The African Diaspora Film Festival Returns to Chapel Hill

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Last Thursday, the Sonja Haynes Stone Center for Research in Black Culture and History at UNC-Chapel Hill hosted an edition of its Diaspora Festival of Black and Independent Film, continuing a tradition that began in 2004. Since its inception as a film series, the festival has grown into an essential cultural event, spotlighting stories from across the African diaspora and offering a platform for independent

Assata Shakur: A Voice Of Struggle, A Legacy Of Love

By Stacy M. Brown Black Press USA  The passing of Assata Shakur has left a deep void in those who saw her as more than a revolutionary. She was a mother, poet, and symbol of liberation whose life embodied struggle and sacrifice. On Black Press USA's Let It Be Known morning news show, journalist and commentator Thandisizwe Chimurenga spoke about Shakur's death and her legacy. "My heart literally skipped a

Charlotte Killing Exposes NC’s Mental Health Failures

NCHealth News-In early September, video of a man stabbing 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska to death on a light rail car in Charlotte shocked the country. People from across the political spectrum demanded answers: How does a horrific, unprovoked attack occur between two strangers? What needs to change so something like it doesn't happen again? Law enforcement officers say the man was Decarlos Brown Jr., whose criminal and mental health

Enbridge Gas makes case for rate increase before NC Utilities Commission

[caption id="attachment_13886" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Photo by Marcin Jozwiak[/caption] North Carolina natural gas customers are one step closer to potentially having higher bills. Enbridge Gas North Carolina is asking for a 12.37% increase to its residential natural gas rates, which it says would result in a $6.30 increase in the average residential customers' monthly bill. Last week, the North Carolina Utilities Commission heard expert testimony from Enbridge employees on the need

How ‘Woke’ Went From An Expression In Black Culture To A Conservative Criticism

[caption id="attachment_13881" align="alignnone" width="1160"] WEAPONIZING WORDS - During the 2020 election, the Trump campaign was WOKE when they launched the Platinum Plan for Black people in America. By the 2024 election, WOKE was a dirty word that represented the things that were wrong in America.[/caption] (AP)-The expression "stay woke" started out as an affirmation for African Americans. In the past decade it has been used by some Republicans - and

The Smallest Elections Can Produce The Largest Results

It is a common myth that important elections only take place every 2 or 4 years. Local elections often take place every year, and because turnout is lower, your vote can actually make even more of a difference.  America has 19,000 cities, towns, and villages with different governmental structures. But they all elect officials to carry out 3 government functions: Executive, Legislative and Legal. The Mayor or City Manager implements

Shaw University Student Awarded National Black Radio Hall Of Fame, Charlotte Chapter  

Charlotte, NC-The Charlotte Chapter of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame proudly announces that Jevon Draft, a dedicated Mass Communications student at Shaw university in Raleigh, NC, has been awarded a $750 NBRHOF, Charlotte Chapter Scholarship. Mr. Draft was recognized and selected by Titus Burrell, Shaw University Communication Department Chairman. "This recognition celebrates Jevon's exceptional academic achievements, his commitment to excellence in Mass Communication, and the remarkable accomplishments he

Deadly shooting in North Carolina was ‘highly premeditated’ and location was ‘targeted’

SOUTHPORT, N.C. (AP) - A mass shooting that shattered the evening tranquility of a picturesque, seaside town in North Carolina was a "highly premeditated" attack that left three people dead and five injured, police said Sunday. The suspect who allegedly carried out the attack on a waterfront bar was in custody. Nigel Edge, 40, of Oak Island is accused of opening fire Saturday night from a boat into a crowd

William Peace University Receives Record $5 Million Gift

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer RALEIGH, NC - William Peace University (WPU) announced last week it has received the largest single gift in the institution's history: a $5 million donation from the estate of alumna Mrs. Peggy (Garner) Britt, class of 1956. The historic gift is designated entirely for scholarships, fulfilling Britt's explicit goal of giving students who might not otherwise be able to attend college the opportunity to do

Area Physician Combines Praise And Prostate Cancer Awareness

[caption id="attachment_13850" align="alignnone" width="2560"] Pictured from left to right: Rev. Darlington, Moses High, Dr. Ross, Nurse Darkes, Dr. Darkes, Lloyd Inman, Carolyn Green Boone, little Aiden Green, Barry Parker.[/caption] RALEIGH, NC - September 14th marked the 3rd annual "Prostate Cancer Awareness Sunday" at Christian Faith Baptist Curch in Raleigh, NC. Christian Faith member Doctor Leroy Darkes plays guitar there regularly during worship. But Dr. Darkes is also president of the