CODE M MAGAZINE 2026 SEPTEMBER ISSUE

THE WOMAN OF MOTOWN MUSIC TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF ME

XCEL SUMMIT FOR MEN

Black Enterprise’s Alfred Edmond Jr. talks about leadership, wealth building, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth from entry-level to the c-suite at this year’s summit.

MUSIC WITH ERIC ROBERSON SUBSCRIBE HERE

THE RING OF FIRE

+ WHY BLACKS ARE LEAVING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY SEPTEMBER 2026 ISSUE

[ LIFE ]

Gen Z is passionate about wars around the world.

30 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ HEALTH ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 27

28 SEPTEMBER2026 / CODE M

PUBLISHER’S NOTE PREPARING FOR YOUR NEXT SEASON As the fall season starts, so does the opportunity to create a new season and a new process remembering it is never too last to reset.

T

he days of summer begin to wind down. The pace changes. The air gets a little cooler. Children return to school, routines return, and we begin preparing for a new season.

But seasons are more than changes in weather. They are reminders that life is constantly moving—and so are we.

Every transition gives us an opportunity to pause and ask ourselves: What did this last season teach me?

What am I carrying forward? And what am I ready to leave behind? Sometimes we resist change because the familiar feels comfortable.

But growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones.

The next chapter of your life may require a different mindset, a different level of discipline, or even the courage to walk away from something that no longer serves your purpose.

I've learned throughout my own journey that transitions can be uncomfortable, but they can also be transformative.

Some of the greatest opportunities in my life came after moments that forced me to reevaluate my direction and trust that something better could emerge.

That mindset is part of what inspired me to create Code M Magazine—a platform designed to tell our stories, celebrate our accomplishments, encourage our growth, and remind Black and Brown men that there is always another level to reach. As we enter this new season, don't be afraid of the transition.

Bilal S. Akram

Publisher, CEO

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 5

INSIDE

24 WHEN THE WORLD KEEPS CHANGING People are struggling with the ever -changing world of conflict and turmoil. With 100 year events happening every other month, it might be more than some can handle.

ON THE COVER

34

XCEL SUMMIT FOR MEN Black Enterprise’s Alfred Edmond Jr. talks about

leadership, wealth building, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth from entry-level to the c-suite at this years summit.

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

15 MAN CODES Friendship.

6 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

16 BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP Lucas Funeral home and director and owner, Jason Lucas, has become the pillar of the community by being there when families are at their most in need of honor, loyalty and trust.

Breaking up after a relationship can threaten the emotion well-being of event the most seasoned romantic. Here are a few ideas on how to not completely lose it after a relationship ends.

33 CODE M BEAUTY

18 WHY BLACKS ARE LEAVING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Amazing women are refining what it means to be sexy.

Black people are starting to question their loyalty to the Democratic party after many policy shifts that no longer support the advancement of minorities and growing frustration over the internal battle between progressive and moderate democrats.

42 THE RING OF FIRE

30 HOW TO BREAK UP WITHOUT BREAKING

The world is actively shifting as the Ring of Fire has experienced over 40 earthquakes in the last two months changing the world map and impacting the landscape of over 100 million people.

49 THE GIFT OF SCHOLARSHIP The biography of Sylvia Moy, Motown’s first certified female in-house pro-

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 9

[ INSIDE ] ducer and songwriter, and one of the authors behind classic hits like “My Cherie Amour,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and a slew of other time-honored tunes all from the book It's No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy. 54 MUSIC WITH ERIC ROBERSON

52

Neo-soul and R&B is on full display at the 2026 Pittsburgh Jazz International Festival as Eric Roberson is set to perform some his greatest hits September 17th to September 21st.

60 COOLER TEMPS MEANS COOLER CLOTHES The fall season is special because it is a time for thicker and warmer fashions that define who you are and just how good you can look.

SCORING ONE FOR THE TEAM ADVERTISE WITH CODE M

The Point Guard Principle: Leading with Vision, Building Teams, Transforming Communities, is a powerful new book written the superintendent of Warrensville Heights City Schools Donald Jolly II.

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

Call 440-796-5763 to request a rate kit.

4 SEPTEMBER2026 / CODE M

TRANSFORMING THE LIVES OF MEN

ENGINEER RADIO/PODCAST Chris Westbrooks

PUBLISHER/CEO Bilal S. Akram

SOCIAL MEDIA Stiff Arm Media

PRESIDENT Brad J. Bowling CHIEF MARKETING AND BRAND STRATEGY OFFICER Kevin McFall EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS Adrianne M. Sims SENIOR ADVISOR Alexandria Johnson Boone MANAGING EDITOR David Christel CHIEF OF STAFF

IT CONSULTANT Anthony Jones Digital Jetstream, LLC CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Christel Leslie Logan Brad J. Bowling Bilal S. Akram Laron Harlem Bolling Smith Monique Wingard Raland Hatchett Akil Marshall Dr. Tim Goler

Anita G. Butler PAGE EDITORS Laron Harlem-Fashion Editor

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Sylven Lamar Franklin Solomon

Paris Lampkins-Movers & Shakers Editor Valerie Starks-Hutton-Beauty Editor CODE MEDIA GROUP LLC

GRAPHIC DESIGN Stiff Arm Media EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT To the PUBLISHER Ladonna “Lala” Dic

Subscribe FREE online: www.codemmagazine.com #CODEMAGINTL

To submit comments, feedback or to inquire about advertising please contact us at info@codemediagroupllc.com CEO AND CFO: BILAL AKRAM

bilal.akram@codemediagroupllc.com

216-695-0911

PRESIDENT: BRAD BOWLING

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

[ TRAVEL ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER2026 9

MOVERS &

SHAKERS

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

by Paris Lampkins

JAVANCE BUTLER Javance Butler, professionally known as VanceOnKeys, is a dynamic pianist, organist, keyboardist, music producer, and educator whose musicianship spans live performance, studio recording, production, and contemporary music education. With a versatile musical foundation rooted in gospel, R&B, soul, and hip-hop, Javance has built a career defined by musicality, versatility, creativity, and an undeniable feel on the keys.

Throughout his career, Javance has performed and worked with an impressive roster of celebrated artists, including Boney James, Kenny

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Lattimore, KEM, Vivian Green, Chico DeBarge, Rahsaan Patterson, The Delfonics, Glenn Jones, Chucky Booker and University 2.0, and Big Mike Hart.

His professional experience also extends into the recording studio through session work with Boney James, including the song "I Belong to You," featuring Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi. These recording credits further showcase Javance's ability to bring his musicianship from the live stage into high-level professional studio environments.

[ MOVERS & SHAKERS ]

DAVID ECHEVERRIA David Echeverria is a visionary strategist and organizer working at the intersection of politics, community organizing, and digital entertainment. He is the Founder of State of Play, a 501c3 initiative that utilizes entertainment to educate and mobilize young people in their communities, as well as CEO of Villeage Esports & Entertainment, a platform that amplifies everyday gamers and builds pathways for community-driven competition and creative media.

