There’s a Hat for Everyone
SLIM to the Rescue
IT’S CUFFING SEASON
NOVEMBER 2026
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NOVEMBER 2026 | 3
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A MONTHLY WORD FOR MEN BECOMING
THANKS-Living: Gratitude Is More Than a Holiday — It’s a Way of Life. November is a season of gratitude. AS THANKSGIVING APPROACHES, we gather with family and friends, share meals, reflect on our blessings, and give thanks for the people and experiences that enrich our lives. But this year, I want to challenge you to think beyond Thanksgiving and embrace something I call “Thanks-Living.” Thanksgiving is a day. “Thanks-Living” is a mindset. It’s about waking up each morning with gratitude, recognizing opportunities instead of obstacles, and appreciating the journey — even when life doesn’t go according to plan. I’ve learned that some of my greatest blessings have come disguised as setbacks. Moments that once felt like failures became opportunities for growth, reflection, and new beginnings. Those experiences taught me that gratitude isn’t just about being thankful for what we have. It’s about appreciating what we’ve learned along the way. As Black and Brown men, we often focus on what’s next — the next achievement, the next opportunity, the next level of success. But sometimes we need to pause and appreciate how far we’ve already come.
From Publisher: Bilal Akram, Visionary | Leader CEO, Founder & Publisher, CODE M Magazine
At CODE M Magazine, we’re grateful for every reader, every story shared, and every opportunity to inspire positive change. Your support reminds us why this publication matters. This November, I encourage you to practice ThanksLiving. Express appreciation. Give back. Celebrate someone else’s success. And remember that even on difficult days, there is something worth being thankful for. My hope is that the words and images in this issue continue to inspire, uplift, and change lives for the better. Don’t just give thanks. Live thankfully. Choose gratitude.
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INSIDE
EVENTS MAN OF THE YEAR The 2026 CODE M Man of the Year Celebration. P. 8
HEALTH STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT By Leslie Logan
OPINION
P. 46
BY BRAD BOWLING
OPINION
P. 38
GETTING OUT OF THE FRIEND ZONE
THEY THINK WE DON’T FEEL PAIN
COVER
BUSINESS
BEAUTY
By Anthony Kirby
SLIM TO THE RESCUE
THERE’S A HAT FOR EVERYONE
THE REIGN OF CANDACE STARKS
P. 8
Men and hats — a combination that’s been fashionable for hundreds of years. And Orstronda Gary of LookDepart is honoring the past and combining it with the present.
P. 36
112 R&B founding member and lead vocalist saves modern-day music. P. 30
By David Christel P. 16 6|
FASHION WHY THE BOWTIE IS A MUST P. 52
NOVEMBER 2026 | 7
| ANNOUNCEMENTS
THE 2026 CODE-M MAN OF THE YEAR:
WILL PACKER AN EXTRAORDINARY EVENING of Excellence, Influence & Legacy! Cleveland, prepare for an unforgettable evening as CODE M proudly honors Hollywood powerhouse WILL PACKER as its 2026 Man of the Year!
Join us on Friday, December 4, 2026, at The City Club of Cleveland for a prestigious celebration of Black excellence, leadership, achievement, and legacy. This extraordinary evening will feature two distinguished presenters: General President Lucien J. Metellus, Jr. of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the renowned Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, whose powerful voice and remarkable leadership embody excellence, purpose, and service. Together, these influential leaders will help celebrate Will Packer, the visionary producer
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behind blockbuster films including Girls Trip, Think Like a Man, and Ride Along, whose groundbreaking contributions continue to transform Hollywood and inspire generations. EVENT DETAILS • Friday, December 4, 2026 • The City Club of Cleveland • Doors Open: 5:00 PM • VIP Reception: 5:00 PM • Awards Presentation: 7:00 to 9:00 PM Expect an elegant evening filled with distinguished guests, powerful connections, inspiration, and unforgettable moments. Three extraordinary men. One remarkable evening. A celebration of excellence influence and legacy!
NOVEMBER 2026 | 9
STAFF ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PUBLISHER/CEO Bilal S. Akram
ENGINEER R ADIO/PODCAST Chris Westbrooks
PRESIDENT Brad J. Bowling
SOCIAL MEDIA Stiff Arm Media
CHIEF MARKETING AND BR AND STR ATEGY OFFICER Kevin McFall
IT CONSULTANT Anthony Jones Digital Jetstream, LLC
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Adrianne M. Sims
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Christel Leslie Logan Brad J. Bowling Bilal S. Akram Laron Harlem Bolling Smith Anthony Kirby Akil Marshall
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 Valerie Starks-Hutton-Beauty Editor GR APHIC DESIGN Stiff Arm Media designExplorr EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Ladonna “Lala” Dic
Subscribe FREE online: codemmagazine.com
To submit comments, feedback or to inquire about advertising please contact us at info@ codemediagroupllc.com Visit our social channels
BILAL AKRAM
CEO & CFO
bilal.akram@ codemediagroupllc.com 216-695-0911 BRAD BOWLING
PRESIDENT STAFF PHOTOGR APHER Sylven Lamar Franklin Solomon CODE MEDIA GROUP LLC Braylon Lee
brad.bowling@ codemediagroupllc.com 440-796-5763 CODE M Magazine was created to be a guiding force in creating a dialogue for black men everywhere. CODE M focuses on the conversations of advancement, mental health, career choices, the political landscape, and relationships that define and shape the lives of Black men everywhere. CODE M Magazine is published by CODE MEDIA GROUP, LLC © 2026 All Rights Reserved
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NOVEMBER 2026 | 11
M OVERS & Shakers Shakers Get to know people who are making a difference in their careers and changing the world.
