NAACP Akron's Podcast

NAACP Akron
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Welcome to the NAACP Akron Power and Community Podcast! Hosted the NAACP Akron, this podcast dives deep into the pressing issues impacting our community. From education and equity to justice and policy, we’re having real conversations that spark action. Because we believe Knowledge is Power—and Organized Power makes change happen.  Join us as we explore strategies, stories, and solutions to make Akron a more just, vibrant, and inclusive place to live, work, and play.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Episode 5 - May 2026 | NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast

    In this May 2026 episode of the NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast, Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Willie B reflect on the continuing struggle for civil rights, opening with a Black History Moment honoring Charles Hamilton Houston, the NAACP’s first general counsel and the legal strategist known as “The Man Who Killed Jim Crow.” His legacy frames a larger conversation about voting rights, judicial accountability, education equity, and the need for organized community power. The episode recaps the May 21 NAACP Akron general meeting, including updates on the Citizens’ Police Oversight Board, School Resource Officer policy discussions, housing advocacy, ACT-SO, the Youth Council’s HBCU tour planning, and upcoming community events. A major focus is Ohio Senate Bill 113, the proposed anti-DEI legislation targeting K–12 education, and the NAACP Akron Chapter’s opposition to vague policies that threaten honest teaching, student support, academic rigor, and meaningful access for all students. The episode closes with reminders about the NAACP Akron Scholarship Luncheon, Juneteenth events, National Gun Violence Awareness Day, anti-racism workshops, and the new PBS documentary on W.E.B. Du Bois. Throughout the episode, the message remains clear: knowledge is power, but organized power makes change happen. NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    1h 1m

  2. Apr 24

    Episode 4 -April 2026 | NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast

    In this episode of Power & Community, Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Willie B break down the key takeaways from the NAACP Akron April General Meeting—where community, policy, and purpose intersect. The discussion opens with with a discussion on Afrofuturism and a reminder of the importance of upcoming events like the Scholarship Luncheon and Freedom Fund Dinner. A significant portion of the meeting focused on youth mental health, particularly the rising rates of suicide among Black youth. This episode confronts that reality directly, emphasizing awareness, access to support, and the urgency of removing stigma. If you or someone you know needs help, dial 988 for immediate support (* for additional information). The episode also highlights the impact of ACT-SO and the critical role the Akron community plays in meaningfully supporting young people. Listeners will also hear updates from key committees. A discussion on voter readiness outlining recent changes that could affect ballot access. In education, the NAACP Akron policy brief on safety and nurturing continues to gain traction, influencing district-level conversations around social emotional learning, restorative practices, and culturally responsive approaches. The episode also reflects on recent public discussions regarding the future of public education in Akron. Finally, the episode sets the stage for a deeper conversation on environmental racism and its direct impact on Black communities—connecting local realities to broader national patterns. Resources Mentioned: NAACP Akron: https://naacpakron.orgPolicy Brief & Recommendations: Safe and Nuturing Schools - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ghd3xMtibKNV0CdUu3k8FPYHAYdCx3k/view?usp=sharingVoter Information Resources Summit County - https://lookup.boe.ohio.gov/vtrapp/summit/vtrlookup.aspxOhio - https://voterlookup.ohiosos.gov/voterlookup.aspx* Suicide Prevention Resources – Akron & Summit County, Ohio If you or someone you know needs support, help is available: Call or Text 988 – Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (24/7, free, confidential) Summit County Crisis Line: 330-434-9144 (24/7 local support) ADM Crisis Center (Akron): 10 Penfield Ave – walk-in services available Portage Path Emergency Services: 330-762-6110 Crisis Text Line: Text 4HOPE or START to 741741 For youth: Akron Children’s PIRC – 330-543-7472 In immediate danger: Call 911 and request a Crisis Intervention Team officer Ongoing support is available through NAMI Summit County and the Summit County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Also, consider the following culturally competent and responsive mental health resources: Mental Health First Aid | https://www.loveakron.org/mhfa Seven P Healthcare Services | https://sevenphealthcare.com/our-services/ Minority Behavioral Health Group | https://mbhg.org NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    1h 15m

  3. Apr 3

    Power & Community Podcast – Season 3, Episode 3 (March 2026)

    In this episode of the NAACP Akron Power and Community Podcast, Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Willie B are joined by community advocate Leah Holden for a timely discussion on housing, justice, and community action in Akron. The conversation examines how redlining, urban renewal, and outdated zoning policies continue to shape housing access, neighborhood development, and the future of the city. The episode also highlights current criminal justice concerns, including police surveillance technology, public accountability, and the push to end the death penalty in Ohio. Listeners will also hear important updates from the NAACP Akron general meeting, along with information about upcoming events, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to stay engaged in the work of building a more just community. Knowledge is power, and organized power makes change happen. Episode Resources: https://www.akronactso.org/2026-information.html https://www.akronohio.gov/departments/planning_urban_development/index.php https://otse.org/partners/ NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    1 hr

  4. Mar 11

    Power & Community Podcast – Season 3, Episode 2 (February 2026)

    In this episode of the Power & Community Podcast, cohosts Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Willie B recap the February NAACP Akron Unit General Meeting and highlight ongoing community engagement across Akron. The conversation reflects on the centennial legacy of Carter G. Woodson and the evolution of Black History Month, emphasizing the power of organized community action. The episode also features a special conversation with Judi Hill, President of the NAACP Akron Unit, exploring how the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics develops talent, leadership, and opportunity for young people. Tune in for updates, history, and ways to stay connected with NAACP Akron’s advocacy, youth initiatives, and upcoming activities in the community. Links: Black History Month Info - https://www.afrocentric.info/Baobab/AfAmHistyMnth.html Strong Ohio Schools [Take the Survey] - https://www.honestyforohioeducation.org/strong-ohio-schools Akron NAACP ACT-SO - https://www.akronactso.org/ NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    36 min

