From Firefighter to Media Mogul: Bilal Akram’s CODE M Story

What does it take to turn a personal setback into a platform that inspires, informs, and empowers Black communities around the world? In this episode of The Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Cleveland entrepreneur and CODE M Magazine founder Bilal Akram for a powerful conversation about resilience, Black leadership, entrepreneurship, independent media, and building something that matters. After serving 33 years with the Cleveland Fire Department, Akram discovered a new purpose through personal challenges, higher education, mentorship, and his work supporting fellow firefighters. Witnessing the struggles of Black and Brown men inspired him to create CODE M Magazine, a publication dedicated to transforming the lives of men of color. What began as an idea became a Cleveland-based media platform reaching readers across the United States and internationally. In this conversation, you'll discover: How Bilal transformed one of his most difficult personal experiences into an opportunity for growth and leadership. Why CODE M Magazine was created and how it gives Black men a platform for representation, information, and inspiration. The importance of trusted, independent Black-owned media in an era of social media misinformation. How strategic partnerships, mentorship, and teamwork help entrepreneurs build lasting businesses. Why supporting Black-owned businesses, expanding educational opportunities, and participating in local elections are essential to Cleveland's future. How servant leadership, resilience, and community responsibility can strengthen organizations. Three valuable pieces of advice for the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders. For Cleveland business owners, nonprofit executives, managers, and emerging entrepreneurs, this conversation goes beyond motivation. It explores how we develop strong teams, build authentic community relationships, and create businesses that contribute to economic equity in Ohio. Akram also discusses CODE M's growing cultural partnerships, its recognition of influential Black leaders, and the importance of telling stories that mainstream media too often overlooks. The message is clear: Building generational power requires more than personal success. It requires investing in our people and communities. Cleveland Pulse is a civil rights podcast presented by the Cleveland NAACP, creating space for conversations that connect Black leadership in Cleveland with meaningful civic engagement and economic opportunity. Explore CODE M Magazine and subscribe for free: https://codemmagazine.com Connect with the Cleveland NAACP to discover opportunities for Cleveland community advocacy, local involvement, and civic participation. If this conversation speaks to you, LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Cleveland Pulse, and SHARE it with an entrepreneur, community leader, or young professional who needs to hear it. *Question for our community:* How can Cleveland's business leaders do more to invest in Black-owned media and strengthen our local economy? Leave your thoughts in the comments. Your voice matters. #ClevelandPulse #ClevelandNAACP #CODEMMagazine #BlackEntrepreneurship #BlackLeadership #PowerInThePulse 00:00:00 — Opening Hook — From Firefighter to Media Founder 00:00:22 — Podcast Introduction and Welcome to Bilal Akram 00:01:12 — Bilal’s Cleveland Roots and 33 Years as a Firefighter 00:03:08 — Personal Setbacks, Recovery, and Finding New Purpose 00:05:44 — Why Bilal Created CODE M Magazine 00:07:01 — The Evolution of Magazines and Black Media 00:09:07 — Independent Journalism, Trust, and Misinformation 00:11:01 — Recognizing Black Leaders and Building a Media Team 00:13:16 — Entrepreneurial Growth and a Global Vision 00:14:49 — Media Partnerships and Telling Our Own Stories 00:16:24 — Voting Rights, Black-Owned Businesses, and Education 00:18:14 — Reaching Different Generations Through Media 00:19:43 — What's Next for CODE M Magazine 00:22:09 — Black Representation and Leadership in Media 00:22:59 — Servant Leadership and Building Trust 00:30:33 — The Importance of Resilience 00:31:05 — Three Life Lessons for the Next Generation 00:33:15 — Finding Work-Life Balance 00:34:51 — Music, Inspiration, and Personal Interests 00:35:40 — How to Subscribe to CODE M Magazine 00:36:32 — Closing Thoughts and Cleveland NAACP Collaboration