In this Cleveland Pulse clip, Dayja Smith speaks on why the next generation must understand its power. She connects Black influence in pop culture, social media, and innovation to the importance of representation, mentorship, and building for those coming behind us. #DayjaSmith #ClevelandPulse #BlackLeadership #RepresentationMatters #BlackExcellence

In this Cleveland Pulse clip, Dayja Smith speaks on self-love, Black beauty, and why Blackness should be seen as a superpower. She also reflects on how Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty helped expose deeper conversations around colorism, visibility, and access for a generation of millennials. #DayjaSmith #ClevelandPulse #BlackIsBeautiful #Colorism #SelfLove

In this episode of Cleveland Pulse, Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Dayja Smith—Cleveland entrepreneur, community builder, and founder of Coco’s Crown—for a real conversation about Black beauty, hair identity, entrepreneurship, and creating access where it does not already exist. Dayja Smith shares how growing up in Cleveland shaped her hustle, how her background in science helped her build a natural hair care brand, and why healthy products made for us still matter. From launching Coco’s Crown to leading through consulting, coworking, and community impact, Dayja Smith breaks down what it means to be a multifaceted Black millennial professional in Northeast Ohio. This episode also goes deeper than business. Edwin and Dayja Smith talk about the emotional and cultural meaning of Black hair, how identity and confidence are tied to self-expression, and why conversations around the CROWN Act, colorism, and acceptance still matter in Cleveland and beyond. They also explore how organizations like the Urban League help build opportunity for the next generation. If you care about Cleveland community advocacy, economic equity in Ohio, Black leadership in Cleveland, and practical conversations around identity, ownership, and community, this episode is for you. What you’ll hear in this episode: Dayja Smith’s Cleveland roots and entrepreneurial journey The story behind Coco’s Crown and why she created it Why Black hair is more than style—it is identity, culture, and confidence Reflections on the CROWN Act and access in professional spaces Honest conversation about colorism, “good hair,” and Black self-image Why pouring into the next generation matters How Dayja Smith is building community through leadership and service Listen now and tap into a conversation centered on Cleveland civic engagement, Black identity, and the power of building something for us, by us. 00:00:00 Cold open: “Black and beautiful” 00:00:23 Welcome to Cleveland Pulse 00:00:45 Meet Dayja Smith: Cleveland roots and background 00:01:41 Dayja Smith on entrepreneurship, Coco’s Crown, and consulting 00:11:06 Why Black hair is identity, pride, and self-expression 00:12:00 Coco’s Crown mission: carrying our crowns with confidence 00:13:16 The CROWN Act, professional spaces, and building your own table 00:14:52 Hair texture, colorism, and redefining “good hair” 00:24:35 Pouring into the next generation of Black leaders 00:27:40 Urban League Young Professionals and pushing Black excellence forward 00:29:26 Are Coco’s Crown products for men too? 00:35:37 Final reflections and what keeps Dayja Smith inspired 00:36:02 Closing remarks

In this Cleveland Pulse clip, Dayja Smith shares how one moment in a small-town Walgreens made colorism feel real — and why representation in beauty products matters. From Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty impact to the deeper issue of access, this is a powerful reflection on being seen. #DayjaSmith #ClevelandPulse #BlackBeauty #Colorism #RepresentationMatters

What does it look like to be raised in community work? In this Cleveland Pulse clip, we hear a powerful reflection on growing up in Cleveland surrounded by service, leadership, and deep community ties. From early involvement at home to participating in SCORES (Student Groups on Race and Relations) in high school, this story shows how civic engagement often starts long before adulthood. As college opened up a wider view of the world, that foundation only grew stronger. The result is a powerful example of how Cleveland youth leadership can evolve into lifelong action, advocacy, and purpose. This is what Cleveland Pulse is about: real conversations with people who are not just talking about change, but living it. For Black Clevelanders building legacy, influence, and stronger neighborhoods, this is the kind of leadership story that matters. #ClevelandPulse #BlackLeadership

What happens when students are allowed to learn without being judged for how they speak? In this Cleveland Pulse clip, we explore how culturally responsive teaching can transform education. When teachers respect students’ language, communication styles, and lived experiences, learning becomes more accessible, affirming, and effective. This moment speaks to a bigger truth: education works better when students feel seen. For many Black students, that kind of support can shape confidence, academic success, and even college decisions—including the decision to attend an HBCU. Cleveland Pulse highlights the conversations that matter to our communities—from education equity to Black leadership and civic engagement in Cleveland and beyond. #ClevelandPulse #EducationEquity

What does it really take to bridge the gap between generations in Cleveland? In this episode of Cleveland Pulse, host Edwin Hubbard Jr. sits down with Kayla Lowery—a Cleveland native, Bowie State University graduate, and emerging voice in civic engagement—for a grounded conversation on youth leadership, Black identity, HBCU culture, and why coming back home matters. Kayla shares how her early exposure to community work, family history, and the justice system shaped her understanding of civic responsibility. From learning what the NAACP actually does on a college campus to seeing how advocacy can influence policy, this episode offers a clear look at how young Black leaders are building power with purpose. The conversation also explores the value of HBCUs as spaces where Black students can grow, lead, and find real community; the importance of trusted information in a world driven by algorithms; and what it means to educate, sustain, and stay connected to the people around you. Kayla’s perspective is thoughtful, practical, and deeply rooted in Cleveland. This episode is for the doers—for Black Clevelanders, community builders, young professionals, educators, and anyone asking how we move from conversation to action. Why this episode matters: It speaks directly to Cleveland civic engagement through a generational lens. It highlights how young leaders connect civil rights, community advocacy, and personal responsibility. It reinforces the role of education, culture, and community in building long-term power. Listen in for a conversation about Cleveland community advocacy, Black leadership in Cleveland, economic equity in Ohio, and how the next generation is shaping the future right now. 00:00:00 Opening: Bridging the gap between generations 00:00:22 Welcome to Cleveland Pulse with Edwin Hubbard Jr. 00:00:43 Meet Kayla Lowery: Bowie State graduate and Cleveland native 00:01:55 Why this conversation matters: connecting millennials and youth 00:02:44 Kayla’s first understanding of the NAACP 00:03:29 From campus member to leadership: NAACP at Bowie State 00:05:49 Civic engagement and how family shaped her voice 00:07:48 Why law matters and Kayla’s legal aspirations 00:08:31 Why Kayla chose an HBCU 00:13:47 How she chose Bowie State 00:17:52 Where Kayla gets her information and why books matter 00:23:51 Why raising awareness for the next generation is personal 00:31:41 Final message to listeners: educate, sustain, disconnect, read 00:32:30 Closing remarks

What shows up on your timeline is not accidental. In this Cleveland Pulse clip, we unpack a hard truth: the content pushed in front of us is often calculated to hold our attention, shape our focus, and keep us distracted from real issues affecting our communities. This conversation challenges viewers to think deeper about algorithms, attention, and disconnection. If your feed is full of entertainment but empty on civic issues, community advocacy, and the stories that shape Cleveland, it is worth asking why. At Cleveland Pulse, we believe awareness is power. Because when you understand what is influencing your attention, you can make better choices about where your energy, time, and influence go. #ClevelandPulse #DigitalAwareness