewarding things one can do in life. Having that love no longer want you can some mes cause the kind of pain that can last a life me. Here are some ps to follow if you fall vic m to the need to get over a lost love.

62 THE DIVINE 9 Get to know people who are making a difference in their organiza ons and in their careers.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 9

[ INSIDE ] 64 ART, ADVOCACY, AND TRANSFORMATION

How figh ng for ethnic ar sts changes everything — and why this fight ma ers now.

70 KEEPING THE BEAT FOR EVERYONE

18

COMPETING EVERY DAY Excelling as a Black in America takes a special commitment to blocking the noise of society by crea ng an impenetrable mindset that dominates the senses and allows for consistency in execu on towards life’s goals.

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Robert Hubbard, and Hubb’s Groove, have been a consistent answer for those who covet live entertainment.

His blend of smooth sounds keeps the beat for all music lovers.

72 COOLER WEATHER MEANS COOLER CLOTHES As the temperature falls, the opportunity for warmer clothes rises, leading to a whole new brand of fall fashions.

ADVERTISE WITH CODE M Blacks influence the latest trends of popular culture, fashion, and music more than any demographic. Reach them when you adver se with CODE M Magazine. With over 1.4 million viewers monthly, we have your audience.

Call 216-273-9400 to request a rate kit.

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN

ENGINEER RADIO/PODCAST Chris Westbrooks

PUBLISHER Bilal S. Akram

SOCIAL MEDIA Rachel Woods

PRESIDENT Brad J. Bowling SENIOR ADVISOR

Alexandria Johnson Boone MANAGING EDITOR David Christel CHIEF OF STAFF Anita G. Butler PAGE EDITORS Laron Harlem-Fashion Editor Paris Lampkins-Movers & Shakers Editor

Randall Sylvertooth-Tech Editor Valerie Starks-Hu on-Beauty Editor

IT CONSULTANT Anthony Jones Digital Jetstream, LLC CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Christel Leslie Logan Brad J. Bowling Bilal S. Akram Laron Harlem Bolling Smith Randall Sylvertooth Latoya Smith Monique Wingard Raland Hatche

GRAPHIC DESIGN S ff Arm Media MEDIA COORDINATOR Carole Anthony

CODE MEDIA GROUP LLC STAFF

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Sharif Akram

To the PUBLISHER

Darrell Sco

Ladonna “Lala” Dicks

Subscribe FREE online: www.codemmagazine.com #CODEMAGINTL To submit comments, feedback or to inquire about adver sing please contact us at info@codemediagroupllc.com CEO AND CFO: BILAL AKRAM

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CODE M Magazine was created to be a guiding force in crea ng a dialogue for black men everywhere. Code M focuses on the conversa ons of advancement, mental health, career choices, the poli cal landscape and rela onships that define and shape the lives of black men everywhere.

Code M Magazine is published

by CODE MEDIA GROUP, LLC © 2025 All Rights Reserved

[ TRAVEL ]

CODE M / APRIL2025 9

MOVERS &

SHAKERS

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

by Paris Lampkins

AMANDA TALTON A proud Cleveland na ve, Amanda Talton is deeply driven by a passion for service, leadership, and community impact. With an educa onal background in Criminal Jus ce, she has built a career rooted in empowering others to reach their fullest poten al. In her role as a program manager, Talton develops and leads ini a ves that foster personal growth, learning opportuni es, and community connec on, ensuring individuals of all ages have access to resources that support their goals.

Talton is also a cer fied minority business advocate, using her pla orm to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion while helping entrepre-

14 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

neurs and community members navigate opportuni es for advancement. Over the years, she has sharpened her skills in marke ng, graphic design, and strategic communica ons, which she leverages to amplify voices, tell stories, and strengthen community engagement.

Her commitment to youth mentorship and development is central to her mission. Believing in the transforma ve power of guidance and exposure, Talton creates programs that inspire young people to think beyond limita ons and embrace their best selves. Known for her authen city and dedica on, she con nues to grow as both a leader and lifelong learner, embodying resilience, crea vity, and service in every space she enters.

[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]

DR. DREW LEWIS Dr. Drew Lewis is President of the Southeast Region School of Medicine, launching in Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama in 2026 to help address America’s healthcare staffing shortage.

A physician leader and healthcare execu ve with over 20 years of experience, Dr. Lewis has dedicated his career to improving health outcomes, expanding access to care, and building sustainable healthcare systems.

As President and COO of United Healthcare System of Georgia, he has spearheaded community-based ini a ves that close gaps in healthcare delivery, support underserved popula ons, and strengthen public health infrastructure.

At the Southeast Region School of Medicine, Dr. Lewis oversees the ins tu on’s expansion across mul ple states and interna onally, ensuring the school grows into a hub for medical educa on and workforce development.

His leadership focuses on developing strong academic partnerships, recrui ng top- er faculty, and designing training programs that prepare future clinicians to thrive in diverse healthcare environments. He works closely with local and glob-

al partners to create sustainable models of care and educa on that address both regional and interna onal needs.

MATTHEW GLOVER Ma hew Glover is the Founder & President of Capacity Catalyst Consul ng, a cer fied Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) that partners with nonprofits and businesses to strengthen financial health, secure sustainable funding, and scale impact.

He is a seasoned banking professional, strategic advisor and former funder. Ma hew brings over 14 years of leadership experience in Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) strategy, affordable housing, business development, investments, and capacity building.

Capacity Catalyst Consul ng leverages tradi onal donor strategies, High Net Worth (HNW) Donor Strategy for fund their development. Their team specializes in delivering customized solu ons for client-partners.

"Unlock your organiza ons Full Poten al" by contac ng Capacity Catalyst Consul ng at www.capacitycatalystllc.com or Ma hew@capacitycatalystllc.com

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 15

18 SEPTEMBER2025 / CODE M

START

Thurgood Marshall

CIVIL RIGHTS MAN CODES:

Compiled by Bilal S. Akram

“Some mes it seems like to tell the truth today is to run the risk of being killed. But if I fall, I’ll fall 5 feet 4 inches forward in the fight for freedom.” - Fannie Lou Hamer “If one really wishes to know how jus ce is administered in a country, one does not ques on the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, or the protected members of the middle class. One goes to the unprotected — those, precisely, who need the law’s protec on most! — and listens to their tes mony.”

- James Baldwin “Black Power simply means: Look at me, I’m here. I have dignity.

I have pride. I have roots. I insist, I demand that I par cipate in those decisions that affect my life and the lives of my children. It means that I am somebody.” - Whitney M. Young, Jr.

at peace unless he has his freedom.” - Malcolm X “I wish I could say that racism and prejudice were only distant memories. We must dissent from the indifference. We must dissent from the apathy. We must dissent from the fear, the hatred and the mistrust. … We must dissent because America can do be er, because America has no choice but to do be er.”

- Thurgood Marshall “It is impossible to struggle for civil rights, equal rights for blacks, without including whites. Because equal rights, fair play, jus ce, are all like the air: we all have it, or none of us has it.

That is the truth of it.” - Maya Angelou Romans 8:31 “What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” NIV

“You can’t separate peace from freedom because no one can be CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 17

[ START ]

COMPETING EVERY DAY Excelling as a Black in America takes a special commitment to blocking the noise of society by crea ng an impenetrable mindset that dominates and allows for consistency in execu on towards life’s goals.

A

By Bolling Smith kil Marshall is no ordinary man. The deep thinker has always been on a mission to create a meaningful life for himself, his children, and his community. Marshall grew up in an era of America wherein Black men were not supposed to want much. And depending on who you talk to, Black men were given even less.

But Marshall has always moved to the beat of his own drum. His mentality, gi ed to him by his strong ancestors, is the founda on that his integrity stands on. When you speak to Marshall, you quick-

18 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

ly realize that he has a determina on to elevate anything around him. A way of thinking that was seen as a threat to post slavery America.

“Growing up, I was always a very proud Black man. I studied history, and I studied American history. I also knew who I was based on world history,” Marshall explained. “So I have been able to feel very good about myself and not go for the propaganda.”

Marshall defines propaganda as the mantra that Black men are lazy and shi less, that Black men are absent in their children’s lives, and that Black men have no mo va on or drive.

Marshall’s educa on allowed him to escape a forced percep on of what Black men are. He created his own definion of himself by working hard at his cra . That cra was everything and then some.

Marshall has had several careers. The father of six, he has

Anth Brow vario se

hony wn in ous ngs

[ START ] never failed at anything he has a empted. Over his sixty-year career, he has been in athle cs, entertainment, and educa on.

