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

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.org
  • Policy Brief & Recommendations: Safe and Nuturing Schools - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_ghd3xMtibKNV0CdUu3k8FPYHAYdCx3k/view?usp=sharing
• Voter Information Resources
  • Summit County - https://lookup.boe.ohio.gov/vtrapp/summit/vtrlookup.aspx
  • Ohio - 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

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