We here at JET 24 are continuing our month-long series for Black History Month by bringing you the stories that pay tribute to the accomplishments of black business leaders and entrepreneurs who have thrived and give back to the community we all call home.

This week’s featured story takes a look at a local teacher, preacher and community leader — Reporter Tyler Gallagher sat down for an interview with Archbishop Dwane Brock.

Brock was a 21-year-old youth pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio, when his bishop sent him to revitalize a community church in Erie.

Nearly 50 years later, the now archbishop hasn’t left, turning Erie into his new home while rebuilding the community around him.

“It’s been an adventure into community activism and theological supposition, I like to tell people, but it’s been an interesting time here in Erie, Pennsylvania,” said Brock.

Brock said he always wanted to build an institution that people can be proud of, and not settle for mediocrity.

Since moving to Erie in 1980, the archbishop has built up three churches, organized gang members to build a playground in a neighborhood with a history of gun violence, and laid the groundwork for several community initiatives, including the East Side Renaissance.

“Black folk helped, and black folk built this country, and so it’s imperative that African Americans and others partake in the American Dream.” “East Side Renaissance is standing for justice for all Americans and all citizens here in Erie, Pennsylvania, trying to provide opportunity,” said Brock.

Brock said the vision of the East Side Renaissance is to revitalize Parade Street, and recently, he assisted in establishing a new Erie Bank location off 10th Street, which he said already opened nearly 500 bank accounts.

But some of Brock’s best work comes as the founder of the Eagle’s Nest Leadership Corporation, a school he established to serve at-risk youth after hearing inspiration from a local minister.

“I will never forget it. He said, ‘God told me to tell you that you are an eagle,’” said Brock. “From that moment on, the entire philosophy of Eagles Nest was birthed.”

The Eagle’s Nest operates a school, day-care, and a career-preparedness program, an initiative Brock said has helped more than 200 students find employment.

Just last year, Brock was promoted to a metropolitan archbishop, giving him responsibility over more churches across several states. But his work in Erie isn’t finished, as Brock said his job is never done in bringing dynamic change to the community.

“We are not a monolithic people, but we are a people that need to understand that we can disagree without being disagreeable because we need each other. You need me, and I need you,” said Brock.

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