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.<\/p>\n
This week\u2019s featured story takes a look at a local teacher, preacher and community leader \u2014 Reporter Tyler Gallagher sat down for an interview with Archbishop Dwane Brock.<\/p>\n
Brock was a 21-year-old youth pastor in Cincinnati, Ohio, when his bishop sent him to revitalize a community church in Erie.<\/p>\n
Nearly 50 years later, the now archbishop hasn\u2019t left, turning Erie into his new home while rebuilding the community around him.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been an adventure into community activism and theological supposition, I like to tell people, but it\u2019s been an interesting time here in Erie, Pennsylvania,\u201d said Brock.<\/p>\n
Brock said he always wanted to build an institution that people can be proud of, and not settle for mediocrity.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cBlack folk helped, and black folk built this country, and so it\u2019s imperative that African Americans and others partake in the American Dream.\u201d \u201cEast Side Renaissance is standing for justice for all Americans and all citizens here in Erie, Pennsylvania, trying to provide opportunity,\u201d said Brock.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
But some of Brock\u2019s best work comes as the founder of the Eagle\u2019s Nest Leadership Corporation, a school he established to serve at-risk youth after hearing inspiration from a local minister.<\/p>\n
\u201cI will never forget it. He said, \u2018God told me to tell you that you are an eagle,’\u201d said Brock. \u201cFrom that moment on, the entire philosophy of Eagles Nest was birthed.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Eagle\u2019s Nest operates a school, day-care, and a career-preparedness program, an initiative Brock said has helped more than 200 students find employment.<\/p>\n
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\u2019t finished, as Brock said his job is never done in bringing dynamic change to the community.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d said Brock.<\/p>\n
Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.<\/p>\n