Born on the Gulf Coast of Florida to a family of formerly undocumented migrant farm workers, David's Mexican-American heritage fuels his commitment to equity, education, and grassroots power. His organizing has spanned immigration justice, education reform, and racial and economic equity- beginning with "Know Your Rights" trainings and growing into national campaigns that merge culture, media, and movement work.

David earned his B.A. in Political Organization from the University of Louisville, with minors in Socio-Cultural Anthropology, Political Science, and Social Change. In 2025, he participated in a global practicum abroad with Gen.G Esports in South Korea, exploring how gaming and international entertainment can serve civic engagement. That same year, he was named an inaugural fellow of the Adam Clayton Powell Political Institute,

recognizing his leadership in shaping the future of organizing and politics.

ANDREW FLAGG Andrew Flagg is a Cleveland, Ohio native, accomplished actor, singer, writer, and director with a lifelong passion for the arts. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Phoenix and has humble extensive portfolio across the stage, television, and film, with listed credits on IMDb. Some listed notable work includes, roles in award-winning stage plays such as: "Is There a Man in the House?", "What a Sista Should Do", and "Soul Purpose".

On screen, he played Abraham in Washington's Armor and appeared as the Blind Man in the hit series The Chosen in Season 1 Episode 1 & 2, and in Season 4 on Amazon.

Coming soon "Sisters Holiday" with Warren Productions.

Beyond acting and directing, Andrew is a voiceover artist and co-author of the bestselling book Souled Out Vol. 2. Guided by his faith, Andrew encourages all to live out their calling and pursue Christ for the GPS coordinates for their Predestined Divine Design Purpose. Christ will direct your path.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 13

18 SEPTEMBER2026 / CODE M

START

Muhammad Ali

FRIENDSHIP MAN CODES:

Compiled by Bilal S. Akram

“Good friends are hard to find, harder to leave and impossible to forget.” - G. Randolf

“Friendship is not about whom you know the longest. It is about who came and never left” - Paulo Coelho

“Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything.”

- Muhammad Ali

“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart” - Eleanor Roosevelt

“True friendship is like sound health. The value of it is seldom known until it be lost.” - Charles Caleb Colton "A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words."

– African Proverb “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.”

Mario Puzo, The Godfather

-

Good friendships lead to a good life. In fact, the longest happiness study by Harvard tells us that having close relationships is THE key to living a good life. It’s more important than success. More important than money. More important than achievement. More important than material possessions.

—Harvard University Study Hebrews 10:24-25 (24) And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, (25) not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV) CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 15

[ START ]

BUILT FROM THE GROUND UP Lucas Funeral home and director and owner, Jason Lucas, has become the pillar of the community by being there when families are at their most in need of honor, loyalty and trust.

By Leslie Logan

T

Jason Lucas

hey say the two most important times in life are when you are born and when you find out why you are born. Jason Lucas knew at a very early age that he was going to own a business. His mentality for entrepreneurship came from his father, who was the pastor of a church. Jason didn’t follow in his father's footsteps, but he was close.

Lucas started his own funeral home, Lucas Funeral Home, and over the last 26 years has become one of the pillars of the Black community.

“I was very fortunate to start my career at Boyd Funeral Home where I spent ten wonderful years under their leadership,” Lucas said. “That showed me that I wanted to start my own funeral home, and I have been in this business for 36 years.”

Lucas has always had a fascination with death, and that helped him make his decision to explore it as a career.

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That career has made him and his business one of the most respected funeral homes in the area, and he understands the emotions involved when a family comes to his company for services.

Lucas explained, “We know that it is our job to do the very best that we can when it comes to handling the needs of the families as they walk in the door. We take tremendous pride in knowing that we honor our customers’ loved ones when it matters the most.”

With the average cost of a traditional funeral ranging between $7,000 and $12,000, with the exact total heavily dependent on whether you choose burial or cremation, families must get what they want when planning a funeral service.

Today, more and more families are choosing to have their funeral service at the funeral home, so Lucas is expanding his business with a new location to accommodate the changing times.

People are choosing not to use churches for their funeral services for several reasons.

[ START ]

Lower Religious Belief: Many people have stopped practicing their childhood religion or do not belong to a specific church.

Generational Shifts: Younger generations, like Millennials and Gen Z, often find formal church rituals disconnected from how their loved ones lived.

Desire for Simplicity: Some families want to avoid the high costs and emotional stress of organizing a large, traditional religious service.

POPULAR ALTERNATIVES Celebrations of Life: Families host uplifting gatherings at parks, restaurants, or community halls to share happy memories instead of holding a somber church service.

Direct Cremation: The body is immediately cremated without a formal viewing, mass, or visitation.

Funeral Home Services: Many people prefer the convenience of hosting all events in a secular location managed by a funeral director.

“People are used to the funeral at a church; however, more and more people are starting to want the service at our facility,” Lucas said.

Lucas is close to opening a new location where he will be able to host over 250 people as they pay their respects to their loved ones.

location will feature state-of-the-art facilities that will provide a wonderful experience for those who choose to use our company as a place to cherish their lost family member,” Lucas said.

Lucas knew he needed to expand when the COVID hit back in 2020. With so much loss and suffering for those who lost their lives, his services were overwhelmed with people who needed to find a funeral home.

“That was such a hard time for the community and us. I worked non-stop to counsel and provide support to those who lost their loved ones,” Lucas said.

During the pandemic, families were not allowed to gather to bury those they lost, so Lucas developed meaningful ways for families to pay their respects without exposing them to the risk of infection.

The support he showed for his customers has blessed him with a thriving business and the respect of the community.

Along with churches and schools, funeral homes are seen as one of the mainstays of the Black community, and Lucas knows that.

He is proud of the business he has created and appreciates the community support. And the community appreciates him, too. ● To learn more visit, https://www.lucasfuneralhome.com/

“We are proud to be able to change with the times, so this new

Baker with George Santiago and Joe Nameth.

Clarke and attorneyLucas Ben Crumb.

Funeral Home has become a pillar of the community.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 17

POLITICS

Gregory Jones is a Site Administrator for Step Forward.

18 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ POLITICS ]

WHY BLACKS ARE LEAVING THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY Black people are starting to question their loyalty to the Democratic party after many policy shifts that no longer support the advancement of minorities and growing frustration over the internal battle between progressive and moderate democrats.

By Bolling Smith

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 19

T

[ POLITICS ] here is a growing sentiment among Black people that their loyalty to the Democratic Party is starting to shift as they question the motives of the party and whether their goals still align with the Democratic platform.

In the past, the Democratic Party could almost count on the entire Black vote when running for election.

Blacks have been one of the strongest voting blocks in the American political system for years. With the formation of the AFL-CIO, Blacks began voting due to their affiliation with the union vote. And since the unions voted Democratic, so did Blacks.

Today, the number of Blacks leaving the Democratic Party is on the rise, and the reasons vary from personal choice to the party’s platform. Either way, the Black vote is no longer secure for Democrats to count on, and the party might be in trouble in the 2026 midterm elections.