His level of success in each career has given him the life he’s always expected and enjoyed.

Marshall’s first career was in sports. He was the first sports trainer in American sports, and he defined the category of sports training for the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He developed a program called “Winning in America,” becoming the first strength coach in the Na onal Basketball Associa on (NBA) working with professional athletes to train and protect their bodies from injury.

Marshall understands that in order for young Black men to excel, they are going to have to work twice as hard just to get less than half of what their white counterparts are ge ng. The ba le begins from within oneself. Marshall has wri en over twenty children’s books that teach and preach self-mo va on and that guide his readers through the obstacles of Black life so they can get what they want. The books serve as a blueprint for young souls who desire more from themselves and those around them.

Marshall developed a series of pledges that he teaches from his “Winning in Life” program. Those pledges are: ·

I will be successful.

·

I will not be a loser.

·

I will not give up because I care about my future.

·

I will ask for help when needed.

“For us to really get to the next stage of Black evolu on, we need to bond with one another,” he said. “I always ask for permission when I’m talking to people, especially young people. That gives them the chance to trust me, so we can build on that rela onship. Then the bonding can start.”

Marshall understands the mentality of today’s youth. With social media and how young people think, they may not want to hear what you have to say because you need to be somebody in order to get their a en on.

What young people find out a er mee ng Marshall is that he’s an accomplished person. Career number two includes his dance company that performed all of the US, one hundred shows a year. Those shows added up to performing in front of over 1.4 million people over the decades that Marshall toured the country.

Marshall is credited with many things, but his proudest achievement is the twenty years he has spent as an educator.

Today, Marshall s ll teaches and speaks to the public, when requested, to help bridge the gap between the old and new to those who desire a more accomplished life over a life of mere existence.

Marshall is a walking museum who s ll has many things to offer and lessons to teach. For him, compe ng is walking in his purpose and teaching people how to win in life. If winning means giving back, then Marshall has won! ●

“One of the things that hurts success the most is when people will not ask for help when they need it,” Marshall said. “We as Blacks try to be independent, but we need to create more unity and ask for help when we need it.”

Marshall also teaches the art of humility to those around him.

He understands that pride can some mes get in the way of progress. And in the Black community, young men and women can’t afford to stumble when a emp ng to do something posi ve.

Throughout Marshall’s professional career, he has learned the subtle differences that really create impact with his teachings and how people react to him when he’s a emp ng to share something new.

Akil Marshall has wri en over 20 children’s books over his career. He is also credited with being the first strength coach for the NBA.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 19

LIFE

THE DEMISE OF DECISION MAKIN

Though ul arena in Am decisions we’re leapf violenc 20 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ LIFE ]

NG

reasoning seems to have exited the merica. Nowadays, instead of making s based on a ra onal decision tree, frogging over all that and arriving at ce as the answer to everything.

Wri en by DAVID CHRISTEL David has been ghostwri ng books for well-known people since 1995. He is also the author of Married Men Coming Out: The Ul mate Guide to Becoming the Man You Were Born to Be.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 21

ART

HEALING THROUGH COLOR Healing comes from all kinds of places. In art, healing comes from the calmness of expression, passion and the crea on of masterpieces that use color to transform the soul.

A

By Raland Hatche rt has always been humanity’s universal language of healing, but for ar st Ramel, it became something even more profound that transformed personal tragedy into a powerful force for connec on and empowerment. His journey from childhood trauma to becoming a soughta er ar st whose work resonates across cultural

28 SEPTEMBER2025 / CODE M

L

[ LIFE ]

eapfrog has always been considered a kids’ game — a fun and silly physical ac vity. But it’s also been used to describe circumven ng steps in a process in order to arrive at an end result more quickly. At mes, it’s an appropriate, efficient, and effec ve move. Then there are the mes when all it does is escalate a tenuous situa on into something dangerous and even murderous.

Here’s the usual decision-making process:

What we’re seeing in today’s America is a stressed-out, anxious, burned-out, fearful, disappointed, frustrated, and angry populaon. The list of what’s making us so up ght is very long. It’s also pervasive and unrelen ng, with no clear answers, easy solu ons, or light at the end of the tunnel in sight.

Most people are unconscious of the fact that all of this is taking a toll on their mental and emo onal well-being and physical health, as well as their a tude and outlook about our country and life in general. Equally, they have no idea how to effec vely and healthfully deal with the impact of their distress on themselves and the people around them.

Hence, what we’re seeing more and more is people primed to dispense with their usual decision-making process and immediately opt to respond with anger. Anger, as we all know, overrides all other emo ons in a frac on of a second. It’s like a light switch being flipped on. Suddenly, all reasoning evaporates into a pumped-up ego stuck in fight mode — forget about flight or freeze.

Now the progression is about survival, being right, and winning.

And here’s where the “Demise of Decision Making” comes into play: With approximately 398.5 million firearms owned by Americans in 2025 and in 2023, a total of 512 million guns produced for the US market, a gun quickly becomes the judge and jury in an alterca on because it’s the ul mate threat that can ensure “winning.”

In 2024, over 30,000 people died from gun-related injuries.

Since January of 2025, there have been approximately 200 reported mass shoo ngs in the US, with 165 people killed and 897 injured.

Annually, around 10 million people experience domes c violence in the US. So, violence as a means to enact a “solu on” is endemic in the US, with new reports coming in every day. What this says is that, generally, many people are foregoing not only a basic decisionmaking process, but the use of any cri cal thinking. The irony of “cri cal” thinking is that it’s ignored during “cri cal” situa ons.

·

Iden fy what decision needs to be made

·

Gather relevant informa on

·

Iden fy alterna ve solu ons

·

Weigh the evidence

·

Make a choice from the alterna ves

·

Take appropriate ac on

·

Review the decision made and its consequences

Of the steps above, #1 and 2 are addressed but only superficially. None of the other steps are considered. Instead, one’s suppressed — and o en unconscious — anger, anxiety, frustraon, and fear are immediately triggered, exploding on a scale from 1 to 100 in a nanosecond. The need to defend one’s posion, status, manhood, vanity, and virility — whether male or female — is set off like an autonomic response and the clash is on. Now, nothing else ma ers, only “coming out the victor!”

What triggers an angry reac on can be as li le as being clumsy, to another’s rudeness, to outright being a acked. ·

Fi y percent of drivers respond to the careless acts of other drivers with aggressive behavior themselves.

·

There’s been a 500% increase in reported cases of road rage over the last ten years, with thirty murders annually linked to road rage.

·

The FBI reports that a violent crime occurs on average every 25.9 seconds.

·

75% of US adults feel that violence and crime are significant sources of stress.

·

About 34% of adults report feeling that stress is completely overwhelming for them on most days.

·

And finally, a Gallup poll comparing stress throughout the world found that the US has one of the highest percentages of stress in its ci zens: 53%

We are so ghtly wound up that the slightest incident can make us launch into a rade. What’s unfortunate is that so many of the conflicts occurring in our backyard and throughout our country have ended badly and have caused trauma to untold numbers of people. The fact is that we are experiencing a world of hurt on so many levels that it seems any a empts are fruitless because nothing appears to be changing, only ge ng worse. Compounding that is the fact that non-stop nega vity and pain hit us in the face every single day like a dump truck CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 23

[ LIFE ] unloading its trash.

·

A end spiritual discussions/workshops

So, it really comes down to each individual learning how to effec- · Watch sunrises/sunsets and meteor showers vely alleviate the stressors and anxiety in their life, to manage · Help out at a shelter for the unhoused or a soup kitchen their expecta ons, and seek posi ve support. We each need to be mindful of what we’re focusing on and whether that’s upli - And there’s so much more you could do for yourself. One thing not men oned in the prior list is working with a trained theraing and enlivening or just the opposite. There is so much noise and distrac on in our lives today that we need to become more pist or a ending a support group. Both can be extremely helpful in assis ng you to 1) unload and release your anxiety and stress, discerning about what we let into our minds, hearts, and lives.

