SKIPPING RIGHT PAST DEATH
TWIN
BLACK BEAUTY IS A CROWD PLEASER
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58
INDIANAPOLIS PRODUCES ANOTHER HIT GROUP 4CAST
Good music comes from all over the country. This mes it comes from Indianapolis with a new take on soul.
Dr. Vincent Terry and ON THE COVER
DR. VINCENT TERRY IS TRANSFORMING NATIONAL HEALTH CARE.
his team at United Healthcare System of Georgia, are transforming the way that people receive health care, which is leading more men to the doctor and crea ng anoverall be er health care. system. 14 MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Get to know people who are making a difference in their careers and changing the world!
17 MAN CODES
Quotes on life.
20 TWIN FLAMING IS A THING
A twin flame is a concept in spirituality and rela onships referring toa soul that is split into two bodies, represen ng a deep, intense, and transforma veconnec on It'so endescribedas a "mirror soul," where one person reflects the other's deepest self, both strengths and weaknesses. Unlikesoulmates,who complement each other, twin flames share the same soul essence.
26 SKIPPING RIGHT PAST DEATH
I spent two weeks thinking I had a cold. It turned out to be a bacterial infec on that was working to take my life un l I finally went to the doctor. That visit came 48 hours before my certain death.
42 BEYOND THE LENS: DONALD B’S
ART OF SURVIVAL
Donald Black isn’t just a photographer; he is a visual alchemist, transforming personal narra ves into universal truths. His work, raw and authen c, resonates with the lived experiences of a community o en overlooked, challenging societal percep ons and empowering those who witness it. His journey, a testament to resilience and self-discovery, embodies the very essence of Code M Magazine’s mission: To transform lives.
48 LGBTQ + THE ART OF SOLIDARITY
This year, Pride has a shadow over it as it’s celebrated throughout the country. However, for those who appreciate it, will get to enjoy the month anyway.
LIFES GOD MOMENTS
Conscious of it or not, we all have God moments but what do we do about them? Ma hew Harris has come to realize that they provide life’s greatest insights and opportuni es.
Get to know people who are making a difference in their organiza ons and in their careers.
56 LIVING OUT LOUD WITH NO REGRETS
Anthony Brown’s new book, Inspire Me Moments: Living Out Loud With No Regrets offers a blend of lessons and class as he coaches the reader on how to capture the moment and live with purpose.
60 BLACK BEAUTY IS A CROWD PLEASER
There is something about a Black woman and summer. The different skin tones dressed to beat the heat and look good doing it at the same mes brings the men and the crowds as the air heats up.
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Bilal S. Akram
PRESIDENT
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To the PUBLISHER Ladonna “Lala” Dicks
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IT CONSULTANT
Anthony Jones
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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
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Bilal S. Akram
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Bolling Smith
Chris Ma hews
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SHAKERS
LILLIAN PITTS
Lillian Pi sis a mission-driven leader with over a decade of experience advancing workforce development, youth empowerment, and equitable educa on systems.
She currently serves as Director of Youth Jobs Partnership at Scranton Road Ministries, where she designs and leads workforce readiness programs that connect students to high-demand career pathways.
Get to know people who are making a difference in their careers and changing the world! by Paris Lampkins
Pi s also serves as Execu ve Director of ForeverMom Legacy, empowering women and girls through intergenera onal educa on and community support. Her work spans K–12, higher educa on, and nonprofit sectors, with a focus on cross-sector collabora on, strategic planning, and social-emo onal learning.
A dynamic speaker and systems thinker, Pi s is commi ed to expanding opportunity and economic mobility for underserved communi es through inclusive, data-informed approaches.
ADRIENNIE Y. HATTEN, PH.D., CDE
Dr. Ha en is a Strategic Nonprofit Leader with diversified experience gained from professional and volunteer service, from over 30 years in social services, educa on and government with valuable exper se in performance management, outcomes measurement, community engagement, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
She is a Management Consultant and an Educator. Dr. Ha en is the Execu ve Vice President of Programs at the YWCA of Cleveland and is also the Principal Inves gator and founder of A.Y. Ha en & Associates.
She has proven success in the following areas: strategic and opera onal planning, building collabora on, project management, grant wri ng, grants management, board development, and effec ve supervision.
Dr. Ha en has taught at the undergraduate and graduate levels at Cleveland State University and John Carroll University in Nonprofit Administra on and Urban Studies She currently serves as Immediate Past President of the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences Alumni
DR. KEN GRIFFIN
Dr. Ken Griffin is a visionary healthcare execu ve, community advocate, and transforma ve leader currently serving as the President and Chief Execu ve Officer of Care Alliance Health Center in Cleveland, Ohio. With over two decades of experience in healthcare administra on and social services, Dr. Griffin has devoted his life and career to advancing equity, access, and dignity in care for society's most underserved communi es.
Born and raised in St. Louis and shaped by his lived experience as a Black man in America, Dr. Griffin's journey from poverty to the C-suite is both a tes mony of resilience and a call to ac on. As a former Chief Opera ng Officer for both public health and nonprofit organiza ons, he has led efforts to redesign clinical systems, secure millions in grant funding, and launch community-focused ini a ves addressing chronic disease, homelessness, and maternal health dispari es.
A proud graduate of Virginia University of Lynchburg, where he earned his Doctorate in Healthcare Administra on, Dr. Griffin brings a people-first approach to leadership, guided by servant leadership, strategic collaboraon, and cultural humility. Under his leadership, Care Alliance has reemerged as a hub for innova ve care delivery, advocacy, and neighborhood transforma on.
At the core of his work is an unwavering belief that every person, regardless of zip code, race, or income deserves access to compassionate, high-
Board, Inaugural member of the Bowdoin College Black Alumni Associa on, Chair Woman of the Boards of Old Brook Main, Old Brook Parma and Regent Schools.
quality healthcare. Dr. Griffin's leadership of the Men's Health Summit reflects his commitment to upli ing Cleveland's men through educa on, preven on, and connec on, empowering them to reclaim their health and their future.