  5. Jan 25

    Season 03 Episode 01 - January 2026 | Season 3 Premiere

    NAACP Akron – Power & Community Podcast | Season 3 Premiere Season 3 opens with reflection, renewal, and recommitment. In this January premiere of the NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast, hosts Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and William E. Blake reflect on recent community-centered work, including Akron’s Kwanzaa celebrations and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Power, Love, and Justice Weekend. The episode also recaps the first NAACP Akron Unit General Meeting of the new year and highlights community observances honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, grounding these moments in the ongoing struggle for justice, equity, and collective responsibility. Beyond reflection, the conversation lifts up the importance of cultural joy—as sustenance, resistance, and affirmation—while encouraging listeners to join the NAACP, stay engaged, and remain connected to upcoming activities, advocacy efforts, and opportunities to build power in community. Season 3 begins with clarity and purpose: honoring legacy, organizing in the present, and moving forward together. Resources mentioned: MLK Akron - https://mlkakron.org/ AROPI Legacy Building Project - https://akronritesofpassageinstitute.org/building-project/ NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    51 min

  6. 12/27/2025

    Season 2 Episode 5 – Power & Community Podcast | December Recap & What’s Next

    In this episode of the NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast, cohosts Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and William E. Blake break down the key takeaways from December’s NAACP Akron Unit General Meeting—naming the work, the wins, and the responsibilities ahead. The conversation then turns forward, spotlighting what’s coming up in the community: Akron Area Kwanzaa Celebrations, with special focus on Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics)—sponsored by the NAACP Akron Unit—uplifting Black entrepreneurship and collective economic power.A preview of the Power, Love, Justice Weekend in January, honoring the legacy of Martin L. King, Jr. and recommitting to action rooted in justice, love, and community accountability.Grounded, unapologetic, and community-centered, this episode connects reflection to movement—because meetings matter, culture matters, and what we do next matters most. Ujamaa Celebration - https://www.afrocentric.info/Ujamaa/ MLK Power, Love, and Justice - https://mlkakron.org/ NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    39 min

  7. 11/28/2025

    Season 2 Episode 4 - November 2025 | NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast

    NEW EPISODE: “Power, Love, and Justice – November Reflections”  We’re honoring legacy, breaking down the ballot, and celebrating collective power. Tune in for updates on the NAACP Akron’s November meeting, election recap, and a preview of the Ujamaa Kwanzaa Celebration and the Power, Love, and Justice Weekend. 🎧 Available now wherever you get your podcasts.  #NAACPAkron #PowerCommunityPodcast #Kwanzaa #BlackLeadership #OrganizedPower NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    49 min

  8. 10/24/2025

    Season 02: Episode 03 – October 2025 | Go Vote!!

    Season 2, Episode 3 (October 2025) In this episode of the Power and Community Podcast presented by the Akron NAACP, hosts Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Willie B recap the October general meeting and dive deep into key community updates. The conversation honors Akron’s civil rights legacy with a “History Moment” spotlighting the trailblazing Helen Arnold, explores issues from education and environmental justice to local ballot initiatives, and stresses the importance of informed, organized community action. Listeners will also hear about upcoming events like the Freedom Fund Dinner featuring Rev. Mark Thompson. Tune in for real talk on advocacy, accountability, and the power of collective progress—because knowledge is power, and organized power makes change happen. Issue 2: County Charter Amendment 2025. -  https://co.summitoh.net/pages/Issue-2-County-Charter-Amendment-2025.html NAACP Akron - https://www.naacpakron.org/ NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    39 min

  9. 09/25/2025

    NAACP Akron Power and Community Podcast - Season 2 Episode 2

    Summary of September 18 NAACP Akron general membership meeting and a discussion on qualified immunity. NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    42 min

  10. 08/28/2025

    Season 02: Episode 01 – August 2025: Laying the Foundation

    Welcome to the NAACP Akron Power and Community Podcast, where knowledge meets action, and our voices drive change. In this inaugural episode of the Second Season, co-hosts Dr. Lathardus Goggins II and Will E. B. (William E. Blake) introduce the purpose and vision behind the podcast—providing monthly updates from NAACP Akron Unit 3169 and diving deep into key topics affecting our community. This month features an empowering conversation with NAACP Akron President Judi Hill, who shares insights into the mission of the organization and the vital work of its standing committees, including Education, Criminal Justice, Youth Engagement, Housing, and Political Action. Learn how the NAACP Akron is mobilizing voices across all sectors—youth, LGBTQ+, and beyond—to build equity and foster real community progress. Hosted by: Dr. Lathardus Goggins II & William E. Blake  Production Director: Demetrius Goggins NAACP Akron Power & Community Podcast is available now wherever you get your podcasts or visit - https://www.buzzsprout.com/admin/2500020/episodes. NAACP Akron website - www.NAACPAkron.org

    38 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

Welcome to the NAACP Akron Power and Community Podcast! Hosted the NAACP Akron, this podcast dives deep into the pressing issues impacting our community. From education and equity to justice and policy, we’re having real conversations that spark action. Because we believe Knowledge is Power—and Organized Power makes change happen.  Join us as we explore strategies, stories, and solutions to make Akron a more just, vibrant, and inclusive place to live, work, and play.

Information

  • Creator
    NAACP Akron
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 NAACP Akron's Podcast
  • Show Website
    NAACP Akron's Podcast