Alexandria Keller, Journalist
Alexandria is a Cleveland-born journalist based in Los Angeles, whose work explores how art shapes culture. After graduating from Kent State University, Keller worked as an editorial intern at America’s Test Kitchen under award-winning food author and historian Toni Tipton-Martin. She learned to weave research and historical context into her writing, a skill she carried into her passion for music journalism. She wrote lead editorials for Who’s Who in Black, earning admission to the University of Southern California. Keller graduated this past spring from USC with a Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism (Arts and Culture). She served as a teaching assistant to the former dean of the USC Annenberg School and is now the personal assistant New York Times best-selling author Anna Tubbs. Keller volunteers as a reading tutor and spearheaded an independent fundraiser during COVID to close the digital divide, helping Cleveland children attend school despite limited resources.
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Royce Robinson,
John Griffin, Jr.
Royce is an entrepreneur, master barber, salon owner, former semi-professional soccer player, and coach. A respected name in the beauty and barbering industry, he consistently demonstrates that success has no boundaries when you’re willing to put in the work.
John is the founder of Unconquerable Security Solutions, PLLC (USS), which is led by security experts with 40+ years of experience serving Fortune 500 Business, government agencies, and individuals in the physical & digital realms. In 2001, he founded AGB (Always Giving Back) Investigative Services, Inc., offering expertise in all aspects of security, including physical and cyber security.
Entrepreneur and Master Barber
As the founder of Rollz Royce Cutz, Royce has established himself as a leading figure in the industry, earning recognition as one of Nashville’s top barbers, collaborating with celebrities and high-profile clients. Royce’s entrepreneurial vision extends far beyond the salon. With experience in marketing, business development, and brand building, with a degree from Tennessee State University in Business Administration, he pursues opportunities across multiple industries. He is passionate about coaching and developing the next generation of leaders through dedication to teamwork, discipline, confidence, accountability, and leadership. Royce teaches young athletes that success is not only measured by wins, but also by growth, perseverance, and the ability to support one another.
Unconquerable Security Solutions
John is an authority in security and risk mitigation, with extensive experience in highlevel security prevention and investigations. He was trained by the Department of Defense, Department of Homeland Security, and US Secret Service in computer forensics. John is a certified Forensic Expert Witness and continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. With a Master of Public Administration from Roosevelt University and a BS in Commerce from DePaul University, John is also an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated, XI Lambda Chapter.
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START CODEMMAGAZINE.COM
“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” – JAMES BALDWIN “The brave die never, though they sleep in dust: Their courage nerves a thousand living men.” – MINOT JOHN SAVAGE “When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.” – AFRICAN PROVERB
MAN CODES: QUOTES ON LIFE “Three things in life – your health, your mission, and the people you love. That’s it.”
“Everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it.” – CONFUCIUS
– NAVAL R AVIK ANT “Have a vision of excellence, a dream of success, and work like hell.”
“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.” – MUHAMMAD ALI
– DR. SAMUEL DUBOIS COOK “Change your thoughts and you change your world.”
“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”
– NORMAN VINCENT PEALE
– NELSON MANDELA
“A roaring lion kills no game; it is the silent hunter that brings home the feast for the entire hungry tribe.”
“In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: it goes on.”
– AFRICAN PROVERB
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– ROBERT FROST
“Just when you think it can’t get any worse, it can. And just when you think it can’t get any better, it can.” – NICHOLAS SPARKS “I speak to everyone in the same way, whether he is the garbage man or the president of the university.” – ALBERT EINSTEIN “Fall seven times, stand up eight.” – JAPANESE PROVERB “Greatness is not found in possessions, power, position, or prestige. It is discovered in goodness, humility, service, and character.” – WILLIAM ARTHUR WARD 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 (4) Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. (5) It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. NIV
NOVEMBER 2026 | 15
| BUSINESS
THERE’S A HAT FOR EVERYONE Men and hats — a combination that’s been fashionable for hundreds of years. And Orstronda Gary of LookDepart is honoring the past and combining it with the present. “LookDepart started with a simple belief: the right hat, the right boot, the right finishing piece can change how a room reads you before you say a word.” Those are the words of Orstronda Gary, founder of LookDepart, who truly believes there’s a hat for everyone. He also acknowledges that how a man presents and carries himself can take him a long way. He is a living example of that.
