The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell

Kenn Dowell
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Power, politics, and Cleveland — from inside the rooms where the decisions actually get made. Kenn Dowell has spent more than 20 years as a political strategist and media operator: campaigns, council fights, corporate tables, church basements. The RealPower.TV Podcast is where he breaks down who holds power, who's losing it, and what the moves mean before they hit the news. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Not commentary. Analysis from the room. The RealPower.TV Podcast is part of the RealPower.TV Network. More at realpower.tv

  1. 13 hr ago

    What Does Kayla Griffin Know That You Don’t? NAACP Leadership, Voting Power & Civic Engagement Explained

    Episode Summary: In this episode of The RealPower.TV Podcast, Kenn sits down with Kayla Griffin, Esq., President of the Cleveland NAACP, to discuss the importance of civic engagement, voting rights, and the role of the NAACP in advancing social justice. The conversation explores leadership and responsibility, voter participation and democracy, and community empowerment, with a focus on how these issues affect Cleveland, the Black community, civic leadership, and political power. Key Topics Covered: The role and legacy of the NAACP Importance of voting and civic engagement Challenges facing democracy and voter participation Leadership responsibility in social justice work Community empowerment and youth initiatives Guest Bio: Kayla Griffin, Esq., is the President of the Cleveland NAACP and a dedicated advocate for voting rights and community empowerment. She serves as the Ohio State Director for All Voting Is Local and has worked extensively in public service, including with the City of Cleveland, focusing on youth violence prevention and community initiatives. With a background in law, public administration, and community organizing, Griffin is a leading voice in advancing civic engagement and protecting democracy. Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it highlights the critical role of civic engagement and voting in shaping the future of communities. It connects directly to issues of representation, democracy, and accountability, emphasizing how organizations like the NAACP continue to play a vital role in protecting rights and empowering marginalized communities. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    What Does Kayla Griffin Know That You Don’t? NAACP Leadership, Voting Power & Civic Engagement Explained

  2. 19 Oct

    One Seat Left: Justice Brunner and the Fight to Keep Ohio's Supreme Court From Going 7-0

    Ohio's Supreme Court is 6-1. One seat stands between that court and a clean sweep, and it belongs to Justice Jennifer Brunner. It's on the ballot November 3rd. Kenn Dowell and Dr. Heather E. Burton, joined by Judge Michael Nelson, break down what that last seat decides and what happens to checks and balances in Ohio if it goes. Recorded live on The RealPower Radio Show, WOVU 95.9 FM. Get the stories behind the vote at RealPower.TV:https://realpower.tv/join/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=audio&utm_campaign=brunner-supreme-court-seat The RealPower Radio Show airs live Tuesdays, 12 to 1 PM, on WOVU 95.9 FM.

  3. 17 Sept

    Tennessee Redistricting: The Supreme Court Just Killed the Voting Rights Act

    Eight days. That's how long it took. The Supreme Court decided Louisiana v. Callais on April 29, and by May 7 Tennessee had cut Memphis into three Republican districts. The state's only majority-Black congressional seat is gone. Kenn Dowell breaks down who moved, how fast, and what it costs. With Callais, the Court gutted the main protection Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act gave Black voters, and Tennessee didn't wait a minute to use it. State Rep. Justin J. Pearson called the new maps "racist tools of white supremacy." The legislature also scrapped its 50-year ban on mid-decade redistricting on the way through. The real question is who's next. If your vote can be redrawn out of existence in eight days, you'd better know who's holding the pen. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    Tennessee Redistricting: The Supreme Court Just Killed the Voting Rights Act

  4. 17 Sept

    The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell (Trailer)

    Power, politics and Cleveland, from inside the rooms where the decisions actually get made. Kenn Dowell breaks down who holds power, who is losing it, and what the moves mean before they hit the news. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell (Trailer)

