Speaking Truth to Power with Deonte Cooley
From NEXT with Marcus Atkinson by WQLN
May 22, 2026 · 1h 0m
About this episode
This episode features a conversation with activist Deonte Cooley about community activism and accountability in Erie.
NEXT with Marcus Atkinson returns with a powerful community-centered conversation featuring activist, organizer, and media voice Deonte Cooley. From speaking passionately at Erie City and County Council meetings to organizing impactful community forums, Deonte has become one of the region’s most outspoken advocates for accountability and change. This episode also provides an update on the Marchello Woodard case, explores the state of activism in Erie, and introduces Deonte’s new BlaXcess Media program, The Social Impact. Expect honest dialogue, strong opinions, and a conversation rooted in culture, community, and change.
People in this episode
Host: Marcus Atkinson
Guest: Deonte Cooley
Topics covered
- activism
- community engagement
- social impact
- accountability
- change
- media
Keywords
- activism
- Deonte Cooley
- community forums
- social impact
- Erie
- Marchello Woodard case
- BlaXcess Media
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: BlaXcess Media, Erie City and County Council
Places: Erie
More episodes of NEXT with Marcus Atkinson
- GECAC and the Fight Against Poverty: Local Mission, National Impact · May 22, 2026 · 58 min
- Marcus Atkinson & Alex Staley on Mentorship, Media, and Growth · March 20, 2026 · 46 min
- Marc Blount and Chuck Cammarata Join NEXT Live On Air · March 13, 2026 · 48 min
- Giving Back, Lifting Up: Scholarships for Erie Youth · February 20, 2026 · 59 min
- Unlocking the Culture: NEXT2.0 Introduces the BlaXcess Media Radio Network · February 6, 2026 · 11 min
- Leave the Twin Cities: When Federal Force Sparks a Citywide Outcry · January 30, 2026 · 50 min
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the NEXT with Marcus Atkinson podcast page.