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Years ago, he attended a job fair. A woman at a booth, seeing the well-dressed Orstronda, called him over. She asked if he had ever been in management. Replying no, she said he looked like management and helped him land a position as a supervisor with a
company. Soon afterwards, he was promoted to manager. All this from presenting well. Orstronda credits his father with his eye for fashion and style. He also taught Orstronda to wear suits, how to tie a tie, and how to carry himself. Summers, Orstronda visited his mother, who lived in Nashville. He’d pick up the latest fashion tips, bringing them back with him to his small town of Oakland, Mississippi. By high school, Orstronda had become a trendsetter with the students. He realized that he appeared older and more mature because of how he carried himself. That set the tone for his future. “One of the reasons I got into what I’m doing in terms of creating hats is that I looked at society and I saw that we as Black men don’t have enough examples out there in terms of what a man should be, how a man should carry himself. There’s power in the way we carry ourselves. When I’m at venues selling my products, young men in their late teens and early twenties come up to me telling me
how much they like how I look. They realize that how we dress can give us an entirely different outlook on our possibilities.” Orstronda encourages men of all ages to “look the part.” That’s how the name of his brand came about, a play on words. Look the part became LookDepart. He explains that the first part, look, is all about starting with how we look and how that relates to whatever business we’re in. “We need to be in a mindset that leads to inspiring us to do and be better in whatever capacity.” The second part, depart, urges us to leave behind our old thinking that doesn’t help us to become greater versions of ourselves. When you visit LookDepart, you’ll find boots, belts, and watches — and especially hats, specifically fedoras. w“As an entrepreneur, I was more into blazers and dress suits for men. I was trying to figure out how to expand my business when I noticed fedoras were coming back in fashion.”
That was the beginning of researching the hat industry, working with a man from Houston who made custom hats, attending his classes in hat making, and Orstronda teaching himself how to sew. That’s when it hit him. “I bought a sewing machine and started practicing on my own. I soon realized that this was all coming to me easily, naturally. It didn’t seem hard. That’s when I knew I had hit on my purpose.” Orstronda’s process is simple: he sees material, he envisions, and then he manifests his vision. And he’s still learning. With his growing clientele and opportunities, Orstronda is looking toward the future and expansion. But he’s multidimensional: he’s also an author. His books, Refinement: Journey and Refinement 2: Journey, are a collection of his poems about his life journey and other people’s experiences. Both books guide and inspire readers, building on the idea of refinement in one’s life. NOVEMBER 2026 | 17
“The power of words, the effect it can have on one’s mind — reading turns something in the mind of the reader allowing them to envision what the author was thinking when the poem was written. My books are about transformation and evolution.” Key in Orstronda’s life is the matter of choice. “You want to make the right choices, not only for yourself and where you’re going in life but remembering that you’re sowing seeds for others by your example.” That ties in perfectly with the designing and making of hats as he views life and LookDepart as an ever-evolving process of manifestation. 18 |
Even as AI encroaches on many arenas and skillsets, Orstronda believes that what will
never disappear is the originality required to design and make something with one’s own hands. “Whatever you can envision, you can bring into reality.” It all comes down to choices, following one’s heart and what you love to do, and then taking the steps to realize your vision. Orstronda has done that and will continue to look toward the future, one hat at a time! To view Orstronda’s creations visit: lookdepart.com
Written by DAVID CHRISTEL—David has been ghostwriting books for well-known people since 1995. He is also the author of “Married Men Coming Out: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming the Man You Were Born to Be.”
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| LIFE
It’s CSeason uffing Ever hear of “cuffing”? It’s happening right now through March — and it’s all about cuddling up with a romantic partner for the cold winter months.
WE’RE ALL SEASONAL beings led by our innate drives and circadian rhythms in alignment with the four seasons. In the mix are the societal machinations that impact our sense of well-being, harmony, balance, and feelings of belonging. Interestingly, what’s also impacted is our desire to be in a relationship — especially during the colder months. And who doesn’t want to snuggle with someone to stay warm just like with the band Three Dog Night? Okay, that may be an obscure reference for some people, so to explain, the band’s name is allegedly based on the indigenous people of Australia who would sleep with three dogs (dingos) if the night was freezing cold. Dogs are nice, but humans offer more, like conversation and donuts. 20 |
Researchers haven’t found a correlation between our desire to be hooked up with someone and the oncoming colder months. But there does seem to be a pattern that’s been noted by those involved in pop culture, specifically social media followers. The term “cuffing” appeared in the early 2010s, though the concept has been around for many years. Today, it’s seriously trending and is now found splattered all over TikTok as #cuffingseason. Cuffing — though it sounds like it’s about putting a collar on your dog or getting swatted upside the head — is related to the idea of being handcuffed to another person. Hmm … that doesn’t sound like a lot of fun …
In this case, though, it’s about short-term coupling in order to avoid the loneliness that the winter months can bring on. Oftentimes, people will seek out a relationship because winter can be so grey and cold. People tend to be more isolated than during the warmer months because of the need to stay indoors where it’s more hospitable. Loneliness and boredom can set in. • 60% of singles report actively looking for a relationship between October and March • Dating app activity increases 15-30% starting in late September with peak activity between November through February • Searches for boyfriend/girlfriend spike in October • 30-40% of cuffing season relationships end by spring
• Millennials and Gen Z are 40% more likely to participate than older generations Something else that affects people during winter is known as SAD: Seasonal Affective Disorder. With less sunlight, many people suffer a kind of depression, what used to be called the “winter blues.” They experience ongoing sadness and listlessness, moodiness, low energy, a lack of interest in things, sleep issues, difficulty concentrating, and feeling hopeless and not seeing a purpose to continue living. For some people, feelings of needing to hibernate kick in, not unlike bears. The desire to hole up and shut out the world can become intense, which can include the onset NOVEMBER 2026 | 21
| TTILE HERE
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CODEMMAGAZINE.COM
NOVEMBER 2026 | 23
of paranoia, a growing insensitivity to others’ needs, losing interest in the rest of the world, and even determining that the “outside” world is too dangerous to venture into anymore.
