Erie’s recent DEI battles between its county government, county council, mayor, and black and brown community made national headlines via The Washington Post. In a time when newly elected President Trump has declared DEI programs anathema, how will ERIE respond? We’re joined by former Erie County Council President Carl Anderson, who was sitting at the epicenter of this fact at the time. He gives us the backstory and a first-hand perspective into that battle and helps us understand where we are today. Tune in to hear the “whole story” as the late, great Paul Harvey stated. Enjoy!

In this timely and challenging episode of NEXT 2.0, host Chuck Cammarata sits down with Rev. Angela Denker—Lutheran pastor, journalist, and author of the new book Disciples of White Jesus: The Radicalization of American Boyhood. Together, they explore the unsettling trend of radicalization among young white men in America, and the role that right-wing Christianity, online influencers, and cultural isolation have played in shaping this movement.Rev. Denker draws from her background in ministry and journalism to explain how themes like “traditional gender roles,” male dominance, and purity culture are being weaponized in some Christian circles, leading to toxic masculinity, disillusionment, and even violence. The conversation also touches on the shift in voting patterns, with more young men backing candidates who promote misogynistic and racist agendas—contrary to the values many churches claim to hold.Through a mix of theology, political analysis, and lived experience, Denker offers insight into how communities and churches can respond to this growing crisis with honesty, accountability, and hope.To learn more about Rev. Angela Denker’s work, visit angeladenker.com, follow her on Substack at angeladenker.substack.com, and find her books—Red State Christians and Disciples of White Jesus—at Amazon, local bookstores, or Werner Books in Erie’s Liberty Plaza.

Today, we explore the contentious topic of partisan gerrymandering and its profound impact on our electoral system. Host Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by Carol Kuniholm, Fair Districts PA's co-founder, expert on fair redistricting, and their NW PA Representative, Michael Bucell. They both bring extensive knowledge and advocacy to shed light on the real-world consequences of gerrymandering. It can skew representation, dilute voting power, and undermine the principles of fair elections. Carol Kuniholm, Together, we'll unravel the complexities, discuss recent developments, and explore why reforming this practice is crucial for preserving the integrity of our electoral process. Join us as we navigate through the dangers, implications, and potential solutions to partisan gerrymandering on NEXT with Marcus Atkinson.Show links:Fair Districts PA website: https://www.fairdistrictspa.com/FDPA petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/join-fdpa-support-redistricting-reform-2Fix Harrisburg website: https://www.fixharrisburg.com/Fix Harrisburg petition: https://actionnetwork.org/petitions/fix-harrisburg/

In this episode Chuck Cammarata chats with Mayor Joe Schember, running for a third term and a chance to extend his legacy of hope and service. When Joe originally ran for mayor he made it known that he wanted to rid the city of racism and make Erie a more welcoming city. He also inherited a city that was deeply in debt, had a significant urban blight problem, and a self esteem deficit.In his seven years as mayor the city has, among other things, been able to gain the designation of “Welcoming City”, which is a title awarded to by the Welcoming America network base on a number of criteria, created budget surpluses, procured millions of dollars in grant money, which has enabled them to avoid raising taxes for the past 6 years, has sponsored programs that have connected 120 law enforcement officers to local schools working with 1,600 students, and more. He is hoping to be granted the privilege of leading the city for 4 more years to continue putting in place programs that will further improve life for Erie residents.Give a listen as Joe and his chief of Staff, Renee Lamis, talk about accomplishments and plans for the future. You can contact Joe at cityof.erie.pa.us or at joeschember.com

Would America's reaction to specific presidential actions differ if they were attributed to former President Obama rather than President Trump? The question of white (male) privilege, tolerance, and public perception weighs heavily on how political actions are judged in the public eye, shaping ongoing debates about accountability and political standards. As politically engaged citizens, it's up to each of us to shape this perception. America may be teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis as former President Trump continues to test the limits of presidential power and challenge long-standing democratic norms. With each boundary pushed—whether through defiance of legal institutions, inflammatory rhetoric, or attempts to undermine electoral processes- the resilience of the Constitution is being put to the ultimate test. The nation finds itself at a crossroads, forced to reckon with whether its system of checks and balances can withstand such unprecedented strain. In this episode, our host is joined by Marc Blount and Lynn Johnson to help us wrestle with this important topic. You don’t want to miss this!

