Author: Dominique Heath

By Dominique Heath Columnist BUIES CREEK - Before the first presentation began, attendees filled Campbell University's student union hall exchanging business cards, introducing themselves to different organizations and discussing how they could better serve survivors in their own communities. It was a fitting start for the North Carolina Coalition Against Human Trafficking's (NCCAHT) 2026 Collective Impact Conference, where law enforcement officers, educators, survivor advocates, nonprofit leaders and service providers gathered

By Dominique Heath Staff Writer KNIGHTDALE, N.C. - Music filled Knightdale Station Park while dancers took the stage, spoken word artists shared stories and residents joined together in celebration during the Town of Knightdale's annual African American Festival on June 13. Held in recognition of Juneteenth, the festival transformed the park into a showcase of African American culture through live performances, food, art and community engagement. Despite temperatures climbing into

By Dominique Heath Columnist Thousands gathered in Raleigh for MudGirl Run 2026, an obstacle mud run that has grown from a grassroots empowerment event into an international movement centered on resilience, community, and support. Founded with the mission of creating an inclusive event focused less on competition and more on personal strength, MudGirl has expanded across multiple cities and countries, drawing participants from all walks of life. What began as

By Dominique Heath Columnist The North Carolina Association of County Commissioners (NCACC) brought student filmmakers, educators, local leaders and community members together at The Cary Theater for the Second Annual NCACC 100 Strong Productions Student Film Festival, a statewide event centered around storytelling, local history and community impact through film. Hosted by NCACC's documentary division, 100 Strong Productions, the festival gave students from counties across North Carolina an opportunity to

By Dominique Heath Guest Columnist Each April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month returns with a familiar call to attention. Teal ribbons appear, statistics are shared, and conversations begin to surface again. But awareness, in practice, is often misunderstood. According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, an American is sexually assaulted every 68 seconds. Nationally, 1 in 5 women and 1 in 6 men experience sexual violence in their lifetime.

By: Dominique Heath, Guest Columnist For nearly a century, the Carolina Theatre has been a central part of Durham's cultural landscape. However, beyond its role as an entertainment hub, the theater also played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. During the 1960s, as a city-owned institution, it became a battleground for the fight against segregation, with local activists challenging discriminatory policies and paving the way for integration. A

By: Dominique Heath | Guest Columnist On February 28, 2025, a nationwide economic blackout is planned, urging consumers to refrain from making any purchases from major retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy. This initiative, led by The People's Union, aims to protest recent rollbacks in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs by these corporations. Participants are encouraged to avoid spending money not only at these retailers but also

By Dominique Heath Guest Columnist While Project 2025 has been at the forefront of discussions, another movement has gained traction amongst many Black Americans on social media: Black Project 2025. This transformative movement is aiming to address concerns surrounding the potential implications of Project 2025, as proposed by The Heritage Foundation. With the possibility of Donald Trump's second presidential term, Black Project 2025 addresses significant concerns within the Black community

By Dominique Heath The Black Girl Art Show held in Raleigh, North Carolina, on June 30th, celebrated the art and achievements of Black women artists, drawing attention to their creativity and passion through a diverse exhibition ranging from paintings to digital art. This event served as more than an art showcase; it was a movement promoting empowerment, heritage, and unity among artists and attendees alike. Including live performances and workshops,

By: Dominique Heath Guest Columnist Downtown Raleigh was transformed into an artistic wonderland this past weekend, as it played host to the much-loved Artsplosure - The Raleigh Arts Festival. The weekend was rich with creativity and bustling activity, enchanting visitors with an array of artistic expressions. The focal point of the festival was the acclaimed Art Market, where more than 175 juried artists and craftspeople exhibited their original masterpieces. These