2) gain a be er perspec ve on your life and the world around Some of the easiest ways to let go of stress involve things you’re you, 3) learn more about yourself and the “why” behind your already aware of, so here’s a li le encouragement to start them stress, anxiety, anger, and fear, and 4) develop techniques and or do them more o en: skills that will help you stay centered and balanced in any situa· Listen to relaxing music on. ·

Get out in nature

·

Go to art galleries and museums

·

Take up an enjoyable hobby

·

Join a book club

·

Take various classes to expand your knowledge

·

Work with the elderly in a senior care home

·

Teach something you really enjoy

·

Do some things you’ve been pu ng off that bring you joy

·

Spend more me with family and friends

·

Take yoga, Tai Chi, or a dance class

·

Watch movies that inspire and upli you

·

Go see theater produc ons with friends

·

Start that book you’ve always wanted to write

·

Go to the gym more regularly

·

Explore your town, state, and the US

·

Learn to meditate and do deep breathing exercises

The fact is that the world isn’t going to change, and people aren’t going to change because you want them to. You can’t change anyone but yourself. Only you can decide what to let into your life and thus be in charge of your life.

Yes, the world is going to come at you in some insidious and pervasive way, trying to get your a en on and suck you into all its drama. That can’t happen if you are in charge of your life.

Deepak Chopra urges us on with “Every me you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask yourself if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future.”

So that brings us back to our primary theme of leapfrogging, which, at the beginning of this ar cle, it was said that we leapfrog over all sorts of things. That includes leapfrogging over our decision-making process — mothballing our cri cal thinking — which can cause a lot of upset and aggravated conflict. But it’s our calm cri cal thinking that’s going to save us from ourselves.

When it comes to our hearts, our inner being, and who we truly are, it’s not all the anxiety, fear, anger, frustra on, insecuri es, and stress pushing us to react, usually inappropriately. We’re greater than that, stronger than that, more resilient and crea ve than that. The leapfrogging we’re seeing going on around us is not helping, only exacerba ng tense situa ons. We don’t need to include ourselves in that.

Ge ng back to though ul reasoning will help us stay out of conflict, as well as keep us more even-keeled emo onally and, ul mately, sane. Let’s avoid leapfrogging and choose a be er, wiser approach to life. As Maya Angelou said, “If you are going down a road and don't like what's in front of you, and look behind you and don't like what you see, get off the road. Create a new path!” ● People are pu ng no thought into the decisions they make.

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[ ART ]

Charter House Grill Images.

These pain ngs heal using visual s mula on.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 31

EDUCATION

EDUCATION AT A CROSSROADS The outcomes of our educa on system affect everyone. A strong school system builds a strong economy. It shapes workforce readiness, civic engagement, innova on, and public trust.

Wri en by MONIQUE WINGARD is a digital media consultant, journalist, and communica ons scholar. She is the founder of SAVVY Consul ng & Communicaons, where she supports women-led organiza ons in strengthening their digital presence. Her work has appeared in The Chicago Defender, WTTW-Chicago/PBS, Blavity, and EBONY magazine.

26 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ EDUCATION ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 27

[ LIFE ]

60 SEPTEMBER2025 / CODE M

[ EDUCATION ]

A

cross the country — and especially in Ohio — educa on is standing at a crossroads. Lawmakers debate what should be taught, families demand more equitable resources, and schools scramble to prepare students for a world powered by technology and crea vity. At the same me, new restric ons, funding ba les, and literacy gaps reveal just how high the stakes have become.

concern. As of the spring 2024 assessment, nearly 40 percent of Ohio students in grades 3 through 8 are not proficient in English language arts — a gap that ReadOhio, the state’s evidence-based literacy ini a ve launched by Governor Mike DeWine, is working to close. It’s an effort aimed at more than just reading scores — it’s about raising the floor for learning across subjects.

In recent months, lawmakers in Ohio passed a new law requiring school districts to limit student cellphone use during school hours — a move intended to reduce distrac ons but one that raises deeper ques ons about access and equity. At the same me, billions in federal educa on funding — previously delayed — are being released following pushback from educators and policymakers across the state. While the law was introduced by the governor, the responsibility for carrying it out now falls squarely on local districts.

According to the Na onal Assessment of Educa onal Progress (NAEP), Ohio consistently falls in the bo om half of states for reading proficiency, underscoring how urgent these reforms really are. But literacy alone won’t move students forward. They must also be prepared to lead in an economy driven by technology, crea vity, and problem -solving. The Ohio Department of Educa on’s Quality Model for STEM and STEAM Schools provides a clear framework for schools looking to build that future — through real-world learning, workforce pathways, and community partnerships.

Reac ons across Ohio vary. In Dayton, Huber Heights superintendent Jason Enix acknowledged that “there were a few ini al complaints about not being able to communicate with students during the day or for emergencies,” but noted that support grew over me and “with consistent expecta ons in place, there were very few concerns expressed.” S ll, some students remain frustrated. Oakwood High School senior Mannie W. argued the policy goes too far because it “s ll bans [phones] during study halls and just walking through the hallways, which is s ll a li le bit far, in my opinion.”

In central Ohio, districts are adap ng the mandate differently. “South -Western City School District is more forgiving, banning phone use in classes but allowing students to use them in hallways and at lunch,” while “Hilliard City Schools only prohibit phone use if it causes disrup on,” giving the staff flexibility rather than enforcing a blanket ban.

In Cincinna , schools are taking a more structured approach with Yondr pouches. Deputy Superintendent Alesia Smith explained, “We don’t want them to feel like they don’t have access to what they need, but they have computers … if there was something that they needed, they could use online at school that way.” Superintendent Shauna Murphy added that the system has produced measurable benefits: “The pouches have helped improve grades, a endance, and in-class behaviors.”

Educa on in America is facing a series of defining challenges. Ques ons once confined to classrooms and state boards are now at the center of na onal debate. The future of the US Department of Educa on has been repeatedly called into ques on, as some lawmakers propose elimina ng or significantly reducing its role. In parallel, states — including Ohio — have introduced legisla on aimed at narrowing the scope of what can be taught in classrooms, par cularly regarding topics ed to race, gender, and US history.

Meanwhile, the cost of learning con nues to climb. Student loan debt in the US recently surpassed $1.8 trillion and affects approximately 42.5 million borrowers. That’s more than the popula on of California. These aren’t just na onal headlines — they reflect the everyday reality for

Beneath the surface, literacy remains a longstanding

Cell phones are considered to be a distrac on for students.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 29

[ EDUCATION ] students, graduates, and families trying to navigate a system that o en feels unsustainable.

In Ohio, proposed bills like the “Higher Educa on Elimina on Act” and the newly passed cell phone restric ons for public schools have raised concern among educators, families, and community leaders. These policies, combined with longstanding public school funding dispari es, par cularly in districts like Cleveland, contribute to systemic challenges that limit access to equitable educa on and opportunity. But this isn’t just a problem for students or teachers — it’s a statewide issue.

The call for educa on reform — grounded in both equity and innova on — is not par san. It’s prac cal. If we are serious about staying compe ve in a changing world, then we must treat our classrooms not as a erthoughts, but as founda ons for long-term growth and stability. Ohio doesn’t have to wait for Washington to catch up — we can lead right now.

In Cleveland, students are showing us how. Just this August, a group of high school robo cs students traveled to Ecuador, delivering 3D-printed prosthe c limbs they built in school. With local help from the Great Lakes Science Center and Med Access Interna onal, they fi ed 20 children with affordable, life-changing devices — and they’re already planning more. That’s educa on doing what it’s meant to do: solve real problems through real skills.

Opportuni es like that don’t have to be rare. Ohio’s three Innovaon Districts — in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinna — are already drawing together universi es, hospitals, industry, and creavity. Here, students and researchers can connect with businesses and entrepreneurs in ways that spark new ideas, new jobs, and new energy for our economy.

And beyond the big districts, there’s the steady work of reform.

Ohio Excels, a statewide educa on and business coali on,

launched its Reality Check ini a ve to be er align what students learn with the skills employers actually need. This is the kind of leadership Ohio can scale — authen c, rooted in communi es, and focused on innova on.

Imagine all schools with makerspaces, partnerships, and hands-on learning built into every semester. Imagine every graduate not just reading, but ready to create, build, and lead.

We already have the building blocks. Now we need the will to invest — locally and statewide — to take these moments from headlines to habits. We don’t need another report. We need more people at the table. Our state is full of educators doing the work — building programs, mentoring students, figh ng for be er resources—but many are burned out or working in isola on. The truth is, they can’t do it all alone — and they shouldn’t have to. That’s where the rest of us come in.

Community organiza ons, faith leaders, nonprofits, fraternies, and sorori es: this is your moment. Partner with schools. Sponsor a tech lab. Co-host a literacy night. Find out what your local district is missing — and help fill the gap.

Legislators and local officials need collabora on, not just cri cism. When educa on is on the agenda, we need more community voices in the room — especially those who understand what students need beyond test scores.

