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 on WQLN NPR 91.3 FM, this episode addresses a topic of significant public interest: the search for the MLK Center’s next permanent Executive Director. With the organization playing a vital role in Erie’s civic, cultural, and social justice landscape, the transition has drawn thoughtful questions and deep concern from the community.

In this candid and transparent conversation, Marcus discusses:

 The immediate challenges following a sudden leadership loss

 The board’s approach to stability, stewardship, and continuity

 How the Executive Director search process is being structured

 The importance of public trust, accountability, and clear communication

This interview is part of a broader effort by Marcus and the MLK Center’s Board of Directors to proactively inform the public, dispel misinformation, and invite the community into an open dialogue about the future of the organization.

Honest, reflective, and grounded in service, this episode of NEXT2.0 exemplifies the show’s mission: exploring leadership, community impact, and the real conversations that shape Erie’s future.