Author: The Carolinian

(AP) - Our immune system has a dark side: It's supposed to fight off invaders to keep us healthy. But sometimes it turns traitor and attacks our own cells and tissues. What are called autoimmune diseases can affect just about every part of the body - even the brain - and tens of millions of people. While most common in women, these diseases can strike anyone, adults or children, and

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Readers, writers and families gathered inside the historic Second Ward Gymnasium on Saturday as the fourth annual Charlotte African American Book Festival returned to the Queen City, transforming the venue into a vibrant celebration of Black literature, literacy and culture. Hosted by Virginia Business Expo Corporation, the free festival welcomed community members from across the Charlotte area for a day centered on books, education and meaningful connections

Columbia, S.C. - Logan Wells, a rising senior from Columbia, South Carolina, has been crowned Miss South Carolina's Teen, becoming just the second African American woman to earn the title in the past 24 years. Her historic victory follows the groundbreaking achievement of Danielle Wilson, who was crowned in 2002 and remained the only African American titleholder until Wells' recent win. Wells will now represent South Carolina on the national

NC NEWSLINE - A proposal by the N.C. Board of Elections to ban amplified sound outside polling places is aimed at discouraging voting by Black and young voters, critics said Monday. When the state board debated the proposed rule in April, members did not mention any specific complaints about music or bullhorns outside polling places. No one spoke in favor of the rule Monday. Written comments on proposed rules will

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer The question of whether African Americans served as soldiers in the Confederate military remains a controversial topic in Civil War history, dividing historians, archivists, and heritage activists, despite most institutions concluding the idea a myth at worst and a misunderstanding at best. North Carolina historian and museum curator Earl Ijames has spent years researching and speaking on what he describes as "Colored Confederates," a term

NC NEWSLINE - Visitors hoping to celebrate North Carolina's history at the Great American State Fair last week were instead met with an ugly reminder of its darkest chapter: an image of North Carolina's state flag altered to include the emblems of the Confederate battle flag. The flag, first reported by Spectrum News and seen in posts on social media, was shown on a large video screen in immediate view

WASHINGTON (AP) - One of the stars of the American firmament once advised citizens of all stripes how to express their love of country. Mark Twain's long-ago words capture how Americans are stepping out this week to wish their nation a happy milestone birthday. "Our patriotism is medieval, outworn, obsolete," Twain wrote in 1905. "The modern patriotism, the true patriotism, the only rational patriotism, is loyalty to the Nation all

By Torrie Walker Her Campus, Howard University RALEIGH, NC - The Raleigh Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Ruth and Evelyn Pope Trust, a recognition of the chapter's ongoing commitment to youth development, leadership training and community service. The Ruth and Evelyn Pope Trust recognizes organizations that demonstrate excellence in community service, particularly programs that support and empower young people.

LOS ANGELES (AP) - After watching a 20-minute tribute celebrating her groundbreaking career, Lauryn Hill surprised the BET Awards audience Sunday with an impromptu performance of her 1998 classic "Ex-Factor" after accepting the Living Legend Icon Award before closing the show with "Everything Is Everything." Introduced by Ice Cube, the eight-time Grammy winner was honored with performances at Los Angeles' Peacock Theater from SZA, Doechii, Lizzo, Queen Latifah, Common, her

By Torrie Walker Her Campus, Howard University The building is gone. The guests who once filled its rooms are long gone. Even the name of the woman who built one of Raleigh's most important Black-owned hotels has largely faded from public memory. But nearly a century ago, Hattie Wooten Lewis opened the doors of the Lewis Hotel, creating a refuge for Black travelers navigating the hardships of segregation and leaving