START
George Bernard Shaw
MAN CODES: QUOTES ON LIFE
“Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about crea ng yourself.” - George Bernard Shaw
“A lot of people struggle with sleep because sleep requires peace.” African proverb
“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” - Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!
“Life is not a problem to be solved, but a reality to be experienced.” - Soren Kierkegaard
"Never underes mate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this no on: The potenal for greatness lives within each of us." - Wilma Rudolph
“If you can learn big lessons even from small storms, big storms will never catch you unprepared!” - Mehmet Murat ildan
Compiled by Bilal S. Akram
"We all require and want respect, man or woman, Black or white. It’s our basic human right." - Aretha Franklin
"Those who say it can’t be done are usually interrupted by others doing it." - James Baldwin
“Some things cannot be taught; they must be experienced. You never learn the most valuable lessons in life un l you go through your own journey.” - Roy T. Benne
“Those who ma er do not judge you; those who do should not ma er to you.” - Rohit Dharupta
Ephesians 5:15-16 – (15) Be very careful, then, how you live— not as unwise but as wise, (16) making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. NIVThe whole point of collabora on is that you give and take from each other, and that’s how you create things that are totally new. – Virgil
LIFES GOD MOMENTS
Conscious of it or not, we all have God moments but what do we do about them? Ma hew Harris has come to realize that they provide life’s greatest insights and opportuni es.
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. Wri en by DAVID CHRISTEL
We all have lives of des ny, of hopes, of dreams to be realized. Or do we? How, in the course of life’s vicissitudes, do we feel solid that we’re on course, that we’re making the right decisions, that we’re fully realizing the gi s we were born with and that we’re not deluding ourselves?
There are moments, God moments, when we find that perfect balance the center of the universe in which all things feel possible, and we know with absolute certainty who we are and the direc on we’re going. These moments are real beyond real, expansive beyond measure, indescribable, soul-filling.
Ma hew Frederick Harris has experienced these moments throughout his life that have shaped him and his life. He can currently be seen playing Quincy Jones and Tito Jackson in MJ, The Musical on Broadway. Ge ng there has been a journey comprised of doubt, confusion, highs and lows. But throughout it all, his faith in his rela onship with God has remained steadfast, rocky at mes, but integral to every aspect of his life.
One defining God moment, a crossroads, occurred when Ma hew was in high school in the musical Legally Blonde.
Alone on stage, singing a solo, he was suddenly in what felt like a moment where me stood s ll. “I remember this moment to this day, because it was such a God moment for me. I really felt like God put in my heart that my being on stage, performing, this is what I’m supposed to be doing. This is what I was gi ed to do.”
Up to that point, Ma hew considered his singing and being involved in theater produc ons more like a hobby. Not realizing it, he was performing in other ways: the high school band, the jazz band, jazz choir, and marching band. At church, he was playing the piano (self-taught), singing in the church choir, and he was also a worship leader. Performing was in his blood.
As one of seven children, all of Ma hew’s siblings played sports, but that was never quite his thing. While his parents weren’t super familiar with the performing arts world, like any loving parents, they hoped for stability and a secure future for their son. His father, a doctor, imagined Ma hew might follow a similar path. But academics and athle cs didn’t ignite his passion the way the arts eventually would.
At an early age, his mom encouraged his singing, recognizing that he had a gi . These were planted seeds that led Ma hew to discover that this gi was more than a hobby but a dream he would get to see realized one day as he followed the journey. That dream began to align when he got accepted into Baldwin Wallace University’s Conservatory of Performing Arts,
a top-five collegiate musical theatre program, which has seen many of its graduates starring in Broadway produc ons and receiving accolades.
Now 29 years old, married to his wife Dajah, with two children, Samuel and Ava and a third about to appear on the scene, Ma hew’s narra ve has included performing in reginal theatres across the states and appearing at the Public Theater and on Broadway in the Tony award-winning Girl from the North Country, his first Broadway show. A week a er Girl from the North Country opened, COVID arrived, and Broadway went dark for 2 years.
Time for another God moment.
Now out of a paycheck, a family to take care of, and living in expensive New York City, Ma hew needed to pivot, but to what? At the me, he was a ending C3NYC, a Chris an nondenomina onal contemporary church that was thriving with 5 loca ons. Next thing he knew, he’d become the first full- me worship director there, where he worked for 4 years.
“In 2020, I literally got to bring all my crea vity into this role. I'd never done anything like it. It was such a cool moment that stretched me. They wanted people to be crea ve and do things to the highest level, and they provided everything needed for that to happen. One of those fond memories includes doing a big Christmas produc on with film and all kinds of things. I was able to hire 15 to 20 Broadway musicians to come be a part of the produc on, people who’d not been working. I was able to bridge the gap between the two worlds I’ve come to love so deeply: ministry and the arts. God was so kind in allowing me to be a part of that.”
For Ma hew, the church posi on gave him the ability to keep his crea ve juices flowing and a crea ve outlet for doing things he’d never done before. He took a team that had dwindled due
Anthony Brown in various se ngs throughout the community.
NYC STRONG
to COVID and built it from the ground up. Surprisingly, it showed him that perhaps he’d like to direct one day and produce music. It didn’t go unno ced with Ma hew just how extraordinarily things had come together, that God was giving him another avenue to expand upon his gi s, to discover more about himself and his poten al, and to deepen his rela onship with God.
“I’ve always believed that my calling goes beyond just the arts or my personal dreams. If God gives me influence, then I have to ask, What does He want me to do with it? Over me, I realized that my greatest iden ty isn’t found in what I do, but in who I am: a child of God. That truth has grounded me, especially in an industry full of rejec on, striving, and constant pressure to achieve. Knowing who I am in Him shapes how I live, lead, and love and that changes everything.”
Ma hew encourages aspiring performers not to spend their whole lives simply chasing dreams, reminding them they are more than their ambi ons. “If God allows me to have the things I have,” he says, “then how can I use them to help others see who they truly are beyond the arts as muldimensional people? Be honest. Be authen c. Don’t just chase your dreams invest in all that you are. God is there to help you every step of the way.”
