Bilal is a native of Cleveland, Ohio but he considers himself a “global citizen”. Born November 20, 1958, to Rasool and Doris, he is a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend to many. Professionally, he is a retired Cleveland Firefighter, having the honor of serving the citizens of Cleveland for 33 years. With the last 7 of those years, serving in the capacity as the Director of EAP (Employee Assistance Program). The experience of counseling his fellow public safety brothers and sisters profoundly changed his life and inspired him to create the CODE MEDIA GROUP LLC. And shortly after, he began to publish CODE M Magazine. He realized there was no media outlets speaking to “men of color” about the rea issues of life and in our communities. The journey began on Jan. 2016 and now, almost 8 years and 67 published issues later, CODE M Magazine has become a trusted media source and one of the “hottest” monthly digital platforms for “men of color”.    

Bilal obtained both his bachelors (BA) in religious studies and master’s in psychology (MA) with a specialization in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) from Cleveland State University. He also earned an Associate Chaplain certificate from One Accord Ministries, and a CEAP (certified employee assistance professional) and a SAP (substance abuse professional) certificates from the Employee Assistance Professional Association. 

He is a proud member of the Alpha Phia Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated Delta Alpha Lambda chapter. Bilal’s civic contributions consist of serving as a board member for the following organizations: B-Buzz Baseball League (A vibrant youth baseball league for the under-served), Cleveland State University Foundation Board, Care Alliance Health Center (FQHC) and the Urban League of Greater Cleveland Board of Trustees. 

He is married to Heidi for 34 years and they have 4 children and 5 grandchildren. Bilal is also a member of South Euclid United Church of Christ and is involved with the shaping their men’s ministry.