If you’re a parent, a coach, a mentor, a neighbor — you’re part of the village, too. You don’t need a tle to make an impact. This isn’t just about educa on policy. It’s about leadership, legacy, and what we’re willing to invest in the next genera on. If we get this right, we won’t just improve schools — we’ll build a blueprint for the country. The work is right here. Let’s get to it.

In the next column, we’ll begin highligh ng the people across Cleveland and Ohio who are already doing the work — educators, community leaders, and advocates finding solu ons that deserve to be amplified. They don’t just need resources; they need a bullhorn. It’s me to shine a light on what they are building, why it ma ers, and how each of us can help. ●

There is a debate about kids not being able to communicate with their parents during the school day.

30 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ COVER ]

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[ BEAUTY ]

32 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

PROFILE [ BEAUTY ]

NONE OF US IS THE ENEMY OF THE OTHER We’re living in very disorien ng mes right now.

Fear, insecurity, unchecked greed and lust, and deluded psychosis seem to have overrun our country.

Wri en by DAVID CHRISTEL David has been ghostwri ng books for well-known people since 1995. He is also the author of Married Men Coming Out: The Ul mate Guide to Becoming the Man You Were Born to Be.

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COVER

All photos were taken by Golden Head.

34 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ PROFILE ]

O

ne glaring point that’s become all too obvious in today’s America is the fact that people have forgo en that we’re all human beings and that we all want the same things in life. Yet there are those who very purposefully label and slot people into categories to suppress those they feel are different, that they feel are less than they themselves, that they believe are undeserving. It seems that in 2025 that history is once again repea ng itself.

Judge Akil Kenneth Secret has seen that history firsthand. Gradua ng from Central High School in Omaha, Nebraska in 1969, the US was experiencing tremendous turmoil at that me. The civil rights movement was reeling from the assassina on of Mar n Luther King, Jr., and there had been several years of na onwide riots. Akil was a member of the Black Student Union in high school and then became a member of the Afro-American Collegiate Society at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His focus, like that of so many Blacks at that me, was ac vism.

His inten on was to a end Howard University, but he providenally ended up matricula ng at Morehouse College instead. “I decided to go to Morehouse because of my involvement in the civil rights struggle and in those kinds of poli cs. It’s what inspired me to go to law school and to try to see if ge ng a law degree and becoming a lawyer would in some way advance the cause of my people.”

Akil was fortunate that his studies at Morehouse came easily to him, which allowed him to spend a lot of his me and energy on the school organiza ons involved with the civil rights movement.

In Akil’s family history, his extended family included people who had arrest records and were in jail, those struggling in poverty.

That became part of his decision to become a lawyer.

Upon passing the Georgia bar on his first a empt, much of Akil’s endeavors were in the Black community. He worked with the Atlanta public defender’s office for a year, followed by a year working for a law firm headed by Tony Axan, a trial lawyer, and David Franklin, an entertainment lawyer. But then Akil decided to strike out on his own around 1982.

“It was difficult at first, but I think I was just because of the outlook I had on being of service to my community. I was serious about what I did — I was serious about helping these folks out, about ge ng them the best possible result that I could. I was serious about trying to have an impact on their lives and trying to hopefully see that the system would have a very limited nega ve impact on their lives. Consequently, the kind of service I provided and my impact got me no ced.

And when Andrew Young was the mayor of Atlanta, I was appointed as a pro hac vice municipal judge.”

Akil’s staunch belief that there’s humanity within all of us has led him to consistently advocate for a client-centered prac ce in criminal law. He has always been there for his clients, not for himself. “It becomes your duty as an a orney, if you’re a true advocate, that you’re not in it for the money or pres ge. It’s not about self-aggrandizement, but the human being in front of you.”

That has put Akil at odds with the jus ce system in which “winning” is the game, a compe ve and adversarial environment wherein clients become nothing more than a means to an end. He finds this system can some mes be an impediment to jus ce.

While a ending Morehouse, he worked with the now-defunct organiza on called the Harriet Tubman Prison Movement, whose mission was assis ng African American families who had loved ones in jail, trying to bridge the gaps in the jus ce system and working to secure the rights of Blacks in terms of treatment in prison, in the courts, on appeals, etc.

While a ending Atlanta Law School, his number one vow was that when he passed the bar, he would, whenever confronted by or he saw racism, he’d fight it. “Whether it was criminal or civil — no ma er where I was, I would fight it.” And that has been Akil’s primary focus ever since.

Akil Secret is currently prac cing law as an a orney.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 35

[ PROFILE ] “This adversarial system we have has its weaknesses. But the task for those who want to genuinely a ain jus ce is to try to pierce the veil, seek jus ce, and find some humanity in the process. I’m always figh ng for jus ce, and I will go to my grave doing that.”

Considering what our country is currently embroiled in, jus ce is ge ng hammered right and le . So Akil con nues to fight for jus ce whenever he’s confronted with racism and injus ce — face to face. He doesn’t know if he can change the general popula on’s thinking, doesn’t know if he can change the general direc on of things. But whenever he’s confronted with injus ce, individually, on a day-to-day basis, in the courtroom, in a case, with a client, a judge, a prosecutor, with opposing counsel — he’s going to deal with it right then.

“There is a need in the world, in this country, for lawyers who are trying to balance the scales for the powerless, the poor, the disenfranchised. They’re going to need lawyers who work and advocate for them.”

What Akil has observed is that there are many people in our country, some poor, some working poor, marginalized people of color, immigrants, who are human beings and whose aspira ons in life are just like anybody else’s. They don’t deserve to have their aspira ons thwarted by a legal system just because they’re

36 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

immigrants, a person of color, or because they’re poor. And he is fully aware that there are some areas in the law that can s ll be u lized for the benefit of those people if they have somebody to advocate for them.

“I would encourage lawyers to be one of those people. There’s such a reward that’s greater than money. It’s seeing a person succeed, seeing a person walk free, and seeing a person compensated for wrongful injury, for wrongful deaths. Some mes it brings about a change in a person’s direc on to life. We not only have a responsibility to act for them, but to intercede for them in the legal system itself.”

As lawyers and as people, we’re privileged. We’re in a sta on in society that many people don’t ever get an opportunity to see or experience. So we’ve learned some things, we’ve seen some things. We need to share those with these people, teach these people, counsel them, show them love and respect.”

That is Akil Kenneth Secret, a man who con nues to fight and move forward. He believes that it takes perseverance, a li le step at a me, believing that with every step you inch closer toward the goal you’re seeking. The bo om line is remembering that “none of us is the enemy of the other” — we are each a valuable and integral part of humanity, the whole of it. ●

[ OPINION ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 37

[ BEAUTY ]

38 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

BEAUTY

FREY CANTY Frey Canty is the owner of Phrase Bar & Grill located at 12 E. Exchange St .She is a fitness advocate who loves traveling, has a 100% vegan diet, and is the mother of 2 beau ful children.

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COVER

CONNECTING COMMUNITIES The new Cuyahoga County Public Library CEO, Jamar O. Rahming discusses his vision for the library and the future of CCPL’s 27 branches.

Wri en by BRAD BOWLING Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communica on and an MBA in marke ng. He contributes ar cles to the magazine con nuing his love for wri ng.

All photos taken by Sylven Lamar.

40 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ COVER]

AN EPIC EVENT TO REMEMBER

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[ COVER ]

F

or thousands of years, the library was the only way to connect an imagina on to the world. Up to the 1980’s the library represented an opportunity for growth, educa on, and community. It was a place where everyone went for enlightenment and understanding, it bridged the gap between money and influence, and it leveled the playing field for anyone who wanted

In 2023, Rahming received the Movers & Shakers Community Builders award from Library Journal for his innova ve efforts in facilita ng some of the most impac ul programs the library industry has ever seen. He was named the 2024 CEO of the Year by the Delaware Business Times and is a recipient of the 2025 I Love My Library Award by the American Library Associa on, which recognizes library leaders who go above and beyond for their communi es.

Today, the library s ll represents opportunity, but it has had to adapt to the internet, poli cs, and the public’s appe te for informa on. Jamar O. Rahming, the new Chief Execu ve Officer for Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL), understands the mission ahead and has a plan for the organiza on's twenty-seven branches.

Last month, Rahming was elected president-elect of the Public Library Associa on, the largest associa on dedicated to suppor ng the unique and evolving needs of public library professionals across the United States and Canada.

more.