Today, Ma hew is paving the way for the next genera on through his own studio, Harris Collec ve Studios, where he trains, equips, and pours his cra into young ar sts from actors and singers to worship leaders. His heart is in inspiring them to grow not just in their cra , but in confidence, purpose, and faith to be.
Mathew Harris.
LIFE TWIN FLAMING IS A THING
A twin flame is a concept in spirituality and rela onships referring to a soul that is split into two bodies, represen ng a deep, intense, and transforma ve connec on. It's o en described as a "mirror soul," where one person reflects the other's deepest self, both strengths and weaknesses. Unlike soulmates, who complement each other, twin flames share the same soul essence.
by Bolling Smith
Finding love today is like looking for gold. You must dig deep in a remote place and test and test the area un l you see li le bits of hope in finding what you are looking for. Once you see li le pieces of hope, you then must work the area in hopes that it turns into something special.
Love is so hard to find that many people have given up on finding their person. But what if it is s ll possible to find someone so perfect for you that you feel like they were made just for you? What if they had everything you wanted in a mate, and you had everything they wanted in a mate? That term is called twin flaming, and believe it or not, people are s ll finding their soulmates in other people.
A follower of the Ballards, American spiritualist Elizabeth Clare Prophet first popularized the contemporary concept of twin flames in her 1999 book, tled Soul Mates and Twin Flames: The Spiritual Dimension of Love and Rela onships.
Prophet detailed what areas two people who have connected must have for their love connec on to be considered a twin flame.
Key aspects of a twin flame connec on:
Deep, Intense Connec on:
Twin flame rela onships are characterized by a powerful, magne c a rac on and an undeniable sense of familiarity and belonging.
Spiritual Growth:
The connec on is meant to be transforma ve, pushing individuals to confront their insecuri es, heal past wounds, and evolve spiritually.
Mirror Image:
Each person reflects the other's strengths, weaknesses, and unresolved issues, crea ng a dynamic that can be challenging but growth-oriented.
Tumultuous Nature:
Twin flame rela onships o en involve periods of intense conflict, separa on, and reunion, as individuals navigate their own
growth and healing.
Not Necessarily Roman c:
While o en associated with roman c love, a twin flame connec on can also manifest as a deep, platonic friendship or other close rela onship.
Unique and Rare:
It is believed that each person has only one twin flame, making the connec on a unique and significant one.
A twin flame connec on is a powerful, transforma ve journey of self-discovery and spiritual evolu on, facilitated by the profound connec on between two souls who share the same essence.
“I didn’t think I was ever going to find someone that I could consider a soulmate,” Brian from Texas said. “We were not born soulmates, but over me we became what each other needed. We commi ed to each other to be the kind of people we could love and count on, and that is how we became soulmates.”
The theory that there is someone walking on the planet that fits your personality perfectly can be challenged. The concept of twin flaming is more of becoming a soulmate than being born a soulmate.
There are many biblical references to twin flames. The most famous reference is in the story of Adam and Eve. God created them as a perfect match for each other, and they were meant to be together forever. They were two halves of one soul, tethered together.
Many people believe in the concept of Adam and Eve and understand the significance of becoming someone’s rib.
Finding your twin flame is much harder than you think.
Let us look at the origin of the idea of Twin Flames from another angle. Plato, who claimed that Zeus split what used to be androgynous human beings into two, one female, one male, to weaken them, so that they would not be such a threat to him, is also a theory of twin flaming.
Today the idea of finding someone that aligns perfectly with everything you want and need is impossible to find. Or is it?
HOW TO CREATE A TWIN FLAME FOR YOURSELF
The concept of the Twin Flame is not as hard as some might imagine. The idea of finding the right person is more about becoming the right person instead of finding the right person.
Too many in the da ng world are looking to find the right person. The mission should be to become a reflec on of what you are trying to a ract. That means that you will have to do some major work yourself if you are going to a ract the kind of person you are looking for.
Maturity, pa ence, become financially sound, become more thankful and less controversial. These are just some of the things that are needed to a ract the kind of person you want.
If you are looking for someone in shape, you, yourself are going to have to get in shape. If you are looking for someone spiritual, you will need to become more spiritual. Basically you will need to transform yourself into the kind of person that someone will want to date.
The days of looking to be accepted for yourself are over. Selfimprovement will be painful and humbling. Growth will come at a cost. You might lose friends, you might lose support, but you will find the person you are looking for if you really put the work into improving yourself.
A er you have done the work to improve yourself, the hardest part will come. Finding your soulmate will come as an accidental mee ng. You will not ac vely meet your soulmate. They will walk into your life when you least expect it.
It will take you me to realize that the person right in front of you is the person you are supposed to be with. You will have to accept that this person might not have everything that you are looking for.
They will have to accept that you do not meet all their needs. You both will have to commit to choosing each other and not pursue the next best thing. You both will have to resolve that there is nothing coming that is be er than what you have.
You will have to learn how to fight. You will have to learn how to not leave. You will have to learn how to create the peace you desire, together. Then, and only then, will you be able to say that you have found your twin flame.
If you can do those things, you will have developed the building blocks of what it takes to become and find your twin flame. It is possible to find your soulmate. The ability to do so will depend on whether you can become the person you are trying to a ract. ●
SKIPPING RIGHT PAST DEATH
I spent two weeks thinking I had a cold. It turned out to be a bacterial infec on that was working to take my life un l I finally went to the doctor. That visit came 48 hours before my certain death.
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.
We all have skipped things. In my life, I have skipped past a song, I have skipped past a commercial. I have skipped past the credits to get to the end. But never in my life did I ever expect to skip past death as I fought a bacterial infec on that was killing my body and trying to take my life.
It all started with what I thought was a cold. Several people around me had just go en over a cold and said that it would take me a couple weeks to feel be er. I figured it sounded like sound informa on and proceeded with my life like any other me I had a cold.
I went on about my business like nothing was wrong. I had a cough and some fa gue, but nothing seemed out of the ordinary. I kept myself on Dayquil and Nitequil and occasionally would take other medica ons for my cold and I kept my day moving. A er several days I began to lose my appe te.