PROBLEMS WITH THE PLATFORM The Democratic Party used to champion the causes that advanced the lives of anyone who was in the working class. It fought for the rights of minorities and women. It worked to create a level playing field for those who felt like they didn’t have a political voice. The party that created and fought to pass Title 9 stood for the things that made common sense.

Since COVID hit, the party has started to shift its focus from fighting for the 90 percent of what people want to the less than one percent. Instead of creating bills and policies that most people can rally around, the party has started to focus on things that only really impact about one percent of the population.

Men playing in women’s sports is not a main agenda for Democrats. The policy shift from Title 9, which fought for the advancement of women’s sports, is now being challenged by the very party that introduced it. A large portion of society disagrees with men playing in women’s sports.

This is a growing problem for the party.

Immigration is another major problem for the Democrats.

The policy to open the borders has confused most Black people because this policy is literally taking away the resources that Blacks have relied on for years.

The party created sanctuary cities for illegal immigrants and poured millions of dollars into creating free housing, free healthcare, and a monthly stipend for them just for coming to the US. Those decisions are in direct conflict with what most Blacks consider to be a flawed agenda. With those resources shifting from Americans in need, many feel like the policy of open borders is hurting the country and Blacks in general.

That is a shift from prior years when Blacks supported anyone who wanted to come to the US for a better life.

That is starting to shift due to overcrowded communities, crime caused by illegal immigrants, and a drain on the very resources that poor Blacks depended on.

The transgender policy of the Democratic Party might be the largest policy facing the party due to how divisive the question is of whether a child is capable of deciding what sex they are at an early age.

Because less than one percent of the population is transgender, it’s confusing to many as to why the party would make the transgender topic a main argument. Many Blacks feel like the boundary of what is politically correct and what is morally correct is being challenged, and they are being forced to decide where their vote should go.

Many Blacks are starting to align their political views with he Republican party.

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[ LIFE ]

Many people today think our youth have been enabled to want less than their parents.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 25

[ POLITICS ] PROGRESSIVE VS MODERATES A democratic socialist (often colloquially called a "democratic socialist") is a person who believes in combining a democratic political system with a socialist economic system, where the public or workers own and control the main parts of the economy rather than private corporate owners.

The socialist platform believes that there should be no police department, there should be no prisons, and that the government, in general, should be eliminated. They also believe that some things should be taxed at one hundred percent depending on the wealth of the person and what they make.

The progressive’s core beliefs include: •

Economic Control: Wealth should be shared fairly. Major industries, utilities, and services should serve the public good instead of making profits for private investors.

•

Workplace Democracy: Workers should have a direct say in how their jobs and companies are run.

•

Democratic Government: Free elections and civil liberties must stay intact. Unlike single-party communist states, democratic socialists believe power must rest with the people

through voting.

•

A moderate Democrat is a member of the center to center-left faction of the Democratic Party who blends socially liberal values with more pragmatic or fiscally cautious economic positions.

The moderate’s core beliefs and policies include: •

Economic Approach: They generally support a probusiness and market-oriented economy, favoring targeted government spending, regulatory relief, or fiscal restraint over large-scale government takeovers or massive tax hikes on the wealthy.

•

Social and Cultural Views: They align with the broader Democratic Party on social issues such as civil rights, reproductive freedom, and environmental protection, but often pitch these ideas using language that appeals to independent and middle-of-the-road voters.

•

Healthcare and Governance: Rather than pushing for single-payer or government-run healthcare systems, they often favor incremental reforms, such as adding a public option while allowing individuals to keep private insurance. They also emphasize bipartisan cooperation and institutional governance.

These two different political viewpoints are starting to split the democratic vote down the middle, where, depending on who is running, the party’s ability to win an election is greatly compromised.

So, Blacks are struggling and have a difficult task of trying to decide whether the party still represents them.

It’s becoming harder and harder to see where the democratic agenda aligns with the issues that Blacks care about the most.

And while scores and scores of Blacks have shifted to the Republican Party, those who have not are confused as to who they’re going to vote for in the 2026 midterms. Many are wondering if their vote even matters anymore because they no longer recognize the party that once fought for the agenda that includes the things that many Blacks desired to see in government.

There is no clear answer as to how the Black vote will be split in the future. One thing is for certain: Democrats can no longer count on the entire race to vote one way.

That is a tragedy for another conversation. For now, the Black vote is up for grabs and so is their future. ●

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[ LIFE ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 25

LIFE

WHEN THE WORLD KEEPS CHANGING People are struggling with the ever-changing world of conflict and turmoil. With 100 year events happening every other month, it might be more than some can handle.

I

It’s safe to say that people live in their own little universes nested within varying sizes of microcosms from family to community, state, nation, planet, and the macrocosm: the universe. As they maneuver in and around each of these, they’re impacted personally whether they’re conscious of it or not.

When it comes to relationships, jobs, decision-making, world view, and one’s place and purpose in the universe, everyone is influenced and shaped by the ever-changing landscape of personal to global movements and events. There seems to be no way to avoid the non-stop onslaught of news and distractions assaulting one’s senses, sensibilities, and emotional equilibrium. It’s overwhelming, dispiriting, frustrating, and depressing.

To put this in perspective: Researchers are finding that average human knowledge is doubling about every 13 months.

According to IBM, the build-out of the “Internet of things” will lead to the doubling of knowledge every 12 hours.

There are over 817,000 television programs to watch 24/7.

The total number of video games in the world is over 5 million.

We now have over 8.9 million mobile apps to download to our tech devices.

There are over 1 billion websites to visit.

Consumer spending on virtual reality is expected to reach $72 billion in 2024.

That’s an astounding tsunami of information availability — and the question is what are people supposed to do with all of it, how are they to deal with it or just keep up?

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[ LIFE ]

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 25

[ BUSINESS ]

26 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ LIFE ] The world is changing at an alarming rate every day, making it hard to stay afloat. Inundated with mostly negative news, it’s a challenge to want to get up in the morning and once again venture into the unending noise, the endless demands, the attacks, the disconnection and disrespect, the devaluing of personal contributions, the dismissal of actual history, and the specter of AI hanging over society like the Sword of Damocles. All of this pressure is creating an amazing amount of mental and emotional turmoil.

6 million adults are affected by panic disorder 6.8 million adults suffer from generalized anxiety disorder

7.7 million adults suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder 15 million adults have social anxiety disorder This ongoing stress and anxiety is seriously impacting what’s termed the “standard of living index.” The index, begun around 1820, measures every facet of a country’s standard of living including human rights, democracy, freedom, economy, health, corruption, competency, future, and actions abroad.

Two more recent indices are the Augmented Human Development Index (measures life expectancy at birth, schooling, and gross national income) and the Quality of Life Index (measures purchasing power, pollution levels, housing affordability, cost of living, safety, healthcare quality, commute times, and climate conditions).

