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 The conversation examines how redlining, urban renewal, and outdated zoning policies continue to shape housing access, neighborhood development, and the future of the city.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

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.AkronNAACP.org

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.AkronNAACP.org

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.

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.AkronNAACP.org

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.AkronNAACP.org

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.AkronNAACP.org