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.

Stories have power. Humans have always known this. We have been telling stories for millennia. Stories break down unexamined stereotypes, and connect us with one another. They build bridges and increase understanding – and ultimately are tools for building peace and cooperation.Unfortunately we live in a time where too many people are telling stories that create distrust, suspicion, and division. Monica Tornoe has chosen to create forums for story telling that bring people together.https://www.theundocumentedstories.org

In this thought-provoking episode of NEXT 2.0, co-hosts Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata, along with returning guest Marc Blount, sit down with Vic Walczak, Legal Director of the ACLU, to discuss the fight against unjust executive orders.Vic shares the ACLU’s ongoing efforts to challenge policies that threaten civil liberties, the impact these actions have on the balance of power in the U.S., and his personal insights on the state of our society. With democracy and rights at stake, this conversation dives deep into the legal battles shaping the nation’s future.Tune in for an eye-opening discussion on justice, advocacy, and the direction America is heading.

In this dynamic episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson brings together a panel of creatives and thought leaders to unpack the cultural significance of the latest Super Bowl halftime show. Joining the discussion are Kimberly Spidle, who empowers Black women to build confidence; Mercury Moon, a musician; Jessica Baptiste, a writer, producer, and director; Alex Staley, an artist and K-5 arts teacher; and Charles “CEE” Brown, a performer.Together, they dive into Kendrick Lamar’s performance, exploring the deeper symbolism woven throughout the show, including the powerful presence of Samuel L. Jackson and Serena Williams. From social impact to artistic expression, this episode examines how music, performance, and representation influence the cultural conversation.

In this compelling episode of NEXT 2.0, host Marcus Atkinson sits down with Matt Harris, founder of the Character: Be About It crime-prevention program, to explore the 24 core characteristics that drive personal growth and positive decision-making. Matt shares the inspiration behind launching this transformative initiative and how it’s making a real difference in communities and schools.Joining the conversation is Stephanie Hope, a passionate advocate for expanding the program’s reach. She discusses her commitment to bringing Character: Be About It to more schools, what fuels her drive for change, and her unique perspective on leadership—including lessons learned from her time volunteering for the Trump campaign.This episode is a deep dive into character-building, leadership, and the power of community-driven initiatives to create lasting impact.