Expectations need to be communicated and managed. Both parties need to know upfront whether this is to be a short-term or possible lasting relationship.
Thus, cuffing can fill the need for companionship in order to avoid all the negatives that wintertime can trigger. Now we get into the positives of coldweather romances.
Decide if the cuffing is strictly for companionship or something more romantic, even if for the short term.
Most people gravitate toward companionship, the desire to share life with another person. Who better than a romantic interest, especially when the holiday season kicks off with Halloween, then Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s Day. Into the new year, there’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras and, don’t forget, National Hot Chocolate Day in January! With so much going on, a relationship can really make the season bright … and other things. Another important point is family gatherings when everyone seems to need to know whether you’re in a love relationship or not. How nice to have a romance to intrigue and titillate nosy family members, especially nanas and aunties longing for future newborns to fawn over and seeking the continuance of the family line.
Set dating rules and boundaries. When meeting friends and family members, agree beforehand on what subjects are off limits, which are safe, and how to explain your relationship. If looking for something more lasting, set goals you both agree on. Determine ahead of time which holidays you’d like to spend with just the two of you, with others together, and apart from each other.
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If either of you has pets or children, it’s very important to discuss dynamics and expectations for involvement with both.
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Cuffing isn’t for everyone, yet it can be a lot of fun in order to weather the grey days of winter. It really depends on what your relationship needs are and whether you’re willing to build toward something long term or, when the days warm up, bid each other adieu.
Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to participate than older generations
Unfortunately, this has its drawbacks, too, in that whomever you bring home for the holidays is going to given the once over and very likely the third degree as family members probe to determine whether the individual meets the family’s standards. Wait, wait — there are standards?
Of course, you could go the strictly platonic route and cuff yourself to your job, a passion of yours, your career — whatever you want that will keep the winter blues away. But life is so much more enjoyable and expansive when shared with someone special.
Oh my, yes there are standards! Your special someone is going to be under a microscope that outdoes the James Webb telescope. Surviving the ordeal, if dealt with candor and humor, is akin to going on a trip together for the first time. You’re going to learn a lot about your paramour’s stamina, grit, adaptability, and suitability as a possible longterm commitment.
A person never knows what life has in store for them and choosing to cuff with someone during the winter doldrums could turn out to hold some interesting surprises including a long-term relationship. If it feels right, go for it. In the process, explore different winter activities that bring out the best in you from playing board games to driving around to see the holiday lights to winter sports. Enjoy and may your light shine brightly!
The thing about cuffing is that there are some rules to consider.
Written by DAVID CHRISTEL: David has been ghostwriting books for well-known people since 1995. He is also the author of “Married Men Coming Out: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming the Man You 24 |
Were Born to Be.”
NOVEMBER 2026 | 25
| OPINION
GETTING OUT OF THE FRIEND ZONE BY ANTHONY KIRBY
GOOD GUYS ALL OVER THE COUNTRY ARE SITTING IN THE FRIEND ZONE WITH A WOMAN THAT THEY WOULD DATE. USE THESE TACTICS TO ESCAPE THE ZONE AND FIND A WOMAN WHO APPRECIATES YOU. THE OLD SAYING that nice guys finish last has never been truer in today’s dating climate. Women have never been clearer about what they prefer with the choices they make in who they date. And the clear winner is not the good guy.
is, quite often, not acknowledged by women because they do not see it. If they do see it, it is not appreciated as a quality they desire. Quite often, positive behavior is seen as an act of weakness, thus throwing the man in the friend zone.
For the good guys dating in 2023 is a no-win situation. Opening the door, pulling out the chair, and walking on the outside of the street when walking is no longer seen as acts of chivalry. Prince charming is dead, and feminism killed him.
“I have tried to be nice to women when I date them, but it keeps putting me in the friend zone and I do not know what to do,” Charles, from Las Vegas said. “I notice that the women I like do not like me and then I see them dating knuckleheads which confuses me.”
“If a guy opened my door or treated me like a queen, I don’t even know if I would recognize it,” Tanisha of Fredericksburg, Virginia said. “I was not raised to expect that kind of treatment and would be shocked if I got it.” That clearly defines the problem that men encounter today when trying to treat the modern-day woman like a queen. Recognition of good-guy behavior 26 |
Women tend to choose the person that excites them. Chivalry is boring by today’s standards. If you are the kind of person that likes to treat a woman well, here are some tips on how to get out of the friend zone.
