Jordan Meadows – The Carolinian Newspaper

North Carolina Expands LEAD Programs Across

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 30 Apr 2026 16:24:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A quarter century in law enforcement led one Fayetteville officer to a conclusion that is now shaping policy across North Carolina: arresting people struggling with addiction was not solving the problem.

For 25 years, Lars Paul worked in narcotics enforcement with the Fayetteville Police Department, making drug arrests, responding to overdoses and leading high-risk operations. Over time, he said, the pattern became clear: many individuals cycled repeatedly through jail without meaningful change in the underlying issues driving their arrests.

“I got to see firsthand over all those years that, ‘Hey, we’re not winning this,’” Paul said. “We’re doing the same thing over and over again, and things aren’t changing.”

That experience helped drive the creation of a different approach. In 2016, the Fayetteville Police Department launched the state’s first Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, commonly known as LEAD. The initiative allows officers to redirect people accused of low-level, nonviolent offenses—often tied to substance use—away from arrest and into treatment and support services.

The model, first developed in Seattle, connects participants with case managers who help them access housing, substance use treatment, transportation and other resources. Instead of focusing on punishment, the program emphasizes stabilization and long-term recovery.

“For many years, the only tool we had was to arrest,” said Fayetteville Police Chief Roberto Bryan Jr. “Today, because of LEAD, our officers have a bridge and a tool that addresses the root causes behind the calls for services that we respond to.”

Over the past decade, the program has expanded beyond Fayetteville and is now being adopted by agencies across the state.

In March, state officials announced a $1.5 million investment to grow LEAD programs into additional communities, including departments in Albemarle, Gaston County, Greensboro, New Hanover County, Robeson County and Harnett County, among others.

Under LEAD, officers can make referrals in two primary ways. In some cases, individuals are diverted at the point of potential arrest for offenses such as drug possession, trespassing or petty theft. In others, officers or outreach workers connect people to the program through “social contact” referrals when they encounter individuals at risk of arrest due to untreated mental health or substance use issues. Participation is voluntary, and the program does not require abstinence. Instead, case managers work with participants to identify goals and connect them to services, checking in regularly to support progress.

“It’s completely participant-centered,” said Greg Berry, a statewide director with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. “They determine the direction, and the case manager works with them to put a plan together.”

Across the United States, about 60% of people in jails and prisons have a substance use disorder, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. In many communities, law enforcement officers are often the first responders to issues rooted in addiction, homelessness and mental health. Research on LEAD programs in North Carolina suggests the model can reduce that cycle.

A 2022 study by Duke University found that arrests and citations declined by about one-third in the six months after individuals were referred to LEAD, compared with similar individuals who were not referred. The study also found a 50% reduction in the use and cost of crisis services among participants, while costs increased among those who declined to participate.

State health officials say the program is part of a broader effort to address addiction as a public health issue. North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services leaders have pointed to diversion programs, expanded behavioral health services and the use of opioid settlement funds as key strategies.

“LEAD recognizes that substance use challenges are public health issues with public safety consequences,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.

From 2022 to 2025, local governments across North Carolina have spent more than $2.1 million in opioid settlement funds on diversion programs, according to state data.

NC Lawmakers Pass Medicaid Funding

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:17:04 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

North Carolina lawmakers have approved a sweeping Medicaid funding measure that will keep the state’s program operating through the end of the fiscal year while introducing a series of new eligibility requirements and oversight provisions.

House Bill 696, which passed in both chambers, allocates $319 million from state reserve funds to address a budget shortfall in the Medicaid program. The measure now heads to Gov. Josh Stein.

The federally subsidized program currently provides health coverage to more than 3.1 million North Carolinians—over a quarter of the state’s population—including low-income families, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

The $319 million infusion matches the shortfall projected by the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, driven by higher-than-expected enrollment and rising health care costs. Lawmakers said the funding is necessary to ensure uninterrupted coverage through June.

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in 2023 under the Affordable Care Act, adding more than 720,000 new enrollees as of March 2026. However, uncertainty remains at the federal level following a broader spending plan that would cut Medicaid funding nationwide over the next decade, potentially increasing the financial burden on states.

In addition to funding, the legislation introduces significant policy changes aimed at tightening eligibility and reducing costs.

Medicaid eligibility will be reviewed monthly instead of quarterly, requiring more frequent verification of income, household size, and work status; Beneficiaries will face stricter documentation requirements, limiting the use of self-reported information; Work requirements and six-month eligibility redeterminations will be implemented for certain expansion recipients.

The bill also includes measures to verify citizenship status and prevent ineligible individuals from receiving benefits.

Republican lawmakers, who hold majorities in both chambers, said the changes are necessary to control costs and ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.

“We cannot continue to throw dollars at a program without making changes to protect taxpayers,” