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 The conversation examines how redlining, urban renewal, and outdated zoning policies continue to shape housing access, neighborhood development, and the future of the city.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.AkronNAACP.org

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.AkronNAACP.org

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.AkronNAACP.org