NOVEMBER 2026 | 27
| OPINION
LEVEL UP One of the best ways to stay out of the friend zone is to increase your value. Take a break from trying to date and get in shape. Work on your income. Advance your wardrobe and create more value for yourself. The better man you become, the higher quality woman you will attract. It is very hard to chase women and money at the same time. Choose to create more revenue for yourself so when you do find the right woman, you can afford to date her. Often men will not be able to attract the woman they want because they have not elevated to the right level, thus attracting a lower quality woman who does not see their value.
BEING ALONE VS IN THE ZONE One of the hardest things to master is the art of being alone. Men need to understand that learning to be alone will help when it comes to picking success or failure. Men will often make poor decisions when it comes to trying to date women as opposed to choosing to be alone. Learning to be alone can be one of the most positive things a man can do before he chooses to put his energy into a woman who does not want him. Time spent alone creates a standard that men will use when deciding if being alone is better than being unhappy. Loving yourself is the best way to find the right person. When attempting to date, if
BECOME UNAVAILABLE Men who are thrown into the friend zone often will make the mistake of being too available. This creates a situation where you are now offering friend-type access to yourself which allows her to see you only as a friend. Go several days without being available. Do not offer any friendship type services for the woman you are attracted to. Rides, money, advice, and dates as friends create a losing battle for the man. Make sure you establish that you are not seeking friendship, but you are looking to be more than friends. If that advance is not accepted by the woman, you are to move on from the relationship. Men need to practice setting boundaries for their time, money, and energy if they are going to become attractive to the opposite sex. BECOME MORE SELECTIVE One of the best ways to reduce being placed in the friend zone is to become more selective about the type of woman you are attracted to. Men are visual people and most often are attracted to beautiful women. But this can create a situation where men are picking the wrong type of woman. Men need to create a standard of values that they covet in a woman. After they determine what kinds of values they seek, they need to begin to ask more qualifying questions when speaking with the potential dating mates. They will find more women of substance who might share some of the same characteristics and thus get better matches.
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spending time with her is not good as spending time with yourself, then do not do it. Learning how to be alone will create confidence, standards, and peace. If the woman cannot maintain those standards, then she is not the one. IN CONCLUSION It is very difficult to recognize the behavior of not getting caught in the friendzone. Men are creatures of habit, and it will take time to see the results you desire when it comes to dating. Remember, if you want to be in love, you are going to have to fall in love with yourself first. Only, and only after you increase your own value, will you begin to see other women appreciate your value as well. Happy hunting.
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SLIM to the Rescue
112 R&B founding member and lead vocalist, Silm, saves modern-day music with several new releases of music including his new song, “Where I belong,” produced from his own label M3 productions.
THERE IS NO doubt that modern-day music is in trouble. With lyrics that are numb and compositions that leave the soul wanting for more, people are begging for a time when music meant something. Well, the wait is over. Slim, the founding member and lead singer of the 90s R&B group 112, plans to release a new record from his own label M3 Productions that includes new music designed to reintroduce great lyrics with amazing compositions that harken back to a better day in music.
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Slim’s vocals define a generation of music when the vocals from a singer were distinct. He typically sings with a falsetto tone, which instantly made 112’s music unique among R&B groups. “I have one of the most unusual voices and it just worked for our group and allowed me to explore the different ranges of vocals that I can do,” Slim said.
“My parents are religious, so I didn’t listen to secular music growing up. I had no idea who was hot at the time or what artists were doing when we made our brand of music. Slim explained. “I later started to listen to and create music that was more R&B and it just took off.”
112 (pronounced “one-twelve”) is an R&B group from Atlanta, Georgia. Discovered by record production duo Tim & Bob, the group signed with Sean Combs’s Bad Boy Records, an imprint of Arista Records to release their eponymous debut studio album.
112 was unique because they wrote, produced, and performed their own songs. Within the Bad Boy Records family, they were the only R&B group doing this. That talent allowed them to tell the stories that they wanted to tell and the audience loved it.
The following year, they guest performed alongside labelmate Faith Evans on Sean Combs’ 1997 single “I’ll Be Missing You,” which won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group and became the first hip hop song to debut atop the Billboard Hot 100. Their second and third albums, Room 112 and Part III, followed thereafter; the latter peaked at number two on the Billboard 200.
“One of the things missing from music today is the definition of love,’’ Slim said.
The group’s fourth album, Hot & Wet, served as their final release with Bad Boy until signing with Def Soul to release their fifth album Pleasure & Pain, which saw continued commercial success. The albums spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 20 singles “Only You” (featuring Notorious B.I.G.), “Cupid,” “Anywhere” (featuring Lil’ Zane), “Love Me” (featuring Mase), “It’s Over Now,” and the Grammy-nominated “Peaches & Cream.” Originally known as Forte, the group performed talent shows and performed at churches and schools around Atlanta. Not long after, hitmakers Tim & Bob heard of the group and sought them out. They started developing their singing up in their living room then to the studio in hopes of the duo producers first signing to Rowdy Records run by their then boss, Dallas Austin. Also, Kevin Wales was able to secure an audition for the group outside of Atlanta’s Club 112 in Buckhead; they sang for Combs and impressed him. Following another audition for Combs in front of Bad Boy producer Chucky Thompson, Bad Boy Records artist Faith Evans and Combs’ protégé Usher, and a co-sign from Thompson and Evans, Combs signed the quartet of Michael Keith, Marvin Scandrick (Slim), Daron Jones, and Quinnes Parker to Bad Boy Records. The group then changed their name from Forte to 112, the 32 |
name of the nightclub where they had auditioned for Combs.