CCPL has been in business for over one hundred years, having been established by a voter referendum on November 7, 1922. This created Ohio's first county library district, and the library officially began serving the public with its first branches opening in 1924.

Rahming has previously served as the Library Director of the Jackson County Library District (Oregon), Regional Library Manager of the Aus n Public Library (Texas), and Regional Library Manager of the Charleston County Public Library (South Carolina).

It was ranked the number one public library in the United States among libraries serving popula ons of more than 500,000 by Hennen's American Public Library Ra ngs 2010. In 2022, more than ten million items were borrowed by its 737,702 cardholders, and 2.99 million visits were made to branches.

“Libraries are community connectors; they are a place to build community, and we do such a good job at doing that.” Rahming con nued, “In this post-pandemic America, communi es are fragmented, and we are star ng to reap the consequences of that fragmenta on.”

Today, the CCPL has nearly four million visitors enter its doors and spans over 47 communi es.

Rahming sees the issues that plague society when people rush to judgment, decision-making, and have a limited understanding of their fellow man.

“The opportunity to come here and con nue the great work the organiza on has done is exci ng for me,” Rahming said.

Rahming comes from Wilmington, Delaware, where he was the CEO of the library system there.

“The library is a place where culture is preserved, it is a place where community is built, and it is a place where the arts and humani es are elevated through our programming,” Rahming said. “One of the things that our programming does is that it breeds empathy.”

Through literature, people are exposed to other cultures and other worlds. Rahming feels like when you have a be er understanding of other people, your ability to show mercy

(l to r): Chief Financial Officer Greg Cordek, Execu ve Division Manager Bertha Arrington, Chief Execu ve Officer Jamar Rahming, Chief Communica ons and External Rela ons Officer Kate McCreary, and Chief Opera ons Officer Jeff Mori.

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[ COVER ]

Rahming is the President-Elect of Public Library Associa on.

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COMMUNITY

[ COLOR ] and have compassion for your fellow man impacts how you make decisions when you are stressed.

He is not wrong. Evidence shows that the more educated and informed people are, the more likely they are to appreciate the differences that people have.

people who live around each branch that we have.” Rahming con nued, “We are building a new Parma Heights loca on that will have an early childhood center there because we recognized the needs of the community.”

CCPL wants to ensure that children have an early start as soon as possible, developing a rela onship with books and

“We do such a good job at helping those who need help. We make sure that each loca on serves the needs of the people who live around each branch that we have.” Rahming con nued, “We are building a new Parma Heights loca on that will have an early childhood center there because we recognized the needs of the community.”

America has always been a mel ng pot of different cultures. However, in the last several years, those differences have come under a ack from the poli cs of today. Funding has come under a ack as well.

In response to an Execu ve Order issued on March 14, 2025, to reduce the federal Ins tute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), the Department of Government Efficiency has begun cu ng exis ng grants, including funding to states in California, Connec cut, and Washington.

Ohio’s libraries have not seen any reduc on in funding, but Rahming and his team are paying a en on to the climate and work every day to make CCPL is as relevant as possible.

With the world ge ng more of its informa on from social media, it is becoming harder and harder to decipher what is real informa on and what is false informa on. The library understands these challenges and has entered the digital age.

“The public library is the gatekeeper of informa on. Our role now is to cater to the intellectual fitness of our connents so that they can decipher between fact and ficon on the internet,” Rahming said.

reading.

The United States faces a significant childhood literacy crisis, with alarming numbers of fourth graders unable to read at a basic level, a trend worsened by pandemic-related learning disrup ons.

“With kids not reading at grade level, literacy is our brand, so we are hoping that this will be the start of having the aspira onal goal that every child in Cuyahoga County gets to the right reading level for their grade. So, this is a viable partnership for us and our partners,” Rahming said.

Rahming also sees a shi in the library system with ar ficial intelligence becoming a staple in society. He wants to ensure that anyone who wants to be er understand and use AI can do so within the library system.

“We need to make sure that we are in the driver's seat when it comes to AI. With it about to dominate every indus-

With programming services for each of the twenty-seven loca ons of CCPL, each branch offers something different based on the communi es that it serves. The organizaon offers such a vast number of offerings that no branch is the same, which makes the en re system special.

“We do such a good job at helping those who need help.

We make sure that each loca on serves the needs of the

Rahming if the first African American to lead the CCPL.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2025 45

[ COVER ] try, we need to make sure that our cons tuents are at the forefront of using it and understanding it at a high level.” Rahming connued, “We want to ensure that no one will be le behind, so the mission of the library is to be a place where people can come and trust that their needs will be met.”

The future of society seems to go hand in hand with the responsibility of the public library. With so much change, it seems like an incredible task to be such a major factor in how a community thrives.

Rahming and his team have welcomed the challenge of being that source for the communi es they serve, and they are excited about where CCPL is headed.

Libraries in the future will adapt to shi s in how society interacts with informa on and technology, ensuring safe access to a digi zed landscape. They will serve as trusted partners, providing support and resources to their communi es and ac ng as liaisons and change agents for a brighter future.

If Rahming has his way, the forty-seven communi es that he serves will con nue to get the very best that CCPL has to offer. Bold ambions for a bold thinker. Welcome to Cleveland! ●

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[ COLOR ]

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ROMANCE

INTIMACY REIMAGINED: (Into-me-I-see)

A journey of connec on, growth, and self-discovery.

Wri en by LATOYA SMITH LaToya is the founder of Eros Heart Coaching, where she creates inclusive, transforma ve spaces that guide individuals and couples toward deeper self-awareness, passion, and authen c connec on. Driven by a profound belief in the power of self-discovery, she helps people ignite their truest desires—unlocking las ng joy, pleasure, and overall wellness.

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[ ROMANCE ]

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ROMANCE

54 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

W

[ ROMANCE ] hat does in macy truly mean to you? The answer may surprise you—and it likely evolves over me. Ask your closest male and female friends, and you’ll uncover a spectrum of definions shaped by personal experiences, percepons, and growth.

doesn’t—and reflect on what might be missing. This selfawareness allows you to communicate more effec vely with your partner.

Mate poaching is the deliberate a empt to Let thissomeone be a me of funwho and curiosity.

It may feelin new, a ract or seduce is already a scary, or s r up emo ons you haven’t faced. If you uncover commi ed trauma roman c rela onship. This can or suppressed feelings, seek professional help to involve on, emo onal process. manipula on, or In today’s fast-paced world, instant gra fica on reigns.

We wantflirta support your rediscovery everything now—food, entertainment, even in macy. But indirect our acTheons to disrupt the exis ng Shi ing Meaning of In macy rush toward the climax of an experience, we o en miss the beaurela onship. ty of connec on itself. Despite endless ways to stay in touch, we’ve never been more disconnected—from each other and ourselves.

That’s why it’s me to pause and redefine in macy for where you are right now. As we age, our sexual appe tes shi . What in macy looked like in your twen es may be vastly different in your fores or beyond. It’s essen al to reconnect with yourself and your partner to ask: “What does in macy look like for us now?” This conversa on can spark new discoveries—untold fantasies, desires, new ways to explore the body, and even spontaneous places to connect.

As we grow, in macy transforms. Whether you’re in a cherished rela onship or seeking one, now is the perfect me to reflect on what in macy means to you. You may carry anxiety, shame, limi ng beliefs, or stories that have shaped your defini on. Give yourself permission to explore and become a student of self—strive for an “A” because you deserve it.

Let’s explore four core types of in macy. Don’t worry about how many types exist—focus on how they show up in your life. Trust the process, be vulnerable, and know that all will be well.

Redefining in macy becomes especially important a er life changes—health challenges, separa on, divorce, bereavement, or menopause. These experiences may disrupt your connec on with yourself or your partner, but they don’t mean your rela onship is doomed. They simply call for a pause, reflec on, and redefini on.

No ma er your rela onship status (single, married, separated, divorced) or your iden ty (male, female, trans, non-binary, straight, gay, bisexual) everyone deserves in macy and connecon. It’s a fundamental part of being human.

The Founda on: Connec on with Self To experience in macy at its deepest level, you must first cul vate an in mate connec on with yourself. This begins with spending quality me alone and ge ng to know all aspects of who you are. Many people struggle to answer ques ons like: ·

What do I want sexually?

·

What are my desires, needs, and fantasies?

·

Do I truly know my body?

Start by having an inner dialogue. Give yourself permission to explore your body through touch, no cing what feels pleasurable and what doesn’t. Observe how your body responds—or

Physical touch creates a meaningful bond between two people.