Losing my appe te had never happened to me before. And it was not included in the list of my typical cold symptoms. But I did not get alarmed because I started to feel be er a couple of days later. But then I started to cough so much that I could not keep any food down.
I could not sleep while laying down. The coughing got to be so bad that I coughed all the me. It was so deep that if I drank or ate anything, the coughing would bring it back up. This is not a cold. This is something else. I started to men on to my family and friends that I felt like I had something else.
As we all started to assess my symptoms, I turned up the aggression on dealing with my sickness. I finished the magazine for June and went to bed for three days. That did not help. I went to the YMCA and sat in the sauna to sweat it out, but that did not help.
I finally went to the doctor on a Monday morning, and
they tested me for COVID and Influenza. I had neither. A er the visit, they told me I had a bacterial infec on in my lungs and prescribed an an bio c. I started to take the pills. Over the next few days, I began to feel be er.
That Wednesday, I went to Walmart to pick up a couple of items. As I walked back to the car I was so fa gued that it took me 20 minutes to get enough energy to drive home. That night I reached out to my family and a few friends to let them know that something was definitely wrong.
By Thursday my shoe would not fit on my right foot, and it doubled in size. I called my business partner Bilal Akram Thursday night, and he agreed to take me back to the doctor on Friday morning. We went back to the doctor and as we walked into the doctor’s office and they saw my foot, they immediately suggested that I go to the ER.
I could not walk. Bilal found a wheelchair, and we went to the ER. Once I was at the Metro ER, a low-level doctor came in and started to ask us some ques ons. He le , and a higher-level doctor came in.
He le , and then five doctors came into the room.
“Mr. Bowling, you are the most popular person in our ER right now. We have determined, a er some tests, that you have a bacterial infec on that is a acking your body.” The doctor connued, “A er looking at your foot, I am sad to tell you that the infec on is in your foot and we might have to amputate it.”
I was scared out of my mind. I came in with an aggressive cold.
Brad Bowling at the 2024 Man of The Year Event.
Not this. We rushed all over for all kinds of tests, X-rays, CT scans, and blood work. I was moved to a different room. Finally, the five doctors came back in and said that they were going to rush me into surgery to remove my leg to my knee and then begin an aggressive campaign of an bio cs to kill the infec on. I panicked and called everyone who was important to me. Within two hours of ge ng to the ER I was being rolled into surgery. No long conversa ons, no explana ons, no detailed understanding of what in the world is going on. I have something bad, and they are going to a ack it.
I woke up three hours later in a hospital room surrounded by family. It was a Friday a ernoon, and my life had changed forever. I really did not wake up from the pain medica ons un l Sunday. A er Sunday, I started to get visits from several departments of the hospital. My surgeon stopped by.
The opera on was a success. Everything went well. Infec ous diseases came to see me.
“Mr. Bowling, you had two bacteria a acking your body. They had trouble iden fying one, so we were called in to help. We have you on a cocktail of an bio cs to kill the infec on. Technically, if you had waited two more days to come into the ER, you might have died,” The doctor from the CDC said.
So I lay there for 7 days with An bio cs being delivered into my IV non-stop. My right foot was amputated, but I am s ll open to making sure that any remaining infec on is killed. As each day passed, I became more aware of my situa on, and my range of
emo ons rolled like a kid on a rollercoaster.
One minute I was in disbelief, the next I was mad at myself for being in this posi on. The next I was sad for where I caught the bacterial infec on. And of course, my health could be be er. The sugges on to take something to get my blood sugar under control was advised and I gladly did it.
By next Friday, I was told that the en re infec on was killed and that they would close the womb and begin the process of ge ng me physical therapy and back to life in four to six months.
That life includes a prosthe c foot, losing 20 pounds, and watching what I eat. It also includes learning how to walk and work to find a new golf swing.
But it also includes a new lease on life. It is a reminder that our me on the planet can end at any moment and if you have something to accomplish, do not hesitate to do it.
My family, friends, associates and fraternity brothers have been amazing in suppor ng me mentally and physically. I share my story to hopefully help the next person who deals with a sudden life altering experience.
While it may be overwhelming to go through something so trauma c, in the end, the fact that I am s ll here is amazing in itself, and I will never forget that.
I have also been reminded that skipping things all the me may not be the best way to save me. Not skipping things might give me a be er quality of life by slowing down and enjoying everything that life has to offer.
I cannot understand why this happened to me, but the lesson is not in understanding it, the lesson is figuring out who I want to be going forward and living in that purpose. I thank you and everyone who gave me their prayers. Much appreciated. ●
My life will include a prosthe c leg going forward.
BEAUTY
Kimberly 58, Faith 55, Shawn 56, Valerie 58, Chamaine 53, Darlene 60 and Felicia 55.
FAB AND OVER 50
Life can be demanding, and for many, the gym falls low on the list of priori es. But these remarkable women—all over the age of 50— are rewri ng that narra ve. What unites them is a deep love for fitness and an unshakable commitment to their well-being. They're all members of The Volt, a powerhouse gym in Cleveland, Ohio, where strength knows no age limit. Under the guidance of Philly Weeden, they engage in personal training, bodybuilding, and energizing weekly classes. For these women, The Volt is more than a gym—it's a sanctuary of strength, resilience, and sisterhood. They're living proof that it's never too late to priori ze yourself and become the strongest version of who you are.
All photos were taken by Golden Head.
DR.VINCENT TERRYIS
TRANSFORMING THE NATIONAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
Dr. Vincent Terry and his team at United Healthcare System of Georgia, are transforming the way that people receive health care, which is leading more men to the doctor and crea ng an overall be er health care system.
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.
There is a quiet crisis happening in America where pa ents are ge ng denied procedures from their health insurance companies. The problem, which has been brewing for almost fi een years, is ge ng so bad that doctors are leaving the industry which is crea ng an en rely different problem.
