Marcus Atkins
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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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As the holidays draw near, the news cycle is heating up with a whirlwind of breaking stories, end-of-year developments, and festive features. From major political announcements and economic updates to community-focused celebrations and seasonal travel trends, the headlines are more dynamic than ever. Whether it's tracking winter storms, holiday ret…
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Donald Trump will be the next president of the United States. His win against Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris reflects a rightward shift across the country as voters prioritized economic and immigration concerns—Trump’s signature issues. According to The Associated Press, Trump secured at least 277 Electoral College votes by early Wednesday…
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The nation watches with anticipation as the 2024 election enters its final days. After months of debates, rallies, and policy proposals, candidates make their final appeals, while voters weigh their choices carefully. This election has sparked passionate conversations about the future, from economic reform and climate policy to education and social…
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The Battle for the Keystone State Heats Up
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On Monday night (10/14/2024), Vice President Kamala Harris packed Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania, a swing corner of the critical swing state in the 2024 presidential election. Trump was simultaneously on the other side of the state, speaking in Upper Providence Township, 18 miles northwest of Philadelphia. Long lines began to snake outs…
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Is Climate Change an Election Game Changer?
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A recent survey from The Energy Policy Institute at The University of Chicago found the following information. After a several-year decline in support for the statement that human activities primarily drive climate change, support rebounded in 2024, with 54 percent of respondents agreeing that humans are the primary driver. The increase was most pr…
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Viewers expecting a bruising boxing match Tuesday were given a Midwestern bromance instead. Vice presidential contenders Tim Walz and JD Vance lived up to their roots by largely keeping things civil as they tussled over the deep differences at the top of their respective tickets. In this episode, Marcus, Chuck, and Marc discuss the dynamics of that…
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Sean “Diddy” Combs is facing another daunting legal challenge as he remains locked up in MDC jail without bail for racketeering and sexual trafficking. A new lawsuit has surfaced in the Southern District of New York, accusing Diddy and his former bodyguard, Joseph Sherman, of drugging and violently raping plaintiff Thalia Graves at the Bad Boy Reco…
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In a world that often glorifies success, it’s easy to overlook the invaluable lessons that failure and setbacks offer. This enlightening exploration delves into how our missteps shape resilience, foster creativity, and spark innovation. By reframing failure as a vital component of the growth journey, we discover that each setback is an opportunity …
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NEXT2.0 host Marcus Atkinson and Chuck Cammarata are joined by Erie Dems vice chair Kristy Gnibus, Raven Clark-Steves, and Mary Wassell to discuss the upcoming Women’s Freedom Rally in Erie, PA. As women across the country are making their voices heard on the historic presidential run of Vice President Kamala Harris, reproductive rights, and other …
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Vice Presidential Candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance were both in Erie over the past week as part of their campaigns to get the top of their tickets into the White House. The Keystone State is a pivotal state, and no county is more important in this election than Erie County.
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Breakin’ Has Officially Gone Mainstream
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The International Olympic Committee added breakin’, now known as breakdancing, to the sports program in Paris because President Thomas Bach and his colleagues thought it would attract the younger, social-media-savvy viewers they were seeking. It also fits local organizers' broader goal of a more "urban" Olympic Games. Host Marcus Atkinson strolls d…
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In the summer of 2024, the Democratic National Convention illuminated the political landscape with electrifying fervor and strategic vision. Held in the heart of Chicago, IL, delegates from every corner of the nation converged to shape the future of American governance. Against soaring optimism and impassioned debates, Vice President Kamal Harris, …
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Project 2025, a comprehensive transition plan organized by right-wing think tank The Heritage Foundation to guide the next GOP presidential administration, is the conservative movement’s most robust policy and staffing proposal for a potential second Trump White House. Its extreme agenda threatens democracy, civil rights, the climate, and more. It …
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Across the country, people are making their thoughts known about the upcoming election. Host Marcus Atkinson is joined by his cohosts Chuck Cammarata and Marc Blount, with special guest Abdulla Washington to discuss this hotly contest race, rife with twists and turns. Today on NEXT2.0. Tune in.