These indices, though generally indicative of American life, don’t really provide a specific enough picture concerning what Americans are facing: Coping with all of this requires more than just tolerating and managing. Observing American culture today, it’s easy to see that Americans have become inured to, addicted to, and debilitated by 1) the breakneck speed of everyday life, 2) the allure of distraction and vicarious living, and 3) the glitz and glam of fame, influence, status, and wealth.

The world keeps spinning faster and faster without much thought to the consequences on health, well-being, and the ability of society’s members to function harmoniously and reasonably. One of the most important changes Americans are seeing is how little respect, consideration, and empathy people have toward others.

Reality TV shows are a great example of people displaying the worst of human behavior, communication, and interactions.

Those types of programs, plus the growing disconnection experienced through tech devices, have given people the feeling that “anything goes” behavior is appropriate. So, each year more programs come out that lower the bar of human decency and con-

duct — and it’s all rationalized as just “entertainment.”

The challenge with these programs is that they purposely heighten drama, emotional acting out, outrageous behavior, and exaggerated conflict. That seeps into people’s psyches and, without their being aware of it, they end up emulating the behavior of disrespect, dishonesty, dismissiveness, deceit, outsized egos, and more.

Out in the world, these behaviors are constantly being reported on via news outlets and social media — and the fastchanging world doesn’t let up for a second. It’s always in everyone’s face, inundating them with changes, new things grabbing their attention, and revisions and updates continually pushing the envelope of experiential reality.

For many people, the only way to deal with this assault is to turn to addictions of all kinds, get defensive and fight back, ignore or rationalize changes, withdraw into fantasy or a dissociative reality, or give in and be a part of the chaos.

None of these are helpful and they only end up adding to the discord, divisiveness, petulance, callousness, insensitivity, insecurity, anxiety, paranoia, lack of empathy, and irrationality we’re seeing in the world.

The outcome for Americans is that they’ve become trapped in several isms: judgmentalism, separatism, racism, elitism, fundamentalism, absurdism, egoism, materialism, ignorantism (ignorance), and tribalism.

Not one of these isms is positive. Combined with a continuously shifting and frenetic world, what we’re observing now are people living in a maelstrom of mis- and disinformation, no-holds-barred marketing, lying and obfuscation on a shocking scale, and the denigration of anyone and anything simply to satisfy personal agendas. The result is unparalleled selfishness, crassness, and immaturity.

There’s one more ism that’s shown up in American life: fatalism, the belief that all events are predetermined so that we’re powerless to change or influence our lives. What we’re seeing more of is a resignation to accept the inevitable — defeat. Many people are feeling there’s no way they can stand up to the amount of reckless social disruption and disharmony in our world.

The upshot of all of this is that there’s one unwavering, universal law everyone is faced with: The Law of Change. We can do everything in our power to not deal with it, but the truth is that we can’t escape it. Somehow, some way, it’s going to pull us into its vortex and we’re going to have to deal with it. So, how do we do that?

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2024 25

[ LIFE ]

32 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ LIFE ] Here are a couple of ways to quiet the raging storm of change whirling about us.

Giving selflessly of oneself without thought of “What’s in it for me?” can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling.

Friendships – These are important as they help us to not get stuck in emotional funks. We have to determine what kinds of friendships to invest in: are they uplifting, fun, life-affirming, inspiring, and creative? Do they add value to our lives and support us in being the best we can be?

Tutoring – So many students need help and support in their studies. Being a tutor provides one-on-one, individualized attention for the student, as well as provides interaction with an older person besides a teacher or family member.

It’s good for us as we get to practice patience, supportiveness, remaining neutral, giving authentic praise, and exercising our creativity muscle to find ways to engage, draw out, and help a student truly understand the subject being focused on.

Meditation – Quieting the mind has many benefits including allowing us to relax and open ourselves to greater peace and joy. It gives us respite from the chaos of life and creates a space of tranquility wherein we can more clearly hear and see the Divine at work in our lives.

Nature – Getting out of the house is important as nature offers us sights, smells, and sounds that are organic and that speak to our connection to nature as an intrinsic part of it. It also gives us a break from the din of life and a chance to enjoy nature’s beauty.

Exercise – The positive benefits of exercise are many, health-wise mentally and emotionally. Regular exercise pumps more blood to the brain, making us more mentally activated, positive, and energized.

Museums and art galleries – Art and history add depth and perspective to our worldview. They also help us develop an appreciation of those who came before us, as well as artists living today, and they give us insight into the extraordinary talents and lives of people from all walks of life.

Music – Listening to music or playing an instrument can give us a needed break from life’s demands and responsibilities. Music keeps our creative juices flowing and the more we listen to uplifting and expansive music, the more we radiate those positive vibes to the world around us.

Hobbies – A hobby is a great way to focus on something other than our jobs and responsibilities. Hobbies activate our creativity, enhance our joy quotient, increase our knowledge base, and even expand our friendship network.

Learning new skills – Whether learning a new skill for a job, to expand our knowledge base, or just for the fun of it, this is one way to keep ourselves out of the doldrums of boredom and change overwhelm and keep life interesting. Like hobbies, this is also a way to meet new people who could potentially add immeasurably to our lives.

In a 2019 article, The Forbes Coaches Council listed several important keys to embracing change and reducing anxiety: 1) change is necessary for your growth, prepare for it, 2) determine the value of change, 3) consider the possibilities, 4) redefine change as n opportunity, 5) create an achievable roadmap to change, and 6) make change an adventure.

Chefali Raina, one of the Forbes coaches said, “Stop thinking about change as the big bad wolf — ‘scary,’ ‘uncertain,’ and ‘negative’ — and start thinking about change as an adventure and a fun experience where [you’ll] learn and grow and have fun in the process.”

Brian Tracy said, “You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you.” ●

Book clubs – Reading is fundamental, it’s also a great way to draw us out of our life circumstances. Sharing our perspectives and hearing those of others can give us insights into human nature, history, our own lives, initiate solutions to life’s challenges, and catalyze dreams of the future.

Community service – There is nothing like the feeling that comes from being of service to one’s family, neighbors, and community.

Stress is at an all-time high for those that struggle with the ever-changing world.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2024 29

OPINION

30 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ OPINION ]

HOW TO BREAK UP WITHOUT BREAKING Breaking up after a relationship can threaten the emotion well-being of event the most seasoned romantic. Here are a few ideas on how to not completely lose it after a relationship ends.

B

reaking up. It's a phrase that conjures images of sad songs, ice cream binges, and the crushing realization that no, they were not actually the "one" just because you both liked pineapple on pizza.

Breakups, dear reader, are an inevitable part of life, like taxes, jury duty, and the tragic moment you realize you’re too old for a kid’s menu. But fear not!

This is not a sob story but a humorous (albeit slightly dysfunctional) guide to ending relationships with a smile — or at least a tolerable amount of crying.

First, let’s address the breakup myth: there is no perfect time.

People will say, "Don't do it during the holidays," or "Not on their birthday." But with 365 days in a year and your ex's undeniable ability to celebrate everything (Arbor Day? Really?), you’re always going to ruin something. Just pick a time when you’re emotionally stable and they've just finished eating — people take bad news better on a full stomach.

