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

The Little Washington Growing Group Grows Food & Education In Goldsboro

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian GOLDSBORO, N.C. - Cheryl Lewis Alston did not plan to become a farmer. A retired educator, she first brought gardens into classrooms as a way to teach science through hands-on learning. Today, that approach has grown into a community farm project that blends food production, education and access on city-owned land in Wayne County. Alston, founder and director of the Little Washington Growing

Using Art, Healing, And Community To Transform Mental Health Dialogue

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian RALEIGH, N.C. - Music filled the air as families danced through the crowd, children gathered around activity stations, and community members explored wellness resources from local organizations. Black-owned businesses lined the streets while people stopped for chair massages, conversations, and moments of connection inside the wellness suite. At the center of the event stood a simple but powerful reminder: "You Matter." For Darkness

NC State Fair Vendors Fear New Pricing Model Could Push Small Businesses Out

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian RALEIGH, N.C. - For many North Carolinians, the State Fair experience begins with food. From turkey legs and funnel cakes to deep-fried desserts and fresh lemonade, food vendors have long been one of the fair's biggest attractions. But now, some vendors say major pricing changes could threaten whether smaller businesses can afford to return at all. The North Carolina State Fair is moving

Family Festivities Mark Mother’s Day Weekend At The Durham Bulls Game

By  Judaea Ingram Special to the Carolinian DURHAM, N.C - Weekend baseball at Durham Bulls Athletic Park carried a festive, family-centered atmosphere as the Durham Bulls hosted a home series against the Round Rock Express, highlighted by a Mother's Day celebration that blended baseball, special events, and community tradition in downtown Durham. While the series itself was part of the regular Minor League Baseball schedule, Sunday's matchup stood out as

Cheerwine Festival Fills Salisbury Streets With A Carolina Tradition

By Judaea Ingram Special To The Carolinian SALISBURY, N.C. - Downtown Salisbury was packed with visitors Saturday as thousands gathered for the annual Cheerwine Festival, celebrating the cherry-flavored soft drink that has remained a North Carolina favorite for generations. Music echoed through downtown streets as festivalgoers moved between vendor tents, food trucks, live performances, and family activities during the daylong event. Bright red Cheerwine branding could be seen throughout the