I have one of the most unusual voices and it just worked for our group and allowed me do explore the different ranges of vocals that I can do,” And he isn’t wrong. If you listen to the music of the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, artists were able to sing about the feeling that they had for their lover. They were able to express themselves with a sense of vulnerability that’s missing in today’s music. Music listeners often complain that the lyrics from the music produced today are so watered down and vulgar that it no longer feeds the soul with something that stands the test of time. “You can be best in the street, but when you come home, you can calm it down and show respect to your woman because there’s something there you love about her.’’ Slim said. “We would tell our women what we would do for them. The words were there, and the music had to be very believable for it to work.” Slim says that artists today use metaphors that are confusing to people in order to define what they’re saying with their music. He feels that writing from a level of vulnerability is a lost form today, so music doesn’t stick to the soul the way it used to.
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GRAMMY-WINNING RECORDING ARTIST
Slim referenced writing songs for the Isley Brothers and credits Ronald Isley for creating the kinds of songs that still resonate today because he poured his soul into what he was lyrics. That, along with amazing arrangements, allowed the songs to come to life and help the listener bond with the song. With Slim’s latest release, he hopes his new songs will help people reconnect with exceptional recordings and fall back in love with the idea that music can define, change, and create a feeling of love and respect in people. “I’m taking my time with this newest release and making sure all the bells and whistles are there so people can feel where I’m coming from. That way, we can all celebrate love together,” Slim said. Slim may not know this but everyone is ready and waiting for him to bring a generation of feelings back to the radio. If he gets his way, Slim and 112 will go on forever and remain of the best R&B groups Generation X has ever heard.
Written by Brad Bowling: Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has a BA in mass media communication and an MBA in marketing. He contributes articles to the magazine, continuing his love for writing.
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MARVIN ‘SLIM” SCANDRICK SINGER
SONGWRITER
PERFORMER
ICON
TIMELESS MUSIC. REAL EMOTIONS. THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Few voices in R&B are as instantly recognizable as that of Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist Marvin “Slim” Scandrick. For more than three decades, his signature falsetto and unmistakable delivery have made him a defining voice in contemporary R&B. As a founding member and lead vocalist of 112, Slim helped create the soundtrack to a generation with timeless hits including “Cupid,” “Only You,” “Anywhere,” and “Peaches & Cream.” His contributions to the Grammy-winning “I’ll Be Missing You” further cemented his musical legacy, while his solo hit “So Fly” reached No. 49 on the Billboard Hot 100. Now, Slim returns with “Where I Belong,” released through his own imprint, M3 Productions, and produced by Kenny “Smoove” Kornegay, whose credits include work with acclaimed R&B artists Case and Johnny Gill. A soulful celebration of love, connection, and finding where the heart belongs, the single showcases the signature vocals and heartfelt storytelling that continue to resonate with audiences across generations.
@officialslim_
@Officialslim
MANAGEMENT Roland Dixon 404-667-3580 nowrulero@gmail.com
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| BEAUTY
ALL POWER. NO PERMISSION.
THE REIGN OF
CANDACE STARKS Candace Starks is a 40-year-old powerhouse entrepreneur making her mark across the greater Los Angeles area. Best known in the real estate world for her thriving Notary and Loan Signing business, she’s built bridges across industries from grassroots communities to LA’s elite circles. Now, Candace is expanding her reach into writing, fashion, and creative expression driven by authenticity, purpose, and a desire to inspire.
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Beyond business, she’s a proud mother to a 20-yearold son, her greatest motivation and living symbol of legacy. Embracing both her Black and Mexican heritage, Candace moves through life with harmony and power balancing strength and softness, hustle and grace. Whether she’s at a closing, creating, or cultivating community, Candace Starks is the definition of doing it all unapologetically and with intention.
MAN OF THE HE YEAR RECEPTION
REV. dR. Otis Moss III
Will Packer
GENERAL PRESIDENT
LUCIEN J. METELLUS Jr.
