Houston Texans’ Brandon Codrington Returns Home to Inspire Young Athletes  at Free Youth Football Camp

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian RALEIGH, N.C. - Hundreds of young athletes filled the fields at Broughton High School on June 20, eager to sharpen their football skills under the guidance of someone who once stood exactly where they are today. Houston Texans defensive back Brandon Codrington returned to his former high school to host his second annual Free Youth Football Camp, providing local youth with an opportunity

Hurricanes Fans Flood Raleigh for Historic Stanley Cup Celebration

RALEIGH, N.C. - "North Carolina, come on and raise up." As the opening lyrics of Petey Pablo's iconic anthem blasted through downtown Raleigh, an estimated 150,000 fans sang along at the top of their lungs, transforming the city into a sea of red during the Carolina Hurricanes' Stanley Cup championship celebration. Air horns echoed through the streets, marching bands energized the crowd and chants of "Let's Go Canes" erupted from

BLACKOUT Author Showcase Celebrates Black Stories and Representation at NC’s First Black-Owned Bookstore

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian RALEIGH, N.C. - Books became a bridge between generations Saturday as Liberation Station Bookstore hosted the BLACKOUT Author Showcase, bringing together Black authors, young readers and families for a celebration of storytelling, culture and representation. The free event took place June 20 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Liberation Station Bookstore, located at 430 Hill St. The bookstore, recognized as North Carolina's

“Fire of Freedom” Brings Abraham Galloway’s Fight for Equality to Life Through Theater

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian WAKE FOREST, N.C. - More than a century after Abraham Galloway fought for freedom, citizenship and equality, his story returned to the stage through a powerful one-man performance highlighting the life and legacy of one of North Carolina's most influential figures. On Friday, June 19, the Alston-Massenburg Center hosted "Fire of Freedom," a theatrical performance that explored the life of Galloway, an enslaved

Juneteenth Grand Cookout Celebrates Culture, Community And Black-Owned Businesses

By  Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian RALEIGH, N.C - Line dances broke out across the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, children competed in dance-offs and the aroma of food from Black-owned food trucks filled the air as hundreds gathered Saturday for NC Throw Down's Juneteenth Grand Cookout. The event, held from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., brought together community members from across the Triangle to celebrate Juneteenth through food, music,

From First in Flight to Future of Flight: JetZero Breaks Ground In Greensboro

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian GREENSBORO, N.C. - More than a century after North Carolina earned the title "First in Flight," state leaders say the next chapter of aviation history may be taking shape in Greensboro. Gov. Josh Stein joined lawmakers, local officials, and business leaders Monday at Piedmont Triad International Airport to celebrate the groundbreaking of JetZero's first commercial airplane manufacturing facility, a project expected to create

Square to Square Street Festival Brings Summer Fun To Clayton and Community Spirit to Downtown Clayton

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian Children laughed as they raced between rides and activities, families enjoyed snow cones under the June sunshine, and Main Street buzzed with excitement as the Square to Square Street Festival returned to Downtown Clayton on Saturday. The annual event transformed downtown into a vibrant community gathering space, drawing residents and visitors for a day filled with entertainment, local vendors, family activities, and summer

Taste of Charlotte Draws Packed Crowds Uptown, Showcases City’s Food Scene

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Uptown Charlotte was filled with dense, steady crowds throughout the weekend as the Taste of Charlotte Festival returned, turning Tryon Street into a packed stretch of food vendors, music, and nonstop movement. From midday into the evening, foot traffic rarely slowed. Groups of visitors moved shoulder to shoulder through the festival footprint, weaving between long lines, live music stages, and

Juneteenth Celebrations Across North Carolina Continue To Grow Larger

By Judaea Ingram Special to the Carolinian As communities across North Carolina prepare for Juneteenth celebrations later this month, organizers are expecting another year of large crowds, educational programming, and cultural events that honor both history and progress. Juneteenth, observed annually on June 19, commemorates the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned they were free. Although President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863,

Preserving Nina Simone’s Legacy For Future Generations

By Judaea Ingram Special to the Carolinian More than two decades after her passing, Nina Simone remains one of the most influential artists in American history. Known for her powerful voice, exceptional musical talent, and unwavering commitment to social justice, Simone's impact continues to be felt across generations. While audiences around the world recognize her as a legendary singer, songwriter, and civil rights activist, many North Carolinians take pride in