Now, the delivery method. Options include:

The Face-to-Face: A classic choice. The pinnacle of respect and emotional maturity. It also comes with high risks — tears, accusations, or the dreaded moment they bring up that one embarrassing thing you did in 2017. If you choose this, practice your speech beforehand. "It’s not you, it’s me" is a timeless go-to, though it’s usually a lie — of course it’s them.

The Text: A coward’s way out? Perhaps. But if you and your ex communicated mainly through emojis, then really, how deep was this relationship? A well-worded breakup text can be efficient, low-drama, and effective. Just don’t send it as a meme.

Breaking up via SpongeBob GIF is how villains are born.

A COLUMN WRITTEN BY CHATGPT

Written by CY BORG Cy Borg is an artificial intelligence writer. Using Open A.I., Cy responds to various prompts with fully-qualified answers using the internet and technology.

The Friend Delivery Service: A mutual friend drops the bomb on your behalf. Is it childish? Absolutely. But desperate times call for desperate measures — like when your ex still has your Netflix password and you really need to get back to guilt-free binging.

No matter the method, remain calm and concise. Do not list their faults. Saying, "You chew too loudly, and your feet smell like cheese" will not help the breakup — it will only ensure your name gets cursed whenever they pass a charcuterie board.

Post-breakup behavior is equally important. Rule #1: DO NOT immediately post a thirst trap on Instagram captioned, "Living my best life." Everyone knows what you’re doing, and it screams, "I'm spiraling!" instead of "I'm thriving!" Rule #2: Avoid the urge to text. There is no closure to be found in, "But do you miss me?" The answer is either, "No," or worse, "I don't know."

And finally, embrace the silver lining. Breakups give us freedom — freedom to eat all the weird food combos your ex judged, freedom to reclaim the side of the bed you sacrificed, and freedom to realize that love, though beautiful, is also occasionally like expired milk: it smells bad, makes you sick, and you should probably dump it.

So chin up! Hearts heal. In the meantime, there’s pizza to eat, friends to laugh with, and the undeniable joy of discovering you no longer have to pretend to care about their favorite show. Life’s too short for the wrong people — and for pineapple pizza if you ask me. ●

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32 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

BEAUTY

BRITTANY MONE’T With 10 years of experience in the beauty industry, Brittany Mone't is a passionate cosmetologist and braiding specialist with a natural gift for creating beauty through hair. What started as a genuine love and passion for hairstyling has grown into a career centered around creativity, confidence, and bringing each client's vision to life.

Brittany takes pride in creating styles that not only look beautiful but make her clients feel confident, empowered, and truly seen. Her dedication to her craft and her ability to turn an idea into a finished look have helped shape her unique approach to beauty.

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COVER

XCEL SUMMIT

FOR MEN 34 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ COVER ]

Black Enterprise’s Alfred Edmond Jr. talks about leadership, wealth building, entrepreneurship, innovation, and career growth from entry-level to the c-suite at this year’s summit.

Written by BRAD BOWLING Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communication and an MBA in marketing. He contributes articles to the magazine continuing his love for writing.

Photos by Todd A. Chapman for Black Enterprise.

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[ COVER ]

Earl "Butch" Graves Jr

36 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

B

[ COVER ] lack professionals live in very interesting times. The once highly skilled and coveted jobs that needed bachelor’s and master’s degrees are under attack. Between AI, the death of DEI, and the new political climate, Black professional unemployment has skyrocketed to unprecedented numbers.

Official numbers do not track a single total layoff count for all Black workers, but federal data and reports show that more than 300,000 Black women alone lost jobs or left the workforce over the past year.

For those in the job market, networking will play a pivotal role in finding their next position. For Black Enterprise and Alfred Edmond, the XCEL Summit for Men could not have come at a better time.

The Summit is the nation’s leading conference dedicated to elevating and empowering men — celebrating their excellence through the XCEL Awards and equipping them with the tools to thrive at every level of leadership, from entry-level to the C-suite.

“This is our tenth year conducting the summit, and we are excited about what the conference offers,” Edmond said.

An award-winning multimedia journalist, Edmond serves as writer, co-producer, and host of Black Enterprise video/ podcasts, including BE The Game: The Business of Sports, viewed via platforms including Facebook Live, LinkedIn, Twitter (X), Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube, and at BlackEnterprise.com. He is also responsible for creating and curating content for Black Enterprise event franchises including the XCEL Summit for Men. Edmond has held positions of leadership in content and senior management at Black Enterprise for more than three decades. From 2008 through 2010, he was SVP/ Editor-in-Chief of BlackEnterprise.com, helping to lead the transition from a single-magazine publisher to a digital-first media company. From 1995 through 2008, Edmond was chief editor of Black Enterprise magazine.

“We understand the need to meet in one place, speak and network with other people, and get the valuable information that professionals will need today and in the future to compete in the global business market,” Edmond said.

Edmond is referencing the ever-changing business world

Alfred A. Edmond, Jr. is Executive VP & Chief Content Officer of Black Enterprise, one of the most trusted brands in the media industry, founded by the late American business icon Earl G. Graves, Sr. in 1970. An accomplished session moderator, live interviewer, pitch competition judge, and keynote speaker for both virtual and inperson events, Edmond is widely recognized for his expertise on business and economic trends, entrepreneurship, leadership development, and mentorship.

Edmond appears regularly as an expert/commentator on national television, radio, streaming, and podcast programs.

As an executive vice president at Black Enterprise, Edmond is a member of the senior management team reporting to President & CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. As chief content officer, Edmond provides senior leadership of all staff across the revenue-generating content platforms of Black Enterprise, including BlackEnterprise.com, video, podcasts, and live events, with a focus on producing high-value solutions and high-quality content trusted by both the audience and corporate sponsors/advertising clients of Black Enterprise.

Edmond has a forty year career at Black Enterprise.

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[ COVER ] and how AI will play a role in the future of what jobs are available and who might get those jobs.

For Black people, the uneven playing field just got steeper due to the changing political climate, the advancement of technology in the workplace, and the reduction of professional positions available.

even a free AI certification course available.

“We all know the power of AI and how it’s taking some jobs,” Edmond explained. “However, AI will not take over the way everyone thinks. It can’t decide for us. It might be able to offer a strategy, but it will still take a human to decide which is the best strategy to use and then execute

“We all know the power of AI and how it is taking some jobs.” Edmond continued, “However AI will not take over the way everyone things. It cannot decide for us. If might be able to offer a strategy, but it will still take a human to decide which is the best strategy to use and then execute on.”

It’s going to take more than a fancy resume and good work history to secure a position in 2026 — it’s going to take a good network of advocates that can vouch for your qualifications.

on it.”

How AI is Changing Work

“The XCEL Summit was created for this very purpose. For anyone who needs professional development or needs to increase their circle of influence, the summit is the place to be,” Edmond said.

•

Reshaping Tasks: Experts at Boston Consulting Group report that AI will alter how work is done in 50% to 55% of jobs.