Dr. Vincent Terry, Chairman and CEO of United Healthcare System of Georgia has a plan for both. His organizaon recognizes the void of doctors available to administer medicine, and the crisis in adequate approvals of procedures for paents. If he is successful, his plan will transform the na onal health care system.
“We acknowledge there is a problem in the professional medical field as it stands today,” Dr. Terry said. “We are addressing both the shortage of good healthcare workers and the crisis in medical billing at the same me. We know we can do be er than what we are doing.”
Dr. Terry is especially sensi ve when if comes to Blacks and good health care. He understands the importance of being able
to see a doctor of the same background when you visit your doctor. Dr. Terry and United Healthcare System of Georgia has devised a plan to recruit and train thousands of new young Black doctors around the country. He also has a plan to accelerate the educa on of those doctors to get them into the field of medicine faster.
“We know we have a problem with our older doctors re ring at a faster rate than what we can produce in new doctors. There is a real problem across the country where you have millions of people with health care coverage, but do not have a primary care physician because they cannot find one,” Dr. Terry said.
At the same me Dr. Terry has a plan to address the problem with the medical billing system in America. Across the board doctors are struggling to get their services covered by the medical insurance providers that are insuring America.
Back in the 1970s doctors were able to get over 90 percent of their services paid by the medical insurance industry. Today, medical offices are struggling to get just over 65 percent of their medical services covered by the same industry. This problem is driving doctors out of the industry and causing pa ents lengthy delays in services and procedures due to the lengthy appeal process if their procedures are denied the first me.
And the cuts keep on coming. According to a report published last month, the Trump Administra on has introduced legisla on would mean 11.8 million more Americans would become uninsured by 2034. Federal spending on Medicaid, Medicare and Obamacare would be reduced by more than $1.1 trillion over that period with more than $1 trillion of those cuts coming from Medicaid alone.
This hits the Black community par cularly hard and underscores the problem that Dr. Terry has iden fied with doctors being shorted proceeds from performing the same procedures but ge ng less for their efforts.
“Infla on has gone up, not down.” Dr. Terry con nued, “If we do not protect our doctors and make sure that they can
Dr. Terry with Georgia State Rep. Sheila Jones.
Dr. Terry speaking at the grand opening of United Health Care’s second loca on.
run their prac ces at a profit, we are going to con nuously see en re areas of the country without adequate medical services because there will be no doctor available to provide care.”
He is not wrong. The U.S. is facing a growing shortage of physicians, with projec ons indica ng a shor all of up to 86,000 doctors by 2036, according to the AAMC. This shortage is par cularly pronounced in primary care, with es mates sugges ng a deficit of 48,000 primary care physicians by 2034. This shortage is predicted to worsen as the popula on ages and the demand for healthcare services increases.
state to increase the number of Black medical students who enroll in medical schools. And we need to really focus on gradua ng Black male doctors in par cular,” Dr. Terry said.
“When Black people go to the doctor, they want to see someone who looks like them,” Dr. Terry said. “We must do a be er job a crea ng a system that not only graduates Black medical students but provides incen ves to have them prac ce in the communi es where Black people live and work.”
“We need to make sure that we not only replace the aging fleet of doctors that are re ring, but that we fill that void with enough Black qualified doctors and healthcare workers to reduce the trust gap, increase how many Black men go to the doctor, and finally how to eliminate the need for emergency room care due to wai ng so long to seek medical a en on in the first place.”
BACK TO THE STUDENTS
Dr. Terry might not be able to directly help with the cuts from the Trump administra on; however, he does have a plan to increase the number of Black doctors in America each year by providing the kind of support that Black medical students have never seen.
“When Black people go to the doctor, they want to see someone who looks like them,” Dr. Terry said. “We must do a be er job of crea ng a system that not only graduates Black medical students but also provides incen ves to have them prac ce in the communi es where Black people live and work.”
Blacks already have a shaky rela onship with the medical profession. Blacks do not trust doctors who are not Black because there is a percep on that Blacks feel like they are not believed when they describe their pain to non-Black medical professionals. There is evidence that they are right.
The only way to increase the trust between Black pa ents and the medical profession is to introduce more Black doctors into the profession.
“Our plan to graduate 1500 medical professionals a year is the goal. That number is not just one state. We have plans for each
Dr. Terry is advising Blacks not to wait un l their health care situa ons become chronic. He wants Blacks who need medical a en on to do it early, which reduces the costs of health
Dr. Terry working in the community.
care and provides be er results when issues are addressed early.
IN CONCLUSION
There are few men like Dr. Terry who have decided to take on such large problems in the medical industry. With him a acking the problem from both posi ons, it puts in a unique posi on to be on his way to being considered one of the top execu ves in the country.
His plan to increase how many students graduate from medical school is so ambi ous that he is ge ng na onal a en on about his ideas. And he is ge ng the support he needs from states and medical ins tu ons to aid in the process of accomplishing his goals.
With some of the first ini ates beginning in the process, Dr. Terry is encouraged to see his program catch fire around the country. This kind of goal will save lives and help thousands of students who wish to become physicians reach their goals.
There is no greater calling than taking your posi on and doing something powerful with it. The quiet crisis plaguing America has found a savior, and his name is Dr. Vincent Terry. ●
BEYOND THE LENS: DONALD B'S ART OF SURVIVAL
Donald Black isn’t just a photographer; he is a visual alchemist, transforming personal narra ves into universal truths. His work, raw and authen c, resonates with the lived experiences of a community o en overlooked, challenging societal percep ons and empowering those who witness it. His journey, a testament to resilience and self-discovery, embodies the very essence of Code M Magazine’s mission: To transform lives.
by RALAND HATCHETT
AJourney Rooted in Authen city
“Ul mately, my journey as a person and as an ar st is depicted through my photography,” Black explains.
“My photography is a representa on of my personal journey.” His philosophy is not just the founda on of his art it is his truth. From murals depic ng a father and son playing chess, a direct reflec on of his childhood, to his unflinching documenta on of the foreclosure crisis, Black bridges the gap between personal experience and collec ve understanding.
