**What can a cheeseburger, a Happy Meal, and a teenage campaign volunteer teach us about leadership in Cleveland?** For Kenn Dowell, his introduction to politics wasn't about holding office, making speeches, or having an important title. It started with walking Cleveland streets, delivering campaign literature, and learning how grassroots political organizing actually works. In this Cleveland Pulse conversation with host Edwin Hubbard Jr., Kenn Dowell takes us back to his early experiences in Cleveland politics, including his involvement in George Forbes' mayoral campaign. And the payment for some of those long days of campaign work? As Kenn remembers it, a cheeseburger and a McDonald's Happy Meal! But what he gained from those early experiences went far beyond a meal. Along the way, he began building relationships with people who would influence his understanding of public service, civic engagement, and leadership. One of those people was Lenny Powell, whom Kenn met while working on campaigns as a young man. Over the years, she became a trusted friend and mentor. **This conversation explores:** • How Kenn Dowell first became involved in Cleveland's political landscape. • What grassroots campaign work looked like before today's digital organizing tools. • His firsthand memories of George Forbes' mayoral campaign. • The relationships and mentors that helped shape his journey. • Why early civic experiences can have lasting personal and professional value. For young professionals, entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and business managers across Northeast Ohio, Kenn's story offers a valuable reminder: relationships, community involvement, and mentorship can open doors that formal credentials alone may not. You don't have to start at the top to learn how leadership works. 🎙️ **Cleveland Pulse** 🎤 Featured Guest: Kenn Dowell 🎧 Hosted by Edwin Hubbard Jr. 📍 Presented by the Cleveland NAACP 💬 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION:** Who was the first person who encouraged you to get involved in your community or helped shape your leadership journey? Share their name or story in the comments! Subscribe to Cleveland Pulse for conversations about Black leadership in Cleveland, local history, civil rights, civic engagement, and the people who helped shape our city. #ClevelandPulse #KennDowell #ClevelandNAACP #GeorgeForbes #ClevelandHistory #BlackLeadership #CommunityMentorship #PowerInThePulse

What does it take to build real influence in Cleveland and how can podcasting, political leadership, and entrepreneurship turn that influence into community power? In this episode of The Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Cleveland political strategist, entrepreneur, and media personality Kenn Dowell for a revealing conversation about the relationships, decisions, and experiences that shape leadership in Northeast Ohio. From growing up in Cleveland's historic Glenville neighborhood to working behind the scenes on major political campaigns, Kenn shares how his journey took him from grassroots organizing to building Strategic Resources Consulting and the Strategic Moves Media Network. With decades of experience in political consulting, government relations, and entrepreneurship, Kenn offers a unique perspective on what it takes to build credibility, develop influential relationships, and create opportunities that last. **Inside this episode:** - Cleveland's political legacy: How growing up around local political figures shaped Kenn's understanding of public service, including his early involvement in Michael White's campaign. - Behind the scenes of political leadership: Kenn reflects on his work with Marcia Fudge and Shontel Brown and the lessons he learned about campaigns, leadership, and community influence. - Why voting matters: An examination of political apathy, voter frustration, and why tangible local victories are important for restoring confidence in civic participation. - Entrepreneurship and business strategy: Why Kenn expanded beyond political campaigns into government relations, public relations, and independent business ownership. - The power of podcasting: How discovering digital media inspired Kenn to build a platform for conversations about politics, culture, and issues affecting Cleveland residents. - Collaboration over competition: Why Cleveland's community organizations, entrepreneurs, and media creators must work together to expand their collective impact. - Building the next generation: Kenn's advice about mentorship, patience, leveraging relationships, and creating opportunities for future leaders. For small business owners and managers, this discussion offers valuable lessons about relationship-building, communication, personal branding, adaptability, and creating a sustainable business while staying connected to the community. For residents interested in Cleveland civic engagement, Black leadership in Cleveland, voting rights, and community advocacy, it offers a deeper understanding of how influence develops—and why everyday participation matters. The conversation also explores Kenn's creation of Real Power TV, a digital media platform designed to amplify local perspectives, connect audiences with information, and provide a space for community voices. The bigger message? Cleveland's future is shaped not only by the people holding public office but also by the entrepreneurs, organizers, creators, and residents willing to collaborate and take action. The Cleveland NAACP believes that informed communities are empowered communities. Through The Cleveland Pulse, we bring you conversations that connect leadership, civil rights, economic opportunity, and practical civic participation. Get involved: Subscribe to The Cleveland Pulse for meaningful conversations about the people, decisions, and opportunities shaping Northeast Ohio. Share this episode with a business owner, emerging leader, or neighbor who believes in strengthening Cleveland. Join the conversation in the comments: What would it take for Cleveland's leaders, businesses, and community organizations to collaborate more effectively? Explore Kenn Dowell's media platform: https://realpower.tv Stay connected with the Cleveland NAACP and discover opportunities to turn awareness into action. Power in the Pulse. Power in Participation. #ClevelandPulse #ClevelandNAACP #KennDowell #BlackLeadership #ClevelandBusiness 00:00:22 – Introduction: Edwin Hubbard Jr. welcomes Keenn Dowell 00:00:52 – Keenn Dowell's Glenville roots and entrepreneurial journey 00:04:41 – How Keenn first became involved in Cleveland politics 00:17:19 – Keenn's experience witnessing Shontel Brown's swearing-in 00:36:47 – Life advice for Cleveland's next generation 00:38:54 – How to connect with Keenn Dowell and Real Power TV