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The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) interview with Donald Trump at their annual Chicago convention on Wednesday turned chaotic after the GOP presidential nominee made statements challenging Vice-President Kamala Harris’s ethnic identity, pardoning January 6th rioters, giving immunity to law enforcement officers who commit acts in t…
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Larry Meredith made local political history on Nov. 8, 1977, when, at 30 years old, he became the first Black city resident to win a City Council seat. Meredith would serve on the City Council through 1981, including a term as council president. He later returned to the council dais in 2001 as a City Council appointee to fill the unexpired term of …
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From NBA to Champion to Championing Mental Health Awareness
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People may know Vernon Maxwell for his two NBA titles with the Houston Rockets. Few people know that his passion is unmasking stigmas around mental health issues in the black community. The Vernon Maxwell Initiative is a 501 c3 nonprofit that connects with local organizations to bring constant awareness to mental health struggles within communities…
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July is National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month. In 2008, the U.S. House of Representatives designated July the Bebe Moore Campbell National Mental Health Awareness Month. It is a time to bring focused attention to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face as it relates to mental health. Who is Bebe M…
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The Supreme Court's rulings on presidential powers have profound implications for the nation's governance and constitutional balance. Each decision sets precedents that shape the scope and limits of executive authority, impacting everything from national security to civil liberties. These rulings can either bolster or constrain presidential actions…
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The Presidential Debate & Bronny James is a Laker
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Segment One: The first 2024 presidential debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump was a highly anticipated event, drawing millions of viewers eager to witness the clash between two vastly different political titans. President Biden, seeking re-election, emphasized his administration's achievements and plans for the future, focusing on unity, econo…
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From the Trump and Biden convictions to Gaza, the U.S. border, and beyond, in today's fast-paced world, the news cycle is a dynamic tapestry of groundbreaking stories that capture the essence of our rapidly changing society. These stories not only inform and educate but also inspire and provoke thought, reflecting the diversity and complexity of hu…
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MLB Gives Negro League Players Their Just Due
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Major League Baseball has officially incorporated Negro Leagues statistics into the Major League record, the league announced Wednesday. MLB elevated the Negro Leagues to "Major League" status in 2020. It recognized the "statistics and records" of approximately 3,400 players who played in the Negro Leagues between 1920-48 to include several Erie st…
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Is Classism Benefitting Trump In the Polls?
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In this episode, we dive into a complex and nuanced discussion about the role of classism in shaping political landscapes, particularly focusing on its potential impact on Trump's popularity in the polls.
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Barbershops hold a unique and invaluable place in Blackculture, serving not only as centers for grooming but as vital community hubs. Generations have gathered in these spaces for more than just a haircut; they are forums for lively discussions, cultural exchange, mentorship, and mutual support. Barbershops foster a sense of belonging and identity,…
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In this episode, Marcus and his co-hosts, Marc Blount andChuck Cammarata, address a local controversy stirred up in a past episode. They also talk candidly about what’s going on locally and nationally. The topics include local development and investment, a prophet with no honor in his land, the Trump Trials, the WNBA launch, Drake vs. Kendrick Lama…
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How did you get to be you? How did you develop the beliefs you possess and the way of looking at the world that you have? Why do you have the goals that you pursue? And what happens when those goals don't lead to what you thought they would lead to? What do you do when the beliefs you've always held seem inadequate to deal with life, or to explain …
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The Solar Eclipse and The Ukrainian Politician
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On today’s episode of NEXT2.0, we bring you two uniqueinterviews from the campus of Penn State Behrend. Segment One: In 2024, the residents of Erie, Pennsylvania, were treated to a spectacular celestial event as a total solar eclipse graced the skies above their city. Thousands of eager onlookers gathered in parks, rooftops, and open spaces, armed …
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Caitlin Clark, Race, and Pay Equity
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Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women's basketball, embodies the fierce determination and talent that define the sport. Caitlin represents the pinnacle of athletic achievement as a standout player for the Iowa Hawkeyes and the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft. In the context of race, Caitlin's success shines a light on the systemic inequalities that…
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Dr. Michelle LeBaron is bringing together insights from Neuroscience, the Arts, and Conflict Resolution studies to create new ways of helping individuals and communities to work toward reconciliation and building better lives and communities. On this episode of Next 2.0 Dr. LeBaron will share some of those insights. Chuck Cammarata interviewed Dr. …
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In today's episode, we're taking a journey through the highlights of past episodes, revisiting the most intriguing discussions, groundbreaking insights, and memorable moments that stood out to us.
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In recent months, Sean "P. Diddy" Combs has faced several legal battles, with lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and trafficking. As a result of the "alleged" activity, homes belonging to Sean "Diddy" Combs in Los Angeles and Miami were raided by officials from US Homeland Security on Monday, 25 March. The raids were reportedly tied to sex-tra…
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For the past decade, Dr. Julia Robinson Moore has been researching and uncovering the truth about burial grounds for enslaved people in churches and communities in and around here home in Charlotte, NC. Dr. Moore is an ordained Presbyterian pastor and as she traveled around preaching at various churches she noticed something about the cemeteries th…
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Life is heavy these days – complicated and contentious and lots of us are struggling with simple things like – how do we talk to people – often people we love – who are on the other side of some of the most important issues of our time. Author and activist Gareth Higgins is our guest today. Gareth was born in Belfast in 1975, grew up during a time …
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Donald Trump's history of offensive language toward Blackpeople is deeply troubling and has sparked widespread condemnation. From referring to African nations as "s***hole countries" to repeatedly attacking Black public figures with derogatory terms, such as calling Congresswoman Maxine Waters "low IQ" and labeling athletes who protested racial inj…
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The Katt Williams interview with Shannon Sharpe garneredwidespread attention and a large viewership for several compelling reasons. Katt Williams is known for his unfiltered and outspoken nature, making the interview highly anticipated by fans eager to hear his unapologetic insights about the industry and some of its most successful comedians. The …
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Christian nationalism poses significant dangers as it intertwines religious fervor with political ideology, potentially undermining the principles of religious freedom, pluralism, and democratic governance. By conflating religious beliefs withnational identity and policy objectives, it can lead to the marginalization of minority groups, the erosion…
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When we talk about black history, one of the things that weforget is we are all living history, so we want to highlight those people that are laboring in our community. They are serving the community, especially with our young people and with our economic circumstances. The work continues and we want to shine the light on that a little bit today, s…
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Are Students Prepared for Life After High School?