  5. 2 May

    General Demetrius Harvey EXPOSES the War on Black Men & The Power Shift

    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The RealPower.TV Podcast, Kenn sits down with General Demetrius Harvey to explore whether Black masculinity is being fundamentally reprogrammed or if we are witnessing a significant power shift in society. The conversation dives deep into cultural dynamics, identity, and structural changes, focusing on how these shifts impact leadership, family structure, and community stability in Cleveland and beyond. Key Topics Covered: Notable Moments: - [ 04:15 ] – [ Defining strength in the modern Black man.] - [ 21:10 ] – [ The value of listening to the "OGs" (Original Gangsters/Elders) ] - [ 48:50 ] – [ Demetrius shares a personal story of tragedy and overcoming adversity] - [1:06:40] – [ Is therapy being used to escape responsibility? ] Guest Bio: General Demetrius Harvey is a respected leader and voice for personal development and community accountability. His work focuses on self-discipline, financial literacy, and strengthening the family unit, helping men navigate the complexities of modern society with poise and purpose. Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it highlights how black media and independent journalism are reshaping political awareness and civic engagement at the local level. It connects directly to questions of leadership, accountability, economic power, representation, and the future direction of communities in Cleveland and across the United States. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    General Demetrius Harvey EXPOSES the War on Black Men & The Power Shift

  6. 2 May

    Who Controls Black Media—and Why It Determines Political Power

    Episode Summary: In this episode of The RealPower.TV Podcast, Kenn sits down with Bilal Akram (Code M Magazine) and Terry Murphy (Fresh Lyfe) to discuss the role of black media, economic ownership, and community leadership in shaping political power. The conversation explores how media influence, health disparities, and entrepreneurship intersect, with a focus on how these issues affect Cleveland, the Black community, civic leadership, politics, business, and power. Key Topics Covered: The decline and evolution of black media platforms Food deserts and their impact on community health Black entrepreneurship and economic empowerment Financial literacy and ownership in Black communities The role of leadership, mentorship, and community support Notable Moments: 01:35 – The history and decline of Black media in America 08:20 – Food deserts and their impact on health outcomes 17:10 – Nutrition, natural health, and lifestyle changes 26:30 – The importance of economic support within the community 41:10 – Financial literacy and building long-term wealth Guest Bio: Bilal Akram is a media entrepreneur and the founder of Code M Magazine, focused on storytelling, culture, and community influence. Terry Murphy is the founder of Fresh Lyfe, a brand centered on health, nutrition, and empowering communities through better lifestyle choices. Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it highlights how black media, economic ownership, and community leadership directly influence political power and long-term sustainability in Black communities. It connects to broader issues of leadership, accountability, economic power, representation, and the future direction of communities across the United States. Organization: Code M Magazine, Fresh Lyfe The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    Who Controls Black Media—and Why It Determines Political Power

  7. 2 May

    Shot Multiple Times, Went to Prison Twice—Then Built a Soul Food Dynasty | Akin Affrica Million-Dollar Comeback

    Episode Summary: In this powerful episode of The RealPower.TV Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Akin Affrica to uncover one of the most intense comeback stories ever told in Cleveland’s Black business community. From growing up around a historic Black-owned hotel, to surviving street life, multiple prison sentences, and even being shot, Akin’s journey is a raw reflection of pain, survival, and transformation. Today, he stands as a successful entrepreneur behind a growing soul food empire and real estate portfolio. This conversation goes beyond business—it’s about identity, redemption, discipline, and building legacy after destruction. Key Topics Covered: Growing up in Cleveland’s Black business legacy environment Street life, crime, and early survival decisions Prison, identity change, and spiritual transformation Rebuilding life through entrepreneurship Building Angie’s Soul Cafe and other businesses Real estate growth and generational wealth mindset Survival after violence and life-threatening experiences Lessons on redemption, purpose, and legacy building Notable Moments: 00:00 – Intro: From the Pews to Policy Presents Akeem Africa 01:30 – Growing Up in Cleveland's Black-Owned Hotel 05:45 – The Legacy of Akeem’s Father & the Carnegie Hotel 12:00 – The Collapse After His Father’s 15:20 – From Hotel to Projects: Falling Into the Streets 20:10 – Drug Game, Car Hustles, and Early Crime Life 25:50 – Juvenile Time & Learning to Hustle Young 30:40 – The Arcade Robbery Story + High-Speed Chase 35:55 – His First Prison Sentence & Changing His Name 40:00 – Deep Spiritual Journey and African Identity 45:30 – Building Businesses After Prison 50:10 – Angie’s Soul Cafe: The Legacy of His Mother 54:45 – Real Talk on Generational Wealth & Will Planning 59:00 – Carolina’s, Evolutions & Early Entrepreneurial Hustles 1:03:00 – Prison Again: Charge & Lessons Learned 1:06:15 – Craigslist Hustles & The Grease Trap Story 1:10:45 – Opening Multiple Angie’s + Real Estate Moves 1:15:20 – Owning 130+ Doors & Real Estate Philosophy 1:19:50 – Zanzibar Shooting: What Really Happened 1:25:40 – Living After Being Shot: Reflections on Survival 1:29:10 – Why He Took Cash Out of His Businesses 1:31:50 – Thoughts on Brotherhood, Redemption, and Purpose 1:35:00 – Final Message: It’s Never Too Late to Change 1:37:00 – Outro: The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell Guest Bio: Akin Affrica is a Cleveland-based entrepreneur, restaurateur, and real estate investor. After overcoming incarceration, violence, and hardship, he rebuilt his life through business ownership and community-driven entrepreneurship, becoming a symbol of resilience and transformation. Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it highlights how trauma, environment, and adversity can either destroy or build leaders. Akin Affrica’s story shows that redemption is possible and that legacy can be rebuilt through discipline, vision, and entrepreneurship. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    Shot Multiple Times, Went to Prison Twice—Then Built a Soul Food Dynasty | Akin Affrica Million-Dollar Comeback