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[ ROMANCE ] 1. Emo onal In macy This is the ability to share both joy and struggle, embracing vulnerability in love. Emo onal in macy is founda onal—it’s where fears, shame, pain, and anxie es surface. In a healthy rela onship, understanding each other at this level builds safety and trust. It’s o en the star ng point before physical in macy, especially if past trauma or emo onal wounds exist.

2. Physical In macy Physical in macy includes both non-sexual touch and sexual acvity. It’s about closeness and affec on expressed through physical contact. With consent and crea vity, you can engage all five senses—sight, sound, touch, scent, and taste—to deepen the experience. Be fully present and savor the essence of connec on.

3. Intellectual In macy This involves thought-provoking conversa ons, shared ideas, and meaningful exchanges. Curiosity is key. Ask ques ons like, “How would you define in macy?” and explore dreams, fantasies, and fears. These conversa ons foster emo onal connec on and reveal how you and your partner “ ck.”

values, and experiences. It’s the founda on that supports emo onal and physical bonds. Prac ces like prayer, meditaon, or a ending religious services can help couples stay grounded. Medita ng together before lovemaking can center you both for a more present and pleasurable experience.

Sexual In macy: The Explicit Exchange Sexual in macy is the explicit sharing of wants and needs. It involves three key elements: Exposure This is the “get naked” part—honesty and vulnerability about your desires. At this stage, you must trust your partner to hold space for you. Be gentle, as sensi ve topics may arise. Misusing what’s shared in moments of vulnerability can cause deep harm and emo onal shutdown.

Responsiveness

4. Spiritual In macy

This is your partner’s ability to listen with care and without judgment. When your beloved shares in mate thoughts, respond with uncondi onal love and sensi vity. Avoid assessing or mocking what’s shared. Holding space helps your partner feel seen and heard, encouraging deeper openness.

Spiritual in macy is a deep connec on based on shared beliefs,

Time with Self

Before sharing love fully with another, build self-awareness and confidence. This journey may push you outside your comfort zone—allow yourself space and grace to grow. Noce how your mind and body respond during selfexplora on, and how that affects your connec on with your partner.

Missing these three elements — exposure, responsiveness, and me with self — means missing out on deeper connecon and ul mate pleasure. Remember: your partner is not responsible for your pleasure—you are. Understanding the defini on of in macy and these elements helps you redefine yourself as you mature in your rela onship.

As love matures, even the closest couples can feel the spark flicker—enter the “seven-year itch,” where rou ne begins to dull the magic. In the next ar cle, “In macy Redefined,” we’ll explore why this phase unfolds and share tender ways to reignite the spark and deepen connec on. ●

In macy creates an incredible connec on.

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[ ROMANCE ]

Mate pouching is more common that people think.

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[ ROMANCE ]

DR WIT

Falling in lo rewarding Having that l some mes ca last a life me. if you fall vic

54 SEPTEMBER 2025 / CODE M

[ ROMANCE ]

REAMING OF LOVE TH A BROKEN HEART

ove can be one of the most g things one can do in life. love no longer want you can ause the kind of pain that can . Here are some ps to follow m to the need to get over a lost love.

Wri en by BRAD BOWLING Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communica on and an MBA in marke ng. He contributes ar cles to the magazine con nuing his love for wri ng.

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[ BEAUTY ]

FAB AND OVER 50 Felicia Smallwood Dunning is 55 years old with over 30 years of experience in the aerospace industry. Fitness has been a passion of hers for just as long. She’s remained dedicated to health and wellness throughout her life. She’s also a jewelry designer, specializing in handcra ed wrist and waist beads that celebrate beauty, confidence, and culture. Most recently, she married her soulmate, Carlos, and they’re enjoying their new chapter together.

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[ ROMANCE ]

W

hen Byron learned that the love of his life no longer wanted to be together, he thought he could get over it quickly. They only dated for a couple of months, but she seemed like the perfect fit for him. He loved everything about her, and, for the first me in years, he was excited about the person he was da ng.

Sure, there were red flags that he no ced right away. However, her beauty and charisma were so good that Bryon chose to ignore them in hopes that he could make them go away. They met online, but this me, something seemed different. She was into him as much as he was into her. They spent every moment they could together.

And when they weren’t together, they talked on the phone and sent each other text messages all day. Bryon even dreamt about her when he slept. She penetrated a part of his passion for life, and he was all in for it.

Then, seemingly out of nowhere, she decided that she no longer wanted to be together. Bryon knew that the ex was s ll communica ng with her, but he assumed that if he did his part, she would choose him. He was wrong. He decided that she wasn’t ready for the “good guy” and abruptly ended the rela onship.

Bryon, being a masculine man, played it off like he was not impacted by her decision. He put up a tough front that publicly said he didn’t care, but privately, Bryon was crushed by the decision.

and build a life separate from the past rela onship. Healing takes me, so pa ence is required, and being kind to oneself throughout the process.

As hard as it sounds, Byron cannot con nue to communicate with his lost love. The best plan in order to get over her is to get through it. This means that Bryon must deal with the pain, the loneliness, and the hurt he feels from being rejected. Here are some ps that can help the process of recovering from a lost love.

Acknowledge and Process Your Feelings ·

Allow yourself to grieve – It’s essen al to feel your emo ons, both the highs and the lows, rather than trying to suppress them.

·

Journal your feelings – Wri ng down your thoughts and emo ons can help you process them, gain clarity, and slow down your racing mind.

·

Embrace self-compassion – Be kind to yourself and avoid self-judgment during the healing journey.

There is no single meline for recovering from a broken heart; the process is deeply personal and varies for everyone, with some studies sugges ng a meframe of three to six months, while others indicate longer periods for significant rela onships, like one to two years for a marriage or

How could someone who appeared to be so good and hard to find not see the same thing? Were the last two months a lie? How did Byron not see the warning signs that she was just not that into him? Did his dreams betray him? Was his love premature or a fantasy of wan ng to find someone to fall in love with? These are hard ques ons. And if Bryon wants to heal, there are ques ons he can never ask the woman he loved.

THE HEALING PROCESS BEGINS For the past two months, Byron was consumed by his new love. He called her when he was free, he texted her when his day was not busy, and they spent every evening together when they could. How is he supposed to immediately release her from his consciousness?

To overcome heartbreak, a person in Byron’s situa on should allow themself to grieve, prac ce self-care like exercise and healthy habits, and seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. They should also set boundaries with their ex, such as cu ng off tex ng, and focus on their own goals and interests to rediscover themselves

It is best to cut off communica on right a er a breakup.

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[ ROMANCE ] long-term commitment.

Healing depends on factors like the rela onship's length and depth, the circumstances of the breakup, your support system, your personal coping skills, and the emo onal investment you had in the rela onship.

tunity to learn and grow, rather than just wai ng for the pain to subside. ·

Be pa ent – Remember that healing is a marathon, not a sprint. There will be good days and bad days, and it’s important to be compassionate with yourself.

Factors influencing your healing meline:

THE DREAM IS STILL A POSSIBILITY

·

Rela onship length and depth – Longer, more intense relaonships generally require more me to process and heal from.

·

Reasons for the breakup – The specific circumstances of the breakup, especially if it was unexpected or trauma c, can affect your emo onal state and recovery speed.

Dreaming with a broken heart is one of the toughest things one can do when in love. The pain of the loss can be overwhelming. However, me and self-care will help with the struggles of ge ng that person out of your mind.

·

·

·

Emo onal investment – The level of your emo onal a achment to your former partner influences how difficult the separa on is.

Coping mechanisms and personality – Your individual ability to cope with difficult situa ons and your inherent personality traits play a significant role in your recovery.

Support system – Having a strong network of friends, family, or a support group can provide crucial emo onal support during this difficult me.

How to aid your recovery process: ·

Allow yourself to feel – Do not suppress your sadness, anger, or other emo ons. Le ng yourself experience these feelings is a vital part of the healing process.

·

Prac ce self-care – Engage in ac vi es that bring joy and comfort, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending me in nature.

·

Seek support – Talk to trusted friends, family members, or a therapist about what you are going through.

·

Focus on personal growth – View the experience as an oppor-

It took a long me for Byron to get over the woman he thought was going to be his wife. What he doesn’t realize is that he avoided spending years trying to convince the wrong woman to love him as much as he loved her.

He eventually will realize that she did him a favor by ending the rela onship when she saw that she didn’t feel the same for him as he felt for her.