**Who can you trust to tell the stories that matter to Cleveland's Black community?** In an era of misinformation, misleading headlines, and information overload, finding independent media sources that prioritize accuracy, integrity, and community representation is more important than ever. On this episode of **Cleveland Pulse**, hosted by Edwin Hubbard Jr., **Bilal Akram of Code M Media** shares why independent Black media plays an essential role in informing, uplifting, and representing our communities. Bilal discusses the responsibility that comes with operating a media platform and why his commitment to integrity shapes the stories Code M Media chooses to cover. His message raises several important questions: • Where do we turn for reliable information about issues affecting our neighborhoods? • How can independent media help communities recognize and challenge misinformation? • Why does it matter who controls the stories being told about Black Cleveland? • How can media organizations celebrate community achievements while addressing real challenges? For Cleveland entrepreneurs, business owners, nonprofit leaders, and professionals, this conversation goes beyond journalism. It's about the relationship between trusted information, community visibility, and local leadership. Independent media can help bring attention to neighborhood businesses, community organizations, and issues that may otherwise receive limited coverage. Bilal explains why Code M Media's independence allows the organization to make its own editorial decisions and focus on subjects directly affecting its audience. 🎙️ **Cleveland Pulse** 🎤 Featured Guest: Bilal Akram | Code M Media 🎧 Host: Edwin Hubbard Jr. 📍 Presented by the Cleveland NAACP 💬 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION:** Where do you turn for trusted news and information about Cleveland's Black community? Drop your favorite local media source in the comments. Subscribe to Cleveland Pulse for meaningful conversations about Black leadership in Cleveland, community advocacy, economic equity, civil rights, and the people working to shape our city's future. #ClevelandPulse #CodeMMedia #BilalAkram #ClevelandNAACP #BlackOwnedMedia #IndependentMedia #MediaLiteracy #PowerInThePulse

🗳️ CLEVELAND, TODAY IS THE DAY! It's your final opportunity to cast your ballot. Polling locations are open from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM. Make time. Make a plan. Make your voice heard. Don't wait until it's too late. #ClevelandVotes #ElectionDay #VoteOhio #CivicEngagement #ClevelandPulse

**What happens when one mistake forces you to rethink your purpose?** After 22 years on the job, Bilal Akram of Code M Media experienced a professional setback that led him to take a hard look at his life, his decisions, and his future. In this powerful Cleveland Pulse conversation with host Edwin Hubbard Jr., Bilal shares how failing a workplace drug test became an unexpected turning point. Through the Employee Assistance Program, he connected with Pastor Elijah Span, who offered him words he would never forget: "Watch how God uses this." Those words helped set Bilal on an unexpected journey involving rehabilitation, mentorship, and a chaplain internship program at a juvenile facility. His story raises important questions about second chances, personal accountability, faith, and the people who help us recognize opportunities for growth during difficult times. For business owners, managers, and community leaders, this conversation offers a reminder of the importance of mentorship and how supportive leadership can make a difference when someone experiences a setback. 🎙️ **Cleveland Pulse**, hosted by Edwin Hubbard Jr. 🎤 **Featured Guest:** Bilal Akram, Code M Media 📍 Presented by the Cleveland NAACP 💬 **JOIN THE CONVERSATION:** Have you ever experienced a setback that eventually helped you discover a new direction? Subscribe for conversations about Black leadership in Cleveland, community advocacy, personal growth, and the people helping shape Northeast Ohio. #ClevelandPulse #BilalAkram #CodeMMedia #ClevelandNAACP #SecondChances #BlackLeadership #PowerInThePulse

🚨 Cleveland, Election Day is TOMORROW! November 3rd is your opportunity to make your voice heard at the ballot box. If you haven't voted yet, now is the time to make your plan. Don't sit this one out. Your participation matters. 🗳️ Tomorrow, November 3. Make your voice count. #ClevelandVotes #ElectionDay #OhioElections #CivicEngagement #ClevelandPulse

What does real community power look like? It starts with how we vote, where we spend, and how we support one another. In this clip from Cleveland Pulse, presented by the Cleveland NAACP and hosted by Edwin Hubbard Jr., we explore two major issues affecting our communities: voting rights and the economic strength of local businesses. Our guest explains why understanding the importance of voting goes beyond political parties. The conversation also highlights how supporting neighborhood businesses—from barbershops and bakeries to auto repair shops—can help strengthen Cleveland's local economy. For Cleveland business owners, managers, and community leaders, the message is clear: informed civic participation and intentional local spending both deserve our attention. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: What's one local business in Cleveland that deserves more community support? Drop its name in the comments! Subscribe to Cleveland Pulse for real conversations about Black leadership, economic equity in Ohio, civil rights, and Cleveland civic engagement. #ClevelandPulse #ClevelandNAACP #BlackOwnedBusinesses #VotingRights #ClevelandBusiness #EconomicEquity #PowerInThePulse

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