The 2026 XCEL Summit for Men takes place in Orlando, Florida, October 21 – 23. The event will offer an awards ceremony, a banquet, and two days of classes that teach professionals the tools to advance their agenda in the areas that matter to them. There is

•

Fewer Entry-Level Roles: Entry-level white-collar jobs, data entry, and basic customer service face the fastest drops in hiring.

• Focus on Efficiency: Companies use AI tools to handle repetitive spreadsheets, scheduling, and basic writing tasks.

Most Vulnerable Jobs • Customer Service: Automated bots answer routine questions.

• Bookkeeping: Cloud software handles basic numbers and data sorting.

Butch Graves and Robert Smith.

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Need caption.

[ COVER ]

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[ COVER ] •

Basic Administration: Software drafts standard reports and reads documents.

Safe and Growing Jobs •

Human-Centered Roles: Nurses, teachers, and therapists remain safe because they require real empathy and human touch.

•

Technology Roles: Companies actively hire specialists to build and guard computer systems.

•

Skilled Trades: Opinions on Artificial Intelligence are mixed, as some users argue physical trades like plumbing and construction are safe due to unpredictable environments, while others believe future robots might eventually challenge even those physical tasks.

make sure we can compete in the world economy.”

Emond reminds anyone who is working on their resume to remember that they are not competing with those in their area; they are competing with everyone around the world who is looking for the same position. And if they’re going to succeed, they’ll need to stand out, offer a unique set of skills, and then be able to create a network around them that can get them into the room, vouch for their abilities, and be able to recommend them for the professional job they want.

With the job market shrinking and more layoffs predicted for the future, the XCEL Summit for Men is a must for anyone who is looking for a competitive advantage.

Edmonds and Black Enterprise are aware of the changing marketplace of employment and proud to be able to aid those who are vulnerable to the conditions of today’s employment landscape.

“I advise anyone who needs to network to come and rub elbows with other people like them. Gain some knowledge, expand your base, and have some fun,” Edmond concluded.

Edmond shared, “It’s difficult for those who have seen AI take their jobs. I understand, because I’m in the media. It’s amazing how fast things have changed. However, we must stay ahead of the curve to

After forty years at Black Enterprise, Edmond knows a thing or two — and his consistency, knowledge, and network will continue to increase. ●

Patrick Elam, Larry Fitzgerald and Butch Graves Jr.

40 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ COVER ]

Butch Graves, Robert Smith CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 45

SCIENCE

THE R OF F

The world is actively shifti experienced over 40 eart months changing the worl landscape of over 1

A COLUMN WRITT

Writt

Cy Borg is a Open A.I., fully-qualifi technology

42 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ SCIENCE ]

RING FIRE

ing as the Ring of Fire has thquakes in the last two ld map and impacting the 100 million people.

TEN BY CHATGPT

en by CY BORG

an artificial intelligence writer. Using Cy responds to various prompts with fied answers using the internet and y.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 43

T

[ SCIENCE ] he Pacific Ring of Fire is one of Earth’s most powerful and consequential geological regions. Stretching around much of the Pacific Ocean, it’s a broad collection of tectonic boundaries where enormous plates of the Earth's crust collide, slide past one another, and sink beneath neighboring plates. The result is subduction zones, transform faults, volcanoes, and earthquake-producing

events.

In many locations, these oceanic plates are being forced beneath other plates in the subduction process. These zones can generate enormous earthquakes when accumulated stress is suddenly released. The subduction process also creates the conditions that produce chains of volcanoes.

Although the name suggests a single continuous geological feature, the Ring of Fire is actually a collection of different tectonic environments. The Smithsonian’s Global Volcanism Program identifies 41 volcanic regions within the Ring of Fire containing 688 volcanoes that have been active during the Holocene epoch. Since 1960, these regions have accounted for roughly 68 percent of recorded eruptions worldwide.

The question is: How probable are they, when will major events occur, and what could the consequences be?

Probabilities There is no scientifically defensible way to identify in advance the next major Ring of Fire disaster. The Ring stretches across thousands of miles and includes some of the world's most active tectonic environments.

Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, New Zealand, Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, Mexico, Central America, and the western coast of South America all contain areas capable of producing destructive earthquakes or volcanic eruptions.

Catastrophic occurrences are probabilistic yet cannot currently be

predicted to the exact day, location, and magnitude of an impending event. Scientists instead estimate probabilities.

By continuously monitoring volcanic activity and earthquakes, scientists estimate probabilities over long periods using geological evidence, historical events, fault behavior, and statistical models. Though they cannot specify the date, time, location, and magnitude of a future major earthquake, they are able to identify areas of elevated risk.

Some of the clearest probability estimates come from individual subduction zones. For example, in the Cascadia Subduction Zone of the Pacific Northwest, geological evidence shows that at least 19 great earthquakes of magnitude 8 or greater have occurred along most of the margin during roughly the past 10,000 years.

The last great Cascadia earthquake occurred in January 1700. Current US Geological Survey (USGS) estimates put the probability of an approximately magnitude-9 Cascadia earthquake at roughly 10–15 percent over the next fifty years. For southern Cascadia, a broader time-dependent model estimates about a 30 percent chance of an M8-orgreater earthquake during the same period.

Timelines

The Ring of Fire operates on several dramatically different timescales.

At the geological level, tectonic plates move only centimeters per year. Stress can therefore accumulate for centuries before being suddenly released. A great earthquake may last only several minutes, even though the tectonic processes responsible for it have been operating for hundreds or thousands of years.

Volcanic hazards operate differently. Some eruptions provide weeks or months of warning through increasing earthquakes, ground deformation, and gas emissions. Others can escalate rapidly.

Even when scientists recognize that a volcano is becoming restless, they generally cannot determine the exact moment an eruption will begin.

The result is a striking contrast: the forces develop slowly, but their consequences

The recent earthquakes in Venezuela have killed over 200 people.

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[ POLITICS ]

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[ SCIENCE ] can arrive extraordinarily quickly.

The next disaster could occur tomorrow. It could occur years from now. The next major event in a particular region could take decades. Currently, there just isn’t a way to provide a countdown clock to disaster.

Tsunamis can magnify the danger. A large earthquake beneath the ocean can displace the seafloor and generate waves capable of traveling across entire ocean basins.

Coastal communities may have little time to evacuate if they are close to the earthquake source.

Earthquakes in subduction zones can be particularly dangerous. A single tectonic rupture can become a multi-stage catastrophe: earthquake, tsunami, landslides, fires, and infrastructure failure. It can eventually produce shortages of food, water, fuel, medical supplies, and other resources, as well as significantly hamper rescue efforts.

Volcanic disasters are somewhat different because volcanoes sometimes provide signs of increasing activity. Scientists can monitor earthquakes beneath a volcano, changes in ground elevation, volcanic gases, heat, and other indicators. Some volcanoes can remain restless for extended periods without producing a major eruption. Others can change rapidly. At this time, an eruption's size and consequences are difficult to determine in advance.

Once an earthquake begins, the consequences unfold rapidly.