Raised by ar st parents, Black was immersed in crea vity from an early age. His ar s c arsenal extends far beyond photography he is fluent in drawing, tex les, and music, demonstra ng a lifelong commitment to ar s c explora on. “Photography is just what I used to focus on how I was going to turn being an ar st into a life,” he reveals, “but it’s not exclusive to photography.”
Photographing the Forgo en: Foreclosed Homes in Cleveland Black’s work isn’t about capturing flee ng moments; it’s about revealing hidden stories and unspoken truths. His documenta on of the foreclosure crisis wasn’t a calculated a empt to capitalize on a na onal tragedy. It was deeply personal an explora on of a landscape he had navigated since childhood. “See, what I’ve learned is the personal becomes the universal,” he says. His raw, unfiltered portrayal of abandoned homes, stark reflec ons of loss and displacement, resonated with a community grappling with hardship.
His work soon gained the a en on of a billionaire, who commissioned him to document the en re city. This expanded project resulted in a vast collec on of images, many of which have yet to be exhibited. Through his lens, Black captures the resilience of a city and its people, highligh ng stories that might otherwise remain untold.
From Jersey City, NJ to Cleveland, OH: A Transforma on Story
Black’s journey is not just about art it is about self-discovery and resilience. Moving from Jersey City to Cleveland, he has faced challenges that tested his iden ty, rela onships, and career. Encounters with law enforcement and the struggles of naviga ng the art world have shaped his perspec ve, pushing him to dig deeper into his own founda on.
As he opens up about his fears and triumphs, Black hopes that readers can find inspira on in his journey. He acknowledges the
power of transforma on, credi ng his personal growth to a be er understanding of himself and the unwavering support of those who believed in him.
Uncut Art School: Teaching and Empowerment
Beyond crea ng, Black finds fulfillment in teaching. He has shared his knowledge of art since the age of six, believing that teaching not only enriches others but also strengthens his own understanding. Despite feeling isolated at mes due to his unconven onal approach, he remains commi ed to his mission.
His impact extends beyond individuals he has built a community through Uncut Art School, a space where ar sts come together to grow, support one another, and hold each other accountable. “It’s very much a group of people feeling like they’re experiencing much-needed conversa on and dialogue around the development of self that they didn’t know they were running from,” he explains. This ini a ve has proven to
A Donald Black photo.
be a transforma ve experience, reinforcing the idea that art is not just about individual success but about collec ve empowerment.
Reclaiming the Black Narra ve through Art
Black is acutely aware of the role art plays in shaping narra ves. He argues that, historically, art has been used as a tool against the Black community rather than as a means of empowerment. He sees a need for counter-narra ve stories that upli , validate, and challenge exis ng percep ons.
“Black people want to see themselves photographed in the way that they already see themselves as important,” he states. “We need to see ourselves in ways that we don’t see ourselves enough, which is important.” Through his work, he aims to change this by presen ng subjects in a way that highlights their significance. He is not just capturing images; he is capturing dignity, strength, and resilience.
The Evolu on of an Ar st: “While the Truth Unfolds”
truly reflect his vision, even in the face of censorship.
“This show represents transforma on,” he explains. “I can remember the images that are in the show I can remember when they didn’t exist.” This exhibit is not just a collecon of photographs; it’s a declara on of his journey, a raw and honest reflec on of his lived experiences.
All it takes is for someone to drive through some of the roughest parts of Cleveland to witness the beauty and impact of Black’s photography. His work is on the ground alongside the people who are from the same environment that he represents. And when you hear his story, with all of its rugged and rough edges, you’ll understand why it’s so impressive that he was able to maintain the focus needed to avoid falling into the traps that his environment steadily set and promoted.
Over the past fi een years, Black’s ar s c evolu on has been profound. His work has shi ed from technical exercises to deep personal representa ons of his community. His recent exhibi on at Cleveland Hopkins Airport, “While the Truth Unfolds,” showcasing individuals he’s known from Cleveland, is a testament to his growth an opportunity for him to confidently select pieces that
Here, there are no stories of happy endings, white picket fences, silver spoons, or long lists of impressive schools, exhibi ons, and awards. Ins tu ng himself and tabula ng all of his accomplishments isn’t as impressive as knowing how serious and meaningful art is to the person who is doing it to stay alive.
A Message of Empowerment
At its core, Donald’s journey is about transforma on not just his own, but that of the people and places he captures. His story is one of perseverance, self-acceptance, and a relentless pursuit of truth through art.
His invita on to viewers isn’t about dicta ng interpreta on; it’s about encouraging deeper engagement with the work, a willingness to see the world through a different lens. When asked what he wants viewers to take away from his art, he simply says, “Look at this in this way.”
As viewers take in his experiences, they are le with a powerful message: Transforma on is possible for anyone willing to embrace their authen city, challenge limita ons, and use their gi s to upli others. In his own words, “I am the work of art.” That work is a powerful force for change, born from the very streets he photographs.
A Donald Black photo.
POLITICS
LGBTQ+ – THE KEY IS SOLIDARITY
This year, Pride has a shadow over it as it’s celebrated throughout the country.
However, for those who appreciate it, will get to enjoy the month anyway.
This year’s Pride fes vals are different than in past years when the LGBTQ+ community was being pummeled. This me, the gay community is being a acked from every angle imaginable: from an -LGBTQ+ legisla on to an -trans a acks, book bans, a empts at reversing gay marriage, eviscera ng gay civil rights protec ons, and state and federal defunding or termina ng programs that serve the gay community.
The gay community is no different from any other community. Its members exhibit all the same human characteris cs by which everyone else can be described. But, due to some very misguided and fearful people who are also quite vocal, the gay community has been the perennial scapegoat upon which the straight community has projected their own foibles and failings. Typical human behavior.
There are many ra onaliza ons proffered as to why gay people should be put down. They are all bogus narra ves based on mindboggling ignorance, purposeful misinforma on and falsehoods, baseless and irra onal fears, and insidious religious and poli cal agendas focused on power and control.
For many in the gay community, this is nothing new. What is new is the tremendous effort being put forth to deny gay people as human beings with all the rights and privileges as anyone else.
