NEXT with Marcus Atkinson

NEXT with Marcus Atkinson returns with a powerful community-centered conversation featuring activist, organizer, and media voice Deonte Cooley. From speaking passionately at Erie City and County Council meetings to organizing impactful community forums, Deonte has become one of the region’s most outspoken advocates for accountability and change. This episode also provides an update on the Marchell...

On this episode of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson, Marcus sits down with Ben Wilson, CEO of GECAC, to explore how one of Erie County’s most important human service agencies is connected to a much larger national movement. From senior services and workforce development to housing support, education, utility assistance, and community partnerships, GECAC’s work reaches thousands of residents every year. B...

On this episode of NEXT 2.0, Marcus sits down with his engineer, 26-year-old Alex Staley, for a conversation that is years in the making. Marcus has mentored Alex since he was in the third grade through youth programs and media arts, and today, that relationship has come full circle in a powerful way. What began as guidance and encouragement in childhood has grown into a real-life example of what...

On this episode of NEXT, guest hosts Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata join Marcus Atkinson live on air for the very first time for a spirited and insightful conversation on the issues shaping our community and the country. From the Jefferson Elementary incident and Mayor Devlin’s leadership style to reflections on America’s 250th anniversary and more, this episode brings bold discussion, strong opi...

Erie pride is on full display as hometown champions Paul “Duke” Flemmings and Rhonda “Slupski” Caldwell join us in the studio to talk about the youth scholarships they’ve created—and the bigger mission behind them. They share the real stories that pushed them to give back, the impact they’re already seeing in young people’s lives, and why investing in our kids isn’t “charity,” it’s community survi...

On this episode of NEXT2.0, host Marcus Atkinson pulls back the curtain on a major new chapter for local media: the launch of BlaXcess Media, a brand-new radio network operating under the Lilly Broadcasting umbrella on WICU-FM 92.7 HD2. Built to amplify culture, conversation, and community, BlaXcess Media delivers Black radio 24/7—right here in Erie. Marcus shares the vision behind the network, wh...

In late January 2026, Minneapolis is in upheaval after two fatal shootings involving federal immigration enforcement—incidents that have ignited days of protest and renewed demands that ICE leave the Twin Cities. The latest flashpoint: Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen and nurse, was killed on Jan. 24 during a confrontation with U.S. Border Patrol/federal agents, following the earlier death of Renée Nic...

On this special and deeply personal episode of NEXT2.0, the tables are turned. NEXT2.0 host Marcus Atkinson steps out from behind the microphone as his co-hosts Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata take the lead, interviewing Marcus about his current role as Interim Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Center in the wake of the passing of longtime Executive Director James C. Sherrod. Airing...

As we head into 2026, entrepreneurship is surging—not just because of artificial intelligence, but because of a more profound shift in how people define work, opportunity, and success. While AI continues to dominate headlines, new data suggests that the future of entrepreneurship may be just as human as it is technological. In this episode, we examine ten key entrepreneurial trends shaping 2026 an...

Marcus Atkinson sits down with long-time basketball coach, Shannon Pulliam to discuss topics like coaching, mentorship and passing the torch.

Bishop Frankie Quinn and Marcus Atkinson sit down for an end-of-the-year discussion about resolutions, charity and blessings. Bishop Quinn also shares the story of how his church (of Christian faith) acquired a building that recently served as a Jewish synagogue.

Host Chuck Cammarata leads a critical discussion with panelists Tyler Titus, Aaron Cronin, and Raven Cammarata on a recent, controversial public essay by Samantha Fulnecky. The conversation moves beyond initial reactions to analyze the work's fundamental academic shortcomings, its flawed cultural arguments, and its ultimate failure to substantiate its central claims. The panel situates this sp...

Hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by Pastor Malcolm Beall and Pastor Kendall Hunter of Federated Church for a thoughtful discussion on scriptural fidelity in contemporary Christian practice. The pastors discuss the importance of grounding church teaching and personal faith in the Bible's teachings, cautioning against the trend of importing external meanings or popular online...