Presenter
Presenter
Friday, December 4, 2026
The City Club of Cleveland MAN OF THE YEAR 1317 Euclid Avenue. Cleveland, Ohio 44145
VIP RECEPTION Doors Open At 5:00 PM Program: 7 NOVEMBER PM to20269| 37PM
| HEALTH
They Think
We Don’t Feel Pain For centuries Blacks have been tortured and experimented on by the medical profession because it was assumed that they feel less pain than whites. Today, this theory is putting Blacks at risk when they visit their white doctors. By Brad Bowling
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THERE IS A quiet epidemic happening in the medical industry that very few people are talking about. But Blacks all over have, and are currently, experiencing racism is the most life-threatening way when they visit the doctor. There is an age-old myth that still is believed today that Blacks feel less pain than whites. Half of white medical trainees believe such myths as black people have thicker skin or less sensitive nerve endings than white people. This belief system will manifest in Blacks not being believed when they come in for symptoms of pain. Black people are either not believed, sent home, or get limited resources because their cause of pain is real. Dr. M. Norman Oliver, Virginia’s health commissioner, studies racial bias in medicine and found that the centuries old idea about Blacks and health still exists today. Several years ago, researchers at the University of Virginia, including Dr. Oliver, probed the beliefs of 222 white medical students and residents and published results in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science. Half held false
physiological beliefs about African Americans. Nearly 60 percent thought their skins were thicker, and 12 percent thought their nerve endings were less sensitive than those of white people. The medical students and residents who endorsed false beliefs like these were more likely to rate the pain of a black patient as less severe than that of an otherwise identical white patient and less likely to recommend treating black patients’ pain. Other studies show that physicians, white ones in particular, implicitly prefer white patients, falsely viewing them as more intelligent and more likely to follow professional advice. These belief systems by white doctors directly impact the kinds of treatments that blacks get. Because there are racial and ethnic disparities in pain treatment, blacks, quite often, get less diagnostics and remedies than their white counterparts. One review found such treatment
the emergency department are 22–30% less likely to receive analgesic medications, 17–30% less likely to receive narcotics, have longer wait times and are less likely to be admitted compared with white patients. The results of not being taken seriously puts Black patients at risk and impacts the Black community overall. So, what can Blacks do to decrease the confusion and get the quality health care they deserve. Some of them perceive the problem to come from several areas. False beliefs and implicit bias may be driving racial and ethnic disparities in the assessment and treatment of pain. Cultural differences among people of diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds lead to differences in pain treatment preferences. Racial and ethnic minority patients have worse pain expectations which may influence pain treatment disparities. However, there is evidence that expectations are malleable and may serve as a good target for intervention. Factors including language barriers, lack of access to interpreting services, cultural differences in communication styles and health literacy all impact patient/provider communication and can lead to poor treatment adherence and outcomes.
disparities are present across treatment settings. For example, minority patients are rated as having less severe pain, are less likely to receive comprehensive diagnostic and treatment approaches for pain and receive less analgesics than white people. Minority patients are more likely to have their pain underestimated by providers, less likely to receive opioids as part of their pain management regimen and receive less aggressive pain treatment than white patients. Further, non-white patients seen in
Some doctors complain that there is sometimes a language barrier that hampers a doctor’s ability to administer the right treatment. While this notion might have been true in the deep south, it cannot be used as an excuse to deliver inferior medical treatment. The trust between the Black patients and white doctor can be called into question based on the history of how Blacks were treated in the past by the medical community.
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| HEALTH
The U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Syphilis Study at Tuskegee was conducted between 1932 and 1972 to observe the natural history of untreated syphilis. As part of the study, researchers did not collect informed consent from participants and they did not offer treatment, even after it was widely available. Knowledge of the Tuskegee Study resulted in less trust of researchers for 51% of African Americans and 17% of whites. Forty-six percent of African Americans and 34% of whites indicated that their knowledge of the study would affect future research participation decisions. This study sharply impacted the trust that Blacks have for doctors in general. So how can you protect the ones you love, and yourself, when visiting a white doctor? The best policy when looking for a primary care physician is to ask friends and family about their experiences when going to the doctor. You can also do your homework and search for recommended physicians in the area. Quite often it is the medical hospital itself that is the problem. Find out if the medical hospital has a robust position on diversity, equity, and inclusion, or if any Blacks hold positions of power. Today many medical facilities are doing good work on making sure that the infrastructure of how they administer to Blacks and pain are addressed properly. One of the best options for those that want to make sure they get sound advice and medical care is to seek a doctor of color. Black and brown doctors understand the plight of the community and will not overlook pain symptoms when you visit the doctor. Black physicians, based on their understanding of the Black community, will sometimes be able to offer superior diagnoses due to being able to see past the patient. The conversation about what is best for you and your family when it comes to visiting the doctor is a very real and necessary one to have. Make sure that you are getting the best possible care when visiting the doctor and that you develop a positive relationship with your doctor.
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| BOOK REVIEW
THE COLOR OF BLACK WOMEN My Worth. My Voice. My Journey. is an affirmation coloring book for working women who want space to pause, express themselves, and reconnect with who they are beyond their responsibilities. Through creative illustrations and encouraging affirmations, this book invites you to celebrate your worth, trust your voice, and honor your journey. Whether you’re growing in your career, navigating a transition, rebuilding your confidence, or simply making time for yourself, choose a page and make the moment your own. Created for women across careers and stages of life, it also offers a thoughtful activity for women’s groups, employee resource groups, retreats, and gatherings centered on connection and encouragement. • • • KEESHA SALTERS HAS created an adult coloring book for Black women that provides perspective and respite from a hectic lifestyle that can often lead to poor mental health and loneliness. You’ve been “on” all day. This moment is yours. You’ve led the meeting, solved the problem, supported the team, and delivered. Now, give yourself a moment to set down the expectations and pick up some color.
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Set down the expectations Pick up some color Make this moment yours
Keesha is the Founder & President of Unique Perspectives, LLC. Her background in human resources, talent acquisition, and inclusion has centered on helping people and organizations thrive. Drawing on her professional experience and her own journey through change, Keesha created this book to offer working women a creative pause and a reminder that their worth extends beyond a title, a performance review, or a paycheck.