For anyone who is in this same situa on, they will eventually understand that the lost love was a blessing in disguise.

The situa on allowed Byron the ability to eventually meet the right person for him.

The dream of finding someone to love can seem like an incredible task in today’s da ng environment. But eventually, everyone will one day meet the right person, at the right me, who matches the kind of love needed for a successful rela onship.

Byron worked to recover from his pain of losing what he thought was his perfect match. He finally met someone who matched his desires and goals for a healthy rela onship. He put the work in to heal himself, which allowed him to invite the right person into his life.

His dream is heartbroken no more because Byron took the me to create the condi ons he needed to accept the right person into his life. This dream exists for everyone if they do the work. Happy hun ng. ●

Many make the mistake of not working to get past a lost love.

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AI is compe ng for the majority of American jobs. .

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THE

DIVINE 9

Get to know people who are making a difference in their organiza ons and in their careers.

By Bilal S. Akram

DR. SHARMON S. NOBLES Dr. Sharmon S. Nobles is a visionary leader, educator, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of dedicated service as a psychologist specializing in suppor ng at-risk youth. Throughout her career, she has championed the importance of mental health, resilience, and empowerment, crea ng opportuni es for students to overcome challenges and thrive academically, socially, and emo onally. Her exper se has allowed her to design and lead ini a ves that address trauma, behavior management, and student support systems, leaving a las ng impact on the lives of countless young people.

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Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Nobles proudly serves as the 2nd Vice President of the Rho Theta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where she leads with a focus on membership engagement, reten on, and service to the community. Her commitment to sisterhood and service reflects the sorority's mission of cul va ng high scholas c and ethical standards while upli ing others.

Adding to her dynamic por olio, Dr. Nobles is the owner of Enchan ng Moments Photo Booth, a premier event service company that specializes in crea ng interac ve, memorable experiences for weddings, corporate events, and social celebra ons.

[ DIVINE 9 ]

CHARMAINE DAVIS-GRANT, Ed.D. Charmaine Davis-Grant, Ed.D. is a Life Member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., ini ated through Epsilon Lambda Sigma (Cincinna ) and currently serving with Alpha Lambda Sigma (Cleveland). She exemplifies the Sorority’s commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and service through her leadership as President & CEO of the Sigma Public Educa on and Research (SPEAR) Founda on—the Sorority’s charitable arm.

Since joining the SPEAR Board in 2017, Dr. Davis-Grant has advanced its mission by execu ng the FY26 Logic Model and Priority Integra on Measures (PIM), restructuring internal systems, and launching new fiscal sustainability efforts, including its upcoming capital campaign. Under her leadership, the Founda on has extended partnerships such as the Macy’s x Kasper Brand collabora on, stewarding $500,000 in funds to support women’s wellness, educa onal ini a ves, interna onal programming, and expansion of signature programs like LADES (Leadership and Development Empowering Sisters) and the Na onal Shoe Drive Inia ve (NSDI).

An educator and public servant, Dr. Davis-Grant currently serves as Case Management Coordinator for the Ohio Department of

Educa on and Workforce (DEW), where she directs a team suppor ng 22+ high-priority districts, including Cleveland Metropolitan School District and Garfield Heights School District.

BRIAN BEASLEY Born in Alexandria, Virginia, and currently residing in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Brian Beasley is a proud and ac ve member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He was ini ated into the Fraternity in Spring 2025 through the Sigma Alpha Lambda chapter, located in Waldorf, Maryland, where he now serves as the chapter's Sergeant-at-Arms.

In this leadership role, Brian is dedicated to upholding the fraternity's values, maintaining order during mee ngs, fostering brotherhood, and contribu ng to the strategic growth of the chapter. His focus on structure, organiza on, and collabora on reflects his belief that strong leadership is essen al to building a thriving fraternal community.

A man of strong Chris an faith, Brian places great importance on service to others and ac vely par cipates in community outreach ini a ves that drive posi ve change. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administra on from the University of Maryland Global Campus, gaining a strong founda on in leadership, organiza onal management, and strategic planning.

Professionally, Brian is a seasoned Support and User Engagement professional with over twenty-five years of experience in technical and customer support services.

As Assistant Director of Workplace Technology at a leading STM publisher

in Washington, D.C., he leads cross-func onal teams, manages complex projects, and implements innova ve solu ons—demonstra ng a consistent ability to inspire, guide, and empower those he serves.

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ART

ART, ADVOCACY, AND

TRANSFORMATION How figh ng for ethnic ar sts changes everything — and why this fight ma ers now.

By Raland Hatche

T

he challenges facing ethnic ar sts today require urgent a en on. As poli cal a acks on diversity ini a ves intensify, as funding for inclusive programming faces cuts, as educa onal curricula become increasingly restricted, the spaces where ethnic ar sts' voices can be heard are shrinking drama cally across America.

When major museums and galleries exclude ethnic ar sts, they're not just missing aesthe c diversity—they're failing to challenge power structures that have marginalized en re communi es for genera ons. They're missing opportuni es for economic empowerment of ar sts whose work could transform not just their own livelihoods but the vitality of their communi es.

Most cri cally, these ins tu ons are failing in their educa onal mission. They're sugges ng to people of color that their perspec ves, their innova ons, their cultural contribu ons simply aren't worth preserving or celebra ng. This is where advocacy becomes everyone's responsibility: expanding the canon, ensuring that every young person can walk into a cultural ins tu on and see proof that crea vity, intelligence, and ar s c excellence emerge from every background, every neighborhood, every circumstance.

But amid these challenges, visionaries have been quietly building solu ons for decades.

The Visionary: Louise Gissendaner and the Power of Community Ac on

"Every piece tells a story. Every ar st carries forward the voices of those who came

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[ ART ]

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[ BEAUTY [] ART ] before."

These words, spoken by Louise Gissendaner, co-founder of Sankofa Fine Arts Plus, capture the essence of what authen c advocacy looks like. In 1999, Gissendaner and a group of art enthusiasts in Cleveland, Ohio, recognized a cri cal problem: limited opportuni es for African American and ethnic ar sts in mainstream venues. Their solu on was revolu onary in its simplicity — create the spaces that didn't exist.

Sankofa Fine Arts Plus emerged as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts organiza on with a clear mission: address the exclusion of ethnic ar sts through educa on, exposure, and community involvement. For over two decades, this grassroots organiza on has been doing what major ins tu ons o en fail to do: providing pla orms for ar sts whose voices have been systema cally marginalized.

The organiza on's annual Art Expo at Cuyahoga Community College became more than just an art show — it was a revolu on.

Gissendaner moved through the a endees with the precision of a conductor orchestra ng cultural change. She would stop at Monica Stewart's pain ngs featuring women dancing, praying, and performing everyday tasks, then guide visitors to Synthia St. James's bold celebra ons of African heritage, then pause before Charles Bibbs's masterful pain ngs—aesthe c statements that are ethnically rooted while arousing spiritual emo ons.

Her approach was both educa onal and transforma onal. Gissendaner understood that advocacy isn't just about apprecia on— it's about crea ng lifelines. Through Sankofa Fine Arts Plus, she built bridges between established ar sts like Annie Lee and Larry "Poncho" Brown and emerging ar sts like Anthony Armstrong and Jonathan Holifield.

The Transforma on: Crea ng Advocates through Ac on Gissendaner's vision extended far beyond organizing art shows — she created advocates. The genius of Sankofa Fine Arts Plus lay in understanding that cultural advocacy isn't op onal — it's essenal for community survival and growth.

Visitors to Sankofa's Art Expo le transformed. They saw ar sts like Woodrow Nash crea ng sculptures that demanded respect, Kadir Nelson pain ng portraits that restored dignity to forgo en heroes, and dozens of ethnic ar sts whose work proved that excellence emerges from every corner of human experience.

What separated these experiences from casual art apprecia on was profound: visitors realized these ar sts weren't just crea ng beauty — they were countering erasure. Every piece that depicted ethnic communi es with dignity and complexity was shaping narra ves that had been distorted for genera ons. Every artwork

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that celebrated cultural heritage was serving as a catalyst for jus ce.

This is the transforma on Gissendaner facilitated: helping people understand that cultural representa on isn't about poli cal correctness — it's about preserving the stories that keep communi es strong. For over twenty-five years, her organiza on has demonstrated what happens when advocates create the spaces that mainstream ins tu ons fail to provide.