  8. 2 May

    Dr. Umar Unfiltered The Truth Black America Can’t Ignore

    Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Dr. Umar Johnson delivers an unfiltered perspective on the condition of Black America, focusing on relationships, family structure, education, and cultural responsibility. The discussion explores how strong families, healthy relationships, and self-love play a critical role in rebuilding Black communities. From dating dynamics to community accountability, this episode examines the deeper social systems affecting Black empowerment and generational progress. This is a raw, thought-provoking conversation about identity, leadership, and the future of Black unity. Key Topics Covered: Relationships and Black family structure Empowerment of Black women and men Dating, love, and community responsibility Education system and Black youth development Cultural identity and self-determination Economic and political awareness in Black communities Building stronger, independent institutions Notable Moments: 00:00 – Opening: Idol Worship & Cultural Reality 01:00 – Defining Freedom & Black Autonomy 02:00 – Reflection on Black Struggle 03:00 – Yoruba Name & Cultural Identity 06:00 – Childhood & Early Influences 08:00 – Family Roots & Historical Legacy 10:00 – Spiritual Destiny & African Identity 13:00 – Trauma and Purpose Disruption 16:00 – Revolution vs Rebellion 18:00 – Responsibility in Oppression 20:00 – Political Power & Black Vote 23:00 – Systemic Racism & Allyship Debate 26:00 – Education System & Black Boys 30:00 – FDMG Academy Vision 33:00 – Lack of Institutional Support 36:00 – Funding Black Education Systems 40:00 – Teacher Representation in Schools 44:00 – School-to-Prison Pipeline 48:00 – Economic Impact of Relationships 52:00 – Black Love & Family Structure 56:00 – Welfare System Impact 59:00 – Faith, Church & Political Silence 01:04:00 – Black Economic Blueprint 01:06:00 – Education Reform 01:09:00 – Pan-Africanism 01:12:00 – African Federalism 01:18:00 – Media Influence & Hollywood 01:23:00 – Independence of Black Communities 01:26:00 – Allyship vs Reality 01:31:00 – Africa, Land & Resources 01:35:00 – Leadership & Resistance 01:38:00 – Faith & Accountability 01:42:00 – Community Consequences 01:46:00 – Youth Empowerment 01:48:00 – Healing & Liberation 01:50:00 – Closing Reflections Why This Conversation Matters: This conversation matters because it highlights the urgent need to address education, family structure, and cultural identity in Black communities. It challenges viewers to think critically about relationships, leadership, and long-term empowerment strategies. The RealPower.TV Podcast with Kenn Dowell. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Read, watch and listen at realpower.tv

    Dr. Umar Unfiltered The Truth Black America Can’t Ignore
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About

Power, politics, and Cleveland — from inside the rooms where the decisions actually get made. Kenn Dowell has spent more than 20 years as a political strategist and media operator: campaigns, council fights, corporate tables, church basements. The RealPower.TV Podcast is where he breaks down who holds power, who's losing it, and what the moves mean before they hit the news. Cleveland-born, Glenville-raised. Never afraid to say what needs to be said. Not commentary. Analysis from the room. The RealPower.TV Podcast is part of the RealPower.TV Network. More at realpower.tv

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