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| TTILE HERE
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| HEALTH
STRIKING WHILE THE IRON IS HOT BY LESLIE LOGAN
TAKING ADVANTAGE OF AN OPPORTUNITY AS SOON AS IT EXISTS IS ALWAYS SOUND ADVICE. THIS ARTICLE CENTERS AROUND THE IDEA OF BUILDING THE RIGHT PROCESS SO YOU CAN STRIKE WHETHER THE IRON IS HOT OR NOT. WHEN WILLIAM BUTLER Yeats coined the phrase, “Do not wait to strike till the iron is hot; but make it hot by striking,” he did not know that quote would become the catch phrase to define taking advantage of an opportunity. But that is exactly what people are doing in 2023. It is very clear that America is different. Different in the fact that inflation is increasing faster than pay. Different, in that rent is now, on average, $2,000 a month. Different in that something must change if people are going to make it over the next three to five years. And finally, different in that people are less and less happy with their financial status so they are searching for solutions. As people search for alternative incomes to add to their main income, they are finding that there are options available to them. Adding a part-time job is one option, working with a delivery app (I.E. Uber, Door dash, Grubhub). But the key to not missing an opportunity to strike is to never worry about whether one comes or not. The key is to develop a plan and work on that plan for as long as it takes to make the plan work. If you wait for the right situation to come along, you may never advance on your goals. When Yeats said do not wait until the iron is hot, he advised that opportunity comes from the work put in to create it. If you have a desire for a different life, Yeats advised that it is better to create that life, than to wait on it. 46 |
And people are doing just that across the country. They are not waiting for something to happen to them, they are going out and creating an opportunity for themselves. Keith, from Aurora, Ohio was laid off from his job recently. He sensed that changes were coming when new leadership was hired. So, he planned to be released and started to look at his options for his next position. “My goal, since I knew I was going to be let go, is to make sure that I work on my own terms,” Keith said. “So, I workday and night, I started my own consulting company, and I am going to attack my goals, so I never have to work for anyone again.” Keith has decided that he is going to work 100 hours a week to ensure that he is successful with his consulting business. Working 100 hours means that he is not waiting for the iron to strike. He is creating his own opportunity by working his plan as hard as he can. “Luck looks a lot like hard work,” Brayden from Battle Creek, Michigan said. “I am not waiting for an opportunity to find me. I am going out, working my tail off and I am creating my own winning formula.”
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| HEALTH
Brayden bought a box truck and started road driving, delivering for companies like Amazon and other companies that need packages moved around the state and country. Brayden knew he would, most likely, work more hours. But he schedules his own day, makes great money, and does not have to worry about being laid off or fired. This is a huge change for some people. Working for yourself can be difficult if you do not understand all the aspects of being an entrepreneur. Bookkeeping, banking, sales, taxes, marketing, and financing are all apart of what it takes to run a good business. Most people will struggle in one or more of those 48 |
areas. If you do, work to find solutions that fill the gap of where your skills end. “I thought owning my own business would be fun. What I realized after a couple of years is that I work longer hours and harder then when I worked for a company,” Julie from Washington D.C. said. “If you are not going to dedicate yourself to your craft, you will ultimately fail. But if you succeed, working for yourself is one of the most gratifying things you can do.” There is also a satisfaction factor that needs to be discussed. Post-pandemic people are finding that they are not happy in their current positions. The
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| HEALTH
job no longer makes them happy, or they realize that working paycheck to paycheck is not living. So, they are redefining what makes them happy. Quiet quitting is a post-covid term that describes an employee who is still working but has check out of their current position or career. They come to work every day, but they are working on quitting their position or have simply just checked out. Public school teachers are one example of an industry where teachers are quitting by the thousands across the country and looking for other careers. “I would wake up and could not breathe. I thought something was wrong with me. I went to the doctor, and he asked me if I was stressed out, I said ‘no I do not have any stress’,” Nikki from Memphis said. “He asked me what I did for a living, I said teacher, and he said that my job was causing me stress.”
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Nikki left her profession, she left a great pension, and she left the stress of dealing with teaching. Her health problems went away, and she is not working a job that pays her bills with a lot less stress. She had no idea that her job was causing her to have health problems. The bottom line: tomorrow is not promised. The faster that you can get to your true purpose the happier you will be, and the more fun life will be. Work in a position that allows you to work on your main goal and do not stop until you hit your goals. Pick up the iron, and strike as often as you can, for as long as you can until you create the kind of life you always imagined.
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| FASHION
WHY THE BOWTIE IS A MUST 52 |
LEFT— Bradley Candy celebrates color by taking a plain white suit and jazzing it up with a multi-colored bowtie. ABOVE— Even children can look stylish in a bowtie when the time calls for it. This handsome young man understood the assignment and wore his outfit to perfection.
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| FASHION
Sharp-dressed men compliment each other by sporting the same level of sophistication.
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There is nothing like a lady who knows how to dress. And red looks so good on her, too.
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| FASHION
Marcus Powell, III understood the assignment when he finished his shirt and vest with an amazing black and white bowtie to bring the entire look together.
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