One Hundred Black Men began in 1963 to organize African American men to explore ways to improve conditions in Black communities. The national organization, The 100 Black Men of America, Inc., was established on October 2, 1986. The organization's objectives are focused on mentorship, leadership development, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment. Join JES Scholar-in-Residence Dr. Parris Baker and Marcus Atkinson, President of the Erie Chapter of 100 Black Men, as they discuss the history of 100 Black, its relevance in light of recent attempts to eradicate significant historic gains of the Civil Rights movement, and the role of the local chapter in addressing community challenges in the African American communities.

In this insightful episode of NEXT 2.0, host Chuck Cammarata sits down with Dr. Tyler Titus, president of the Erie School Board and a dedicated advocate for youth in the foster system. As a full-time therapist and former director of the Erie County Office of Children and Youth, Dr. Titus has spent their career fighting for the well-being of the most vulnerable members of the community.The conversation begins with a reflection on a powerful sermon, exploring its deeper meaning and how it connects to both personal and professional journeys. Dr. Titus shares their path into public service, the challenges and rewards of working with at-risk youth, and their vision for education and child welfare in Erie.Tune in for a compelling discussion on faith, leadership, and the role of advocacy in shaping a stronger, more supportive community.

In this special episode of NEXT 2.0, co-host Chuck Cammarata and Marc Blount sit down with Daria Devlin, lifelong Erie resident and candidate for Mayor of Erie, Pennsylvania. With a deep commitment to health, education, and economic equity, Daria shares her vision for the city's future and the transformative projects she has championed over the years.From leading a coalition that secured $14M for Erie’s Public Schools to overseeing the Erie Center for Arts and Technology’s $12M renovation, Daria has played a pivotal role in strengthening the community. She discusses her experience in nonprofit leadership, her dedication to revitalization efforts, and how her time on the Erie School Board has shaped her approach to public service.Listen in as Daria outlines her priorities for Erie and how residents can get involved in shaping the city's next chapter. To learn more about her campaign, visit DariaForErie.com.

In this thought-provoking episode of NEXT 2.0, co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata sit down with Amanda Tyler, lead organizer of Christians Against Christian Nationalism, and Professor Jeff Bloodworth, an expert in modern American political history and genocide studies, to define and discuss the rise of the Christian nationalist movement. Together, they examine the movement’s origins, its impact on communities, and misinformation surrounding conservative voters. All while breaking down a crucial reality—most Christians do not support the nationalization of their religion and reject the radicalization of their faith.The conversation goes beyond analysis, offering actionable steps for churches and individuals looking to stand against Christian nationalism and foster a more inclusive and authentic faith community.Amanda Tyler is the executive director of BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), an organization that strives to uphold the historic Baptist principle of religious liberty: defending the free exercise of religion and protecting against its establishment by the government.She travels the country speaking about the dangers of Christian Nationalism, which is out topic for today’s program, and helping to educate, organize, and strategize with groups who are trying to protect our communities from the regressive and destructive effects of CN.Her book - How to End Christian Nationalism came out last October 2024 and should be your starting point if you are interested in this issue. She is also the co-host of BJC’s: https://bjconline.org/respectingreligion/Tune in for a deep dive into the intersection of faith, politics, and the role of religious institutions in shaping a more just society.

In this heartfelt episode of NEXT 2.0, special guest host Daryl Craig—better known as Brother D—leads a powerful conversation honoring the life and legacy of Sister Lou, one of Erie’s most influential and respected community figures.Joined by friends and family, Brother D explores the profound impact Sister Lou had on the streets of Erie, the lives she touched, and the community she built through unwavering determination and prayer. Her legacy is one of faith, resilience, and love, and this episode serves as a tribute to the countless ways she made a difference.Tune in to hear the stories, reflections, and enduring lessons from a woman whose spirit continues to inspire Erie and beyond.