Dear Champions,

Take a deep breath. You survived 2020 -– phew…it’s in our rearview mirror. Fortunately, the past is a place of reference, not a place of residence.

For many of us, 2020 was an incredibly challenging, transformative and life-changing year. In some ways, life went on as usual. We were still expected to show up at work (although virtually), babies were born, all major sporting events were canceled but eventually resumed (although without fans), social distancing and essential workers took on new meaning and wearing a mask became a part of our everyday wardrobe. In other ways, 2020 was like no other year we’ve experienced in our lifetimes.

Now what?

Words of wisdom from CORE…

Champions are champions not because they win but because they stay in the fight until they win!

For better or worse, 2020 changed us. As we look back on the lessons we learned about health, resilience, community and our shared history as Americans, let’s commit to using that wisdom for the rest of our lives.

When reflecting on 2020, most will use the word “unprecedented” to describe how COVID-19 impacted every quadrant of life. We’re still fighting through a pandemic, economic uncertainty and civil unrest. The racial tension of 2020 has opened doors for an improved rate for diversity hiring, and more decision-making leaders have vowed to create actionable solutions to defeat the equity disparity that exists between whites and blacks.

In the second issue of CORE Magazine are six deep-dive feature stories about champions in sports, business, leadership and philanthropy who have positively impacted people and communities in their respective spheres of influence. There are also four additional special reports, including an exclusive interview with me about youth development; a look at how an expanded celebration of Black History can help all people; why George Floyd’s murder will change racism; and The Butterfly Effect.

As “The Coach of Champions,” I founded CORE Magazine as the first-of-its-kind publication and have assembled an all-star cast of contributing writers who bring more than 150 years of writing experience. Our digital platform gives subscribers access to the full interview with each featured story and includes an in-depth article that will encourage people to be more and do more.

The origin and intentionality behind the CORE name are simple. CORE is an acronym for Champions Of Real Excellence. Each quarterly magazine consists of six featured stories: APEX of Business, APEX of Leadership, APEX of Sports, Ball2Business, ME2me and Champions4Causes. Champions are not born. They are shaped, molded, broken, repaired, transformed and made whole as many times as it takes to be a champion. We are grounded in sharing the views, perspectives and stories of champions. Our mission is to use CORE Magazine to shine a bright light on all that is good and bring to light some of the dark and disheartening truths, while also providing actionable solutions that support transformational change for the betterment of humanity.

I am elated to be furthering the mission of CORE Multimedia Group with CORE Magazine and look forward to being a major media source for millions of readers and viewers. CORE Magazine is more than a magazine; it’s a pathway forward to champion your life. Just own it!

Here’s to the champion in you,

Bo Porter