Host Marc Blount leads a solemn and reflective conversation on the recent passing of James C. Sherrod, a pillar of the Erie community and former director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for 18 years. Joined by a guest whose life was directly shaped by Sherrod's mentorship, the discussion honors his profound dedication to Erie. They explore the nature of his legacy, the personal impact of...

The hosts of Next 2.0, Marcus Atkinson, Chuck Cammarata, and Marc Blount, convene to analyze the results of the recent local Erie elections. The discussion focuses on the decisive sweep by Democratic nominees, including new County Executive Chair Christina Vogel and Mayoral winner Darya Devlin. The panel examines this significant political shift, considering the emergent trend of women ascending t...

Hosts Marcus Atkinson and Marc Blount are joined by Kathy Dahlkemper, former U.S. Representative and Erie County Executive, for a critical examination of the county's top leadership position. Drawing on her unique experience, Dahlkemper clarifies the core responsibilities of the Executive Chair and discusses how the role is intended to foster collaboration and countywide prosperity. The conver...

This week on next, Marcus Atkinson interviews Christina Vogel, Democratic candidate for Erie County Executive Chair. In this episode, Vogel outlines the qualifications that inform her candidacy, from her role as a small-business owner navigating a competitive landscape to her experience as a board member for the Erie County Community College. She discusses how personal challenges forged her resili...

Erie County Councilman Rock Copeland, Chair of the Finance Committee, sits down for a detailed discussion on the proposed 2026 county budget. In this episode, Councilman Copeland addresses recent statements from the County Executive's office, providing a point-by-point analysis to clarify the budget's framework and implications. He presents numerical evidence to highlight specific concerns...

What's really at stake with Millcreek's proposed government change? Hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by current Supervisor Kim Clear, who is not running for re-election, for a candid and crucial conversation. Free from campaign politics, Clear makes her case against the ballot initiative to switch to a five-member, part-time board. She delves into why she believes this...

What does it mean to care for a community? Host Chuck Cammarata talks with Kylie Morris, who is running for Millcreek Supervisor, about her journey from the healthcare field to the political arena. She explains how her passion for care is now being applied to the health of Millcreek itself, with a sharp focus on the infrastructure that affects daily life: streets, sidewalks, and stormwater drains....

Hosts Chuck Cammarata and Marc Blount sit down with Erie County Executive Brenton Davis for a comprehensive look at his vision for the region. In this episode of Next 2.0, Davis discusses his personal history of service and his deep dedication to Erie's future. The conversation covers a wide range of critical topics, including his plans for economic growth, his philosophy on strong leadership,...

Erie County is in the midst of a heated debate over diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with national coverage from The Washington Post and local reporting from GoErie.com highlighting both progress and resistance within county government. In this episode of NEXT, Marcus Atkinson sits down with Christina Vogel, Democratic candidate for County Executive of Erie County, PA. Vogel sha...

In this eye-opening episode of NEXT 2.0, hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata sit down with Carol Kuniholm, Co-Founder of Fair Districts PA, and Michael Bucella, Northwest Region Coordinator, to unpack the ongoing battles over redistricting and the threats they pose to democracy. From the controversial power grabs in Texas and California to the mechanics of gerrymandering—and even the lesser-...

On the latest episode of NEXT2.0 on WQLN PBS NPR, Marcus Atkinson sits down for a powerful, one-on-one conversation with a local woman experiencing homelessness. In this candid and riveting interview, she shares her journey, the challenges she faces daily, and her hopes for the future. Marcus guides the discussion with empathy and insight, shedding light on the human stories behind the statistics...

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump held a press conference in Erie, Pennsylvania, to address the case of Marchello Woodard, a local man whose death in police custody has sparked widespread concern. Crump, known for representing families in high-profile civil rights cases, called for a thorough and transparent investigation into Woodard's death. He emphasized the need for accountability and justic...