Bridging the Gap: Youth Voice, HBCU Power, and Civic Action in Cleveland

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.