The Strategic Impact of Grassroots Advocacy Through the work of organiza ons like Sankofa Fine Arts Plus, advocates have learned that suppor ng ethnic ar sts isn't charity — it's strategy. When ins tu ons maintain predominantly white collec ons, they're not just missing aesthe c diversity — they're failing to challenge power structures that have marginalized en re communi es for generaons.

The stakes couldn't be higher. When major museums and galleries exclude ethnic ar sts, they're not just missing opportuni es for economic empowerment— they're failing in their educa onal mission. They're sugges ng to people of color that their perspec ves, their innova ons, their cultural contribu ons simply aren't worth preserving or celebra ng.

This is where advocacy becomes everyone's responsibility: expanding the canon, ensuring that every person can walk into a cultural ins tu on and see proof that crea vity, intelligence, and ar s c excellence emerge from every background, every neighborhood, every circumstance.

The Lifeline Effect: How Art Advocacy Transforms Commu‐ ni es Every piece tells a story — Gissendaner's words have proven prophe c in ways that extend far beyond gallery walls.

Through interviews across the country, advocates have witnessed what can be called the lifeline effect: each ethnic ar st, when given proper pla orm and recogni on, becomes a bridge for people to envision their own possibili es.

When a person from a struggling neighborhood sees their experience reflected in fine art — not as pathology or a problem to be solved, but as humanity worthy of ar s c exploraon — something fundamental shi s. They begin to understand that their voice ma ers, that their perspec ve contributes to the larger human story.

This amplifica on of voices through advocacy creates genera onal change. People who see themselves reflected in mu-

[ TECH ]

Learn how you can access your families informa on.

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[ ART ] seums and galleries don't just become art appreciators — they become leaders, innovators, and advocates who understand that cultural preserva on is community preserva on.

Advocacy doesn't require exper se in art or museum management. Anyone can make a difference by: ·

Visi ng and suppor ng museums and galleries showcasing ethnic ar sts

The challenges facing ethnic ar sts today require a specific kind of · leadership — one that understands that strength comes from elevaon, not domina on. As poli cal a acks on diversity ini a ves intensify, as funding for inclusive programming faces cuts, as educa onal · curricula become increasingly restricted, the spaces where ethnic · ar sts' voices can be heard are shrinking.

Advoca ng for inclusion in workplaces, community organiza ons, and educa onal ins tu ons

But this moment also presents unprecedented opportunity for people ready to step up.

·

Mentoring young people who might not otherwise have access to diverse cultural experiences.

Museums and galleries that commit to genuine inclusion aren't just doing the right thing — they're posi oning themselves as leaders in fostering cultural understanding and promo ng innova on. They're recognizing that diverse ar s c tradi ons don't weaken ins tu ons — they create more dynamic, relevant, and impac ul cultural experiences.

The Transforma on Promise

The Leadership Challenge: What Real Advocacy Looks Like

Purchasing and promo ng work by ethnic ar sts Educa ng themselves and others about the contribuons of ethnic ar s c communi es

Here's what decades of advocacy work have proven: figh ng for ethnic ar sts doesn't just transform museums and galleries — it transforms the people who take up the fight.

A Blueprint for Change: What Everyone Can Do

When someone becomes an advocate for cultural inclusion, they develop leadership skills that serve them in every area of life. They learn to see beyond surface appearances to deeper truths. They develop courage to challenge systems that need changing. They build vision to imagine be er futures and the persistence to make them real.

The story that began on the streets of Glenville and transformed in that community college con nues today through ongoing advocacy work. Every interview with ar sts and ins tu onal leaders across the country reinforces what Gissendaner taught: every piece tells a story, but only if we create spaces where those stories can be heard.

Most importantly, they become part of a legacy that extends far beyond their own lives. Every ethnic ar st they support, every young person they inspire, every ins tu on they push toward greater inclusion — these ac ons ripple forward through genera ons.

The advocates who champion this work — whether as collectors, board members, educators, or community organizers — are modeling leadership that builds rather than breaks, that includes rather than excludes, that preserves culture rather than destroys it.

The ques on isn't whether ethnic ar sts deserve greater inclusion in our cultural ins tu ons — they've always deserved it. The ques on is whether readers are ready to be part of the solu on.

The murals on E. 105th Street in Glenville didn't just decorate walls — they built advocates who understood their responsibility to preserve and promote the stories that Every person has a choice: accept a cultural landscape that marginal- ma er. Today, that responsibility belongs to everyone — izes en re communi es or become an advocate for the kind of inclu- because democracy depends on every story being told. Culture depends on every voice being heard. And communi es sive excellence that transforms socie es. depend on people brave enough to fight for both.

The choice is simple: be a spectator in the cultural conversaon, or become the advocate your community needs.

Transforma on — both personal and communal — begins with that decision.

What story will your advocacy tell? ●

Art is under a ack and so is the future of crea vity as a whole.

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[ MUSIC ]

Raheen Gayden

Learn how you can access your families informa on.

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MUSIC

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[ MUSIC ]

KEEPING THE BEAT FOR EVERYONE Robert Hubbard, and Hubb’s Groove, have been a consistent answer for those who covet live entertainment. His blend of smooth sounds keeps the beat for all music lovers.

M

eet northeast Ohio’s drumming sensa on and leader of Hubb’s Groove, Robert Hubbard, the extraordinary drummer and founder of the celebrated all-star band, Hubb’s Groove.

Based in northeast Ohio, Robert has cul vated a unique musical experience that seamlessly blends Soul, Jazz, R&B, and a touch of gospel.

With a commitment to hear elt performances, Hubb’s Groove delivers a smooth yet high-energy sound that resonates deeply with audiences, proving that music played from the heart truly reaches the heart.

Founded in 1996 in Cleveland, Ohio, originally under the name “Moments No ce,” Robert rebranded the band as “Hubb’s Groove” in 2006, se ng the stage for a dynamic musical journey.

Wri en by JOHN O. HORTON JR. John O. Horton Jr, aka DJ Johnny O, is the President of the NerveDJs DJ Coali on, a coali on of over 9000+ DJs, Ar sts, Musicians, Producers and Label & Radio reps. Johnny O has been in the entertainment business for 46 years.

Their accolades speak volumes, including the pres gious Cleveland Best Band award in 2019 and the honor of performing at Mayor Bibb’s inaugural ball.

Addi onally, Hubb’s Groove has been recognized as the Best Jazz Band at The Cleveland Music Awards for three consecu ve years – 2022, 2023, and 2024. Mr. Hubbard was also recognized as a 2024 Jazzfest legend at Tri C. The talented members of Hubb’s Groove include James Blaque on bass, Ma hew Horwich and Roger Maple on saxophone, George Granville and Gerrond Masson on keyboards, Robert Hubbard Jr. on drums, and vocalists Adrianna Miller and Mazhorell Johnson. Together, they create a rich tapestry of sound that cap vates audiences whenever they perform. ●

Over the years, the band has had the honor of sharing the stage with renowned ar sts such as Kirk Whalum, Jonathan Butler, Earth Wind & Fire, Wayman Tisdale, TONY TONE TONI, Will Downing, Randy Crawford, and Pieces of a Dream, showcasing their versa lity and talent. Hubb’s Groove has also collaborated with other notable musicians, including Alex Bugnon, Angela Bofill, Eric Roberson, Marcus Johnson, Mike Phillips, and Sean Jones, solidifying their reputa on as a sought-a er ensemble in the music scene.

The band has caught the a en on of media personali es, with FOX 8 News anchor Wayne Dawson declaring them his favorite band.

Robert Hubbard is the drummer for Hubb’s Groove.

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FASHION

COOLER WEATHER MEANS COOLER CLOTHES As the temperature falls, the opportunity for warmer clothes rises, leading to a whole new brand of fall fashions.

Wri en 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, h ps://www.styledbydecarlo.com/

Nothing says fall like a blend of fashion and purpose. Grey suits ma er in any season.

Photo by Clothes by Decarlo

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[ FASHION ]

Cadillac CT5-V $48,990 The high-performance 2025 CT5-V and CT5-V Blackwing variants are also being updated. They get the tech updates of the regular CT5 plus dis nctly sporty faceli s, and the Blackwing model now has Carbon Fiber Packages available.

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[ FASHION ]

Pink and blue bring out the warmth of masculinity in fashion.

Photo by Clothes by Decarlo

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Fall means a sweater and scarf before a jacket is needed, making a total fashion statement.

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[ FASHION ]

Bold and warmth go together amazingly when done right.

Photo by Clothes by Decarlo

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DJ Johnie O is the owner of Nerve DJ’s Mixtapes.

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