Depending on the earthquake's magnitude and location, strong shaking may last from seconds to several minutes. A tsunami generated by a major undersea earthquake can reach nearby coastlines within minutes to hours, depending on the distance and ocean depth. Aftershocks can continue for days, weeks, months, or even longer.

Volcanic eruptions present another collection of hazards: ash fall, lava flows, pyroclastic flows, lahars, toxic gases, landslides, and disruptions to aviation. Even an eruption that causes relatively few direct casualties can create enormous economic effects. Ash and smoke can damage machinery, contaminate water supplies, close airports, interfere with agriculture, and cause deadly air quality issues.

The Ring of Fire produces several different kinds of phenomena.

What the Future Holds

A large earthquake beneath the ocean can generate a tsunami.

The Ring of Fire is a permanent feature of the planet. The most reasonable forecast for the Ring is not a single catastrophic event on a specific date, simply because the underlying tectonic processes causing earthquakes and eruptions are ongoing. Some will be small and barely noticed. Others will cause significant destruction.

Consequences

A shallow earthquake beneath a city can cause catastrophic shaking without producing a tsunami.

A volcano can produce lava, ash, pyroclastic flows, mudflows called lahars, landslides, and deadly gases.

Some events trigger secondary disasters, making the original hazard considerably worse.

The consequences of a large Ring of Fire earthquake depend heavily on its location, depth, magnitude, and proximity to population centers. Ground shaking can collapse vulnerable buildings, damage bridges and roads, rupture pipelines, disrupt electrical systems, and interfere with communication networks. Ports and industrial facilities can be particularly important because damage there can affect regional and international supply chains.

The Ring of Fire is best understood not as a ticking time bomb but as a permanently active geological system. Its timetable is measured simultaneously in seconds, decades, centuries, and millennia. We can’t stop the plates from moving, and neither can we predict exactly when their stored energy will be released.

What we can do is improve monitoring, strengthen infrastructure, plan evacuations, educate communities, and recognize that preparedness is the practical response to uncertainty.

The central lesson of the Ring of Fire is simple: The question is not whether Earth will move again, but how well society will be prepared when it does. ●

As the tetonic plates shift one beneath the other, earthquakes rattle the world.

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[ HEALTH ]

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[ POLITICS ]

48 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

BOOK

THE WOMAN OF MOTOWN MUSIC

REVIEW

The biography of Sylvia Moy, Motown’s first certified female in-house producer and songwriter, and one of the authors behind classic hits like “My Cherie Amour,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” and a slew of other time-honored tunes all from the book It's No Wonder: The Life and Times of Motown’s Legendary Songwriter Sylvia Moy.

I

magine a world without the music of Stevie Wonder. A world without hits like “I Was Made to Love Her” and “Shoo-Be-Doo-Be-Doo-Da-Day.” That's the world we would live in had it not been for Sylvia Moy, a woman whose legacy has been carefully tucked away within the annals of music history—until now.

It’s No Wonder examines the groundbreaking career of the pioneer who battled sexism and broke down barriers to become

Motown’s first certified female in-house songwriter and producer. As the lone woman in a room full of men, the odds were stacked against Moy from the start. Amidst racial strife at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, most African American women who were allowed into the music industry could only dream of a career as a singer. Nevertheless, the Detroit native found unprecedented success as both a songwriter and producer. In addition to single-handedly saving Stevie Wonder's early career at Motown, Moy solidified herCODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 49

[ BOOK REVIEW ] self as one of the label's most prolific composers, penning many of Wonder's classic hits as well as songs for other Motown acts like “Honey Chile,” “It Takes Two,” “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You),” “My Baby Loves Me,” “(We've Got) Honey Love,” “Forget Me Not,” “With a Child's Heart,” and countless others.

Meticulously researched and fiercely feminist, It's No Wonder is a historical corrective that restores Sylvia Moy to her rightful place at the forefront of music history.

Written by Margena A. Christian, the book details how Moy was one of the first Black women producers to come from the Motown era.

“I couldn’t understand why: If she made history as this songwriter and producer, then why didn’t anyone know who she was, and why hadn’t anyone heard of her before?

That’s what made me say, “I need to dig a little bit more.”

The picture of her face was beckoning me to find out something more,” Christian said. ●

Margena A. Christian

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[ SPORTS ]

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[ BOOK REVIEW ]

SCORING ONE FOR THE TEAM The Point Guard Principle: Leading with Vision, Building Teams, Transforming Communities, is a powerful new book written the superintendent of Warrensville Heights City Schools Donald Jolly II.

I

I have always believed that great leaders are a lot like great point guards. They see the entire court, understand the strengths of their teammates, communicate the vision, make the right decisions, and create opportunities for everyone around them to succeed.The Point Guard Principle is the story of my leadership journey, from growing up in Warrensville Heights, Ohio, to returning home to serve as Superintendent of the school district that helped shape my life. Along the way, my parents, teachers, coaches, mentors, and community leaders invested in me, challenged me, opened doors, and prepared me to lead. They passed me the ball, and their lessons became the foundation of my leadership philosophy.In this book, I share ten Point Guard Principles that have guided me throughout my career. These principles include seeing the entire court, making the right pass, developing your teammates, building a championship culture, knowing when to take the shot, running the offense, setting the

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defense, keeping your eyes on the scoreboard, and preparing the next generation to lead.I also share the lessons we learned while transforming the Warrensville Heights City School District.

Our success was not the result of one person, one program, or one initiative. It happened because our scholars, staff, families, Board of Education, and community came together around one commitment:One Team. One Vision. One Goal.This book is for educators, coaches, business leaders, pastors, community leaders, and anyone who has been given the responsibility of leading others. Each chapter includes leadership lessons, reflection questions, practical challenges, and a leadership playbook that can be applied immediately.Leadership is not about collecting titles or being the star player. It is about building trust, developing people, creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and preparing someone else to continue the work. Great point guards make everyone around them better. Great leaders do the same. ●

[ POLITICS ]

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MUSIC

54 SEPTEMBER 2026 / CODE M

[ MUSIC ]

MUSIC WITH ERIC ROBERSON Neo-soul and R&B is on full display at the 2026 Pittsburgh Jazz International Festival as Eric Roberson is set to perform some his greatest hits September 17th to September 21st.

Written by BRAD BOWLING Brad Bowling is the President of CODE Media Group, LLC. Bowling has his BA in mass media communication and an MBA in marketing. He contributes articles to the magazine continuing his love for writing.

CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 55

[ OPINION ]

T

When it comes to music, Eric Roberson wants you to know that the music you make is not yours. Roberson wants musicians to consider themselves vessels who simply transfer the inspiration they feel around them, coupled with their ability to translate that into music, so it can have an emotional impact on those that listen to it.

Roberson knows what he is talking about. The Grammy nominated musician has been in the music business for over thirty years and has written music for some of the top artists in the industry.

Roberson landed a songwriting deal through the EMI Records and went on to collaborate with Philadelphia-based artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, and most extensively, DJ Jazzy Jeff.

