The socioeconomic, educational, racial, and ethnic backgrounds of Erie’s citizens have never been as wonderfully diverse as they are today. In order to paint a holistic picture of the plight, hopes, and dreams of Erie, NEXT seeks to spotlight and analyze issues that affect inner-city Erie from the perspective of its next generation of voices – voices of those who are taking the lead on various aspects of the community. As it was during the days of the iconic Dr. King, the winds of change are…
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This special dual episode of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson explores two powerful stories centered on family, legacy and the search for understanding. In the first half, Marcus sits down with Donald Middleton, author of the Conversations with My Dad book series and the newest addition to the BlaXcess Media network with a podcast bearing the same name. Donald discusses the wisdom, memories and life…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