In 2024, the ACLU tracked 533 an -LGBTQ+ bills in the US
The FBI reported in 2024 that more than 1 in 5 hate crimes is now mo vated by an -LGBTQ+ bias
The Trevor Project reports that 49% of LGBTQ+ young people experience bullying
There is so much more that isn’t reported the everyday incidents
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.
experienced in our families, neighborhoods and communi es, in our schools, businesses, clubs, churches, and service organiza ons. It’s all having a seriously nega ve effect on those who are the targets of such discrimina on and hate.
Lambda Legal reports that 33% of all homeless youth are LGBTQ+
The Trevor Project es mates that at least one young person (age 13–24) a empts suicide every 45 seconds
The American Psychiatric Associa on reports that approximately 31% of older LGBTQ+ adults report depressive symptoms and 39% report serious thoughts of suicide.
The struggle to keep one’s head up and to con nue planning for a posi ve future is very real. Every day, news headlines report yet more ac ons against the gay community, ranging from legisla on and policies to discrimina on and violence. There is only one way to combat this tsunami, and that’s to stand up to it. To do that, though, requires that the LGBTQ+ community come together in solidarity.
It’s easy enough to state that solidarity is what’s needed, but another thing to enact and live it. The consequences of resis ng persecu on can be loss of career, home, family, business, and life. But there are organiza ons in place to provide services and protec ons against the constant a acks being leveled at the gay community.
Lambda Legal has been working relessly for over fi y years to protect LGBTQ+ rights “through impact li ga on, educa on programs, and public policy advocacy.”
The American Civil Liber es Union (ACLU) has fought since 1936 “to end discrimina on, harassment and violence toward
transgender people, to close gaps in our federal and state civil rights laws, to prevent protec ons against discrimina on from being undermined by a license to discriminate, and to protect LGBTQ people in and from the criminal legal system.”
There are over 1,700 LGBTQ+ rights organiza ons in the US.
Over 250 LGBTQ+ centers can be found across the US that provide a wide range of health and wellbeing services, as well as resources for addressing all facets of one’s life.
Over the decades, the gay community has withstood many religious and poli cal a acks, as well as the devasta on that AIDS brought.
The gay community has rallied over and over to rise above and to survive and thrive despite such challenges. Since 1970, Gay Pride celebra ons have been one way in which to combat an -LGBTQ+ sen ment, violence, and injus ce.
Many believe that Pride today exists simply to get one’s “party hearty” on. Though that’s an obvious aspect of Pride, the annual event is far more than that. It’s a celebra on of uniqueness, of overcoming oppression it’s needed as a symbol and reminder that the gay community cannot be put down, dismissed, ignored, or destroyed.
It’s taken years of concerted legal, personal, and community effort to move the needle on gay rights in the US. And there is s ll much work to be done to ensure every LGBTQ+ person feels safe, supported, equal, and an integral member of the larger society. For that to occur, solidarity is required. Those trying hard to ex nguish LGBTQ+ people are coun ng on the gay community to cower in fear and return to the proverbial closet. That’s not going to happen!
For one thing, the gay community is growing because more and more people are finally coming out and choosing to be their authenc selves despite all the a acks and fearmongering. The Williams Ins tute reported in 2023 that 5.5% of adults in the US iden fy as LGBTQ+, which equates to 13.9 million adults. Since then, the percentage has risen to 9.3%.
Contrary to the nega ve reportage about the gay community, there is an accelera on of LGBTQ+ acceptance in the US. The “Accelera ng Acceptance 2025 Report” from the non-profit organiza on Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defama on (GLAAD) provided these upli ing facts:
About three in five non-LGBTQ+ adults (61%) say they are suppor ve of the gay community, totaling nearly 150 million people.
More than seven in ten non-LGBTQ+ adults say that if someone close to them told them they were LGBTQ+, they would support them.
91% of non-LGBTQ+ US adults agree that parents should support and love their children exactly as they are.
79% of non-LGBTQ+ adults believe schools should be safe and accep ng places for LGBTQ+ students.
74% of non-LGBTQ+ US adults support equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.
What this obviously shows is that solidarity needs to include not just the LGBTQ+ community but all its allies. A community opera ng only within their own societal silo is working against themselves. So, it pays to be social and on a grand scale. And that’s Pride!
The primary reason Pride exists is that it has survived extraordinary odds and con nues to survive despite ongoing a empts to suppress, demonize, and even ex nguish everything gay. But there is one thing the LGBTQ+ community is, and that’s resilient, and crea ve, innova ve, full of energy, and full of heart.
Former president Barack Obama said, “When all Americans are treated as equal, no ma er who they are or whom they love, we are all freer.” And that’s why Pride is so important.
Being who we truly and authen cally are is not only a gi to ourselves individually and to the LGBTQ+ community, but a gi to all of humanity. Some will see that and join the celebra on, and others will run and hide. Let’s all keep working to include everyone despite their dislike and fear of the gay community. Let’s rise above and show them a higher, brighter, and more loving vision in solidarity. ●
DIVINE 9 THE
DIARA WASHINGTON
Diara Washington is a dedicated 7th-grade science teacher entering her fourth year in the classroom. Known for her passion for student success and engaging teaching style, she was honored as the Outstanding Educator of the Year during her second year a testament to her impact and commitment to excellence in educa on. Beyond the classroom, she serves as the Varsity Track and Field Coach and Cheer Coach, where she mo vates and mentors student-athletes to reach their fullest poten al.
Get to know people who are making a difference in their organiza ons and in their careers.
By Bilal S. Akram
A proud alumnae of the University of Akron, she con nues to lead and serve through her involvement in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Phi Delta Kappa Sorority, Inc., both of which reflect her lifelong dedica on to educa on, service, sisterhood, and social ac on.
In her free me, she enjoys watching movies, spending me with familyandfriends,andrelaxingbythelake,whereshefindsbalanceand inspira on in the simple joys of life. Her enthusiasm for science, commitment to student growth, and love for community make her a wellrespected and admired educator and role model.