As a member of Jeff's A Touch of Jazz production company, Roberson made contributions to Jeff's debut album, The Magnificent in 2002.

He continued songwriting work as well as releasing his own material through his Blue Erro Soul imprint.[5] He also appeared on DJ Spinna's Intergalactic Soul LP in 2006.

Roberson was nominated for two Grammys in the Best Urban/

Alternative Performance category. He was nominated for two songs from his 2009 album Music Fan First- "A Tale of Two" in 2010 and "Still" in the same category a year later.

In 2013, he was a member of the band, United Tenors together with Dave Hollister, Fred Hammond and Brian Courtney Wilson.

“I have been very fortunate to be able to write for some pretty cool people,” Roberson said. Will Smith, Charlie Wilson, Boney James and Najee are just a few more of the artists that Roberson has written songs for.

Roberson's 2014 album, The Box, peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Top R&B Albums chart. It was on the chart for three weeks. The album reached No. 104 on the Billboard 200. The album covers and promotional material featured speakers by BoomCase.

Roberson's "I Have a Song" was chosen to be the fundraising single, produced by Jak Beula and released in February 2016, to enable the permanent installation of the first dedicated Commonwealth war memorial in the UK to African and Caribbean service men and women of both World Wars.

In 2024, Roberson signed with the UniversalMusic Group distributed label SoNo Recording Group. His first release for the label is the Jeff Lorber, featured "Every Kinda People", a cover of the 1978 Robert Palmer single.

“When I decided to record my own songs, I knew that becoming an independent artist was the only way I was going to be able to control my destiny and music. Roberson’s music is difficult to classify or put into one box.

“When I was growing up my dad played a little bit of everything.” Roberson continued, “We listened to all kinds of music, and the just across the bridge was the beginning of hip hop and that had a huge influence on me as well.

Roberson, who hails from New Jersey recounts how the Hip Hop was born in New York City and birthed a completely new genre of music. Circling back to him and the music he creates, one can point to several genres in order to describe Roberson’s music.

Roberson has written music for Music Soulchild and Jill Scott.

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[ BUSINESS ]

DAL Foundation Keynote Speaker Kevin Dixon announcing the winners.

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[ BUSINESS ] Because he helped create the iconic albums of Music Soulchild and Jill Scott, one might classify him as Neo-Soul. Neo-Soul is often defined as music that originates from Philadelphia.

“People don’t know this, but when we were all in the studio together, Music Soulchild and Jill Scott made their albums at the same time in the same studio,” Roberson said. “We would walk back and forth from one room to another and collaborate and help each other strengthen both projects.”

No one knew how much those two projects would impact on the music industry and a generation of listeners. Jill Scott's first album is Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, which was released on

where its lyrics support the feelings of the moment.

“When we made that song, I knew once I was done with it, it was no longer mine. It now belongs to the world, and they are free to use it however they want,” Roberson said.

His approach to making music is unique because he doesn’t feel like he is making the music, he feels like he is a vessel that translates what the world around him contributes to the song and it is his job to coalesce all of his senses together to finish a song.

“I always tells students when I am speaking to them about music, do not think it is you who is creating the song; you

“We had no idea what we were creating at the time. We were just all good friends who loved music and helped each other accomplish the mission of creating good music,” Roberson said.

July 18, 2000. Musiq Soulchild's first studio album is Aijuswanaseing, which was released on November 14, 2000.

are only the person taking the world around you, arranging it and releasing what you feel,” Roberson said.

“We had no idea what we were creating at the time. We were just all good friends who loved music and helped each other accomplish the mission of creating good music,” Roberson said.

On September 17 Roberson will perform at the 2026 Pittsburgh International Jazz Fest and continue to teach those who are interested in learning music while he is there. Kid Capri, the iconic New York Grammy-winning rapper, DJ and producer and Eric Roberson, will address the opportunity gaps Black artists face growing their artistic and business capacities and increasing their visibility, the Program was designed to: Build capacity and support for labor intensive work; Utilize the Center's abilities and resources to develop collaborations and partnerships that not only benefit the Center, but the city of Pittsburgh and beyond.

Today Roberson is an artist himself with over a dozen projects released through his own label. His impact on the industry has garnered him much praise for his blend of R&B and soul into his music.

One of his most recent releases, which features Anthony Hamilton called Lessons, has become an anthem for weddings and occasions

Roberson and Capri will take cues from audience and build the layers of a song, in real time, to show the magic that can happen when you blend inspiration and talent together. The collaboration between the artists and the audience will make the night special for those who love music.

The weekend should be special for those that attend, and it will continue to be special for Roberson as he continues his travels around the country to play music for those who love soulful songs of love and appreciation.

Roberson will continue to use his vessel to inspire and contribute to the wonderful world of music for anyone who listens. ● For more information visit https://pittsburghjazzfest.org/

Eric Roberson’s latest release is available for purchase.

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[ LIFE ] [ MUSIC

ith so much going on in society today, there are very few places the mind can go to get complete calm. Today’s entertainment seems to use over-the-top themes in order to draw an audience. So, it’s almost impossible to find something that can be rewarding,

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FASHION

COOLER TEMPS MEANS COOLER CLOTHES The fall season is special because it is a time for thicker and warmer fashions that define who you are and just how good you can look.

Written 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, https:// www.styledbydecarlo.com/

Sometimes something a simple as a tie brings the entire outfit together, especially when you are dressed better than the rest of the room.

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[ FASHION ]

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[ FASHION ]

The summer means weddings outside with the world watching happy couples profess their love for each other. Getting bit by the bug seems to happen for those in attendance.

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[ FASHION ]

You know you are looking good when the overcoat matches the mood of the day. Why take it off when you have been planning to wear it all day.

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[ FASHION ]

The family picnic is the perfect time to introduce a new love to the family for approval, to show off, and to enjoy each other at the same time.

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[ FASHION ]

There is something about being warm and fashionable at the same time. Fall is the season to do just that.

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[ FASHION ]

Men love dressing up, going to an amazing cigar bar and hanging out with other men who are cut from the same fashion cloth.

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[ FASHION ]

After almost a decade without a major update, Nissan has introduced the redesigned Murano, the brand’s midsized two-row SUV. The new Murano features smoother styling similar to Nissan’s all-electric Ariya. Nissan’s dependable V6 engine and idiosyncratic CVT have been replaced with a turbocharged four-cylinder and 9-speed automatic transmission. steering wheel, panoramic roof glass, and multicolor LED ambient lighting inside. Price: $40,470-$49,600

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For its second generation, the Hyundai Palisade goes big, increasing its size, fuel efficiency, premium features, and off-road Nerve DJ’s Mixtapes. capability. The base engine is a 287-hp, 3.5-liter V6 paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. This will be offered in front- and all-wheel-drive configurations, with a 5,000-pound maximum towing capacity. XRT PRO trim builds on the previous XRT to create an adventure-ready version with heightened off-road capabilities. Price: $38,935–$58,280 CODE M / SEPTEMBER 2026 79