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In February 2018, Erie’s Public Schools embarked on astakeholder-driven strategic plan. Many of the goals and benchmarks declared in that plan had a target year of 2024 to accomplish those goals. COVID-19 presented many unforeseen challenges for the nation and our local community. So where are we today? Are the students better prepared? How can the…
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You are about to enjoy our first Community Crossover Edition of NEXT 2.0. On this episode of NEXT 2.0 Marcus is in studio with Rob Davis and Martin Long, hosts of the podcast, Let's Fail. You may be wondering what a community crossover edition is. It's real simple. We've got a show, they've got a show. And this will air on their platform and ours.…
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When citizens have a voice in library decision-making, it builds trust and strengthens relationships between the library and the community. Citizens are more likely to support a library that values their input and actively seeks to address their needs and concerns. Like many places throughout the country, thepublic library in Erie, PA, is becoming …
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Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Local Heroes
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In this episode of NEXT 2.0, Marcus reflects on the recent MLK Junior Day in Erie, Pennsylvania. He discusses the annual march, charitable dinner, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s message of pride and empowerment for the African-American community. Marcus highlights the contributions of the African-American community in Erie and their commitment to…
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To the dismay of many, Erie Mayor Joe Schember votes to appoint Mel Witherspoon to a vacant city council seat. None were more disappointed than former Council appointee Susannah Faulkner who publicly opposed this action. Chuck Cammarata sits down for a one on one interview to hear her thoughts and concerns for how this all played out. Today, on NEX…
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In 2024, many compelling news stories are poised to shape the global landscape, influencing political, economic, and social trajectories. Societal conversations around equity, justice, and human rights are expected to evolve, focusing on addressing systemic issues and fostering inclusivity. The Trump trials and the 2024 election will undoubtedly be…
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HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS Bet you didn’t know…
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There are a lot of favorite holiday movies and tv specials, but one stands out for our host and millions of others, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Marcus gives his fun and informative take on things we bet you didn’t know about adapting this storied animation into a primetime holiday event, and the movie spawned from its source material. Pour a gl…
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Behind every show host is a supportive team. Today on NEXT 2.0, meet the interns who helped shape the 2.0 season of the NEXT journey. Meet the partners of the East Side Renaissance, the neighborhood nonprofit that houses the Publix Voice’s studio that co-produces and records 2.0. We discuss not just the rebranding but what the holidays mean in each…
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Christmas is Great! Religion... Not So Much
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In this season of holiday cheer, we often witness the goodness on display. From constant utterances of good cheer to charitable acts and contributions, Christmas just seems to bring the best out of humanity. However, far too often, organized religion has had the opposite effect on society. Its adverse history is fraught with conflict, intolerance, …
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Interview with former city councilman Curtis Jones Jr.
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Marcus and guest host Marc Blount have an in-depth discussion with former city councilman Curtis Jones Jr. about his new role at the Chamber of Commerce, black economics, the neighborhood centers, and the rise of neighborhood organizations. Curtis’ insights are priceless due to his holistic experiences in the governmental and economic affairs of Er…
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A lawsuit by singer Cassie containing allegations of beatings and abuse by music producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has been settled, the artists announced Friday, one day after the lawsuit was filed. The settlement was announced in a statement sent by her attorney. Marc Blount and Vanessa Belen help us unpack the complicated past of “Diddy” and the bombs…
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The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deeply intricate and multifaceted geopolitical struggle that has endured for decades, rooted in historical, religious, and territorial complexities. The dispute encompasses competing national identities, historical narratives, and claims to the same land. In this episode, Dr. Lena Surzhko Harned an associate te…
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During Thanksgiving, charitable individuals play a pivotal role in making a profound impact on their communities. These compassionate people embody the spirit of gratitude by extending a helping hand to those in need. Thanksgiving becomes more than a personal celebration for these individuals; it transforms into an opportunity to spread joy, allevi…
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