AARON EATMAN
Aaron Eatman, a lifelong Cleveland na ve, brings two decades of dedica on to educa on, student development, and community engagement. He earned his undergraduate degree from Georgetown University, where he double majored, and later pursued graduate studies, earning a Master of Educa on from Notre Dame College and a Master of Educa onal Leadership from Cleveland State University. He will begin his Ph.D this spring.
Eatman began his professional journey in public rela ons but soon found his true calling in educa on. In 2005, he transi oned into the field, star ng at a private ins tu on on Cleveland’s east side. Today, he serves as an Interven on Specialist and Chairman of the Department of Excep onal Children for Warrensville Heights City Schools, where he champions student success and inclusive learning environments.
His leadership extends beyond the classroom. Eatman is an acve member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, the NAACP, the Na onal Council of Teachers of English (NCTE), and the Council for Excep onal Children (CEC). He also serves on the board of The HELP Founda on, where he is currently the secretary.
Through these roles, Eatman remains deeply commi ed to advocacy, equity, and community development con nuing to make a las ng impact in educa on and beyond.
DAOOD THORTON
Daood Thornton was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He is a graduate of Baldwin-Wallace College and Case Western Reserve UniversityWeatherhead School of Management.
He is an IT Manager with KeyBank and has owned a tax prepara on business that has provided personalized service in the Greater Cleveland area since 1988.
A life member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Daood is ac ve with the Akron Alumni Chapter of the fraternity, where he serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Commi ee for the chapter.
thorton is also an ac ve member of the First Cleveland Mosque, where he is a member of the Finance and Foodbank commi ees.
“Educa on is the key to progress in order to change the future.”
LIVING OUT LOUD WITH NO REGRETS
Anthony Brown’s new book, Inspire Me Moments:
Living Out Loud With No Regrets offers a blend of lessons and class as he coaches the reader on how to capture the moment and live with purpose.
by Donna Heath
You’re not broken you’re becoming.
Inspire Me Momentsisn’t just a memoir it’s a mirror, a movement, and a map. With raw honesty, spiritual depth, and empowering reflec on, A. Harris Brown shares defining moments from his life childhood wounds, iden ty struggles, faith-fueled healing, and the rediscovery of purpose.
Structured in three transforma onal parts Becoming, Breaking Through, and Building Beyond this book dares you to unpack the past, find strength in your scars, and step boldly into who you’re meant to be.
Through compelling storytelling, self-reflec ve prompts, and soul-s rring affirma ons, Brown equips you to rise from whatever tried to hold you back and step boldly into who you’re becoming.
Inside you’ll find:
· Real stories of trauma, triumph, fatherhood, leadership, and restora on.
· GuidedFinal Thoughts,Inspire Me Moments, andWellness Check-Ins.
· Strategies for emo onal resilience, mental health awareness, and holis c growth.
· Reflec ons on reclaiming your voice, honoring your faith, and living on purpose.
· A powerful metaphor inThe Guardian Sen nel, represen ng the quiet hero rising in all of us.
This book is for the dreamers. The healers. The educators.
The men learning to breathe again. The women rediscovering their worth. The changemakers leading with heart.
Whether you're at a crossroads or walking through the storm, this book will remind you:
You already have everything you need.
You are not alone.
The cape was never in the closet it’s always been in you. ●
MUSIC
INDIANAPOLIS PRODUCES ANOTHER HIT GROUP 4CAST
Good music comes from all over the country. This mes it comes from Indianapolis with a new take on soul.
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. Wri en by JOHN O. HORTON JR.
Cast is an R&B singing group from Indianapolis, Indiana. Their repertoire includes new and old school R&B. Singers Alvin “Al Wayne” Hester, Jr., Carl “C.Jayy” Harris, Jr., Shaquan “Shaq Diesel” Simms, and Micha "Neko. Vynez" Buren e comprises the quartet.
4Cast has performed primarily in the Midwest area of the United States, and its popularity has rapidly increased this year. 4Cast (Al Wayne, C.Jayy, Shaq Diesel, and Neko.Vynez) has released four singles to date: “Hold On,” “No Problems,”"Girl U Good,” and the brand new"Take A Chance (On Romance) Lovers Edi on."
The new single receives airplay in various ci es across the USA and even in a few foreign countries. The song was produced by Uncle Jamz & Anthony Damoine Bush.
In September 2023, the group became a part of M.E.C.AP. Music and Entertainment as management clients and a label act of music industry veteran, Grammy winner Sid "Uncle Jamz" Johnson.
In June of 2024, 4Cast member C.Jayy joined the band of the legendary Babyface (who is also from Indianapolis). So, it is busy, busy for this young man as he does both. On August 3rd, in Metro Atlanta at the Stockbridge Amphitheater, he performed with 4Cast, opening the concert for Babyface and then coming back later with the headliner.
Recently, the group opened for Anthony Hamilton. Addi onally, they have opened for Johnny Gill, Morris Day & The Time, Atlanc Starr, and Karyn White.
In late September, the group opened for Loose Ends and Club Nouveau in Indianapolis as well as heading back to Atlanta to record their follow-up single to"Girl U Good", called"Take A Chance (On Romance)", which was released on January 17th.
Addi onally, they are featured on their labelmates Twelve's EP CHAPTER 12 on the track"Grace"and K-Rob the Singer's new
single"T.C.B."
The group was a trio un l December 2024, when it added a fourth member to complete the mantra of its name, 4Cast. Following the tradi on of"Girl U Good", their latest single,"Take A Chance (On Romance)"reached #1 on the Urban Influencer R&B & Soul Chart. They will be filming a video for the new single this Summer. ●
h ps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hiOySaEW52M
FASHION
BLACK BEAUTY IS A CROWD PLEASER
There is something about a Black woman and summer. The different skin tones dressed to beat the heat and look good doing it at the same mes brings the men and the crowds as the air heats up.
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/
This jean ou it compliments her body perfectly.
Photo Sylven Lamar
Photo Sylven Lamar
Photo Sylven Lamar
Dinner and a sexy dress is all you need for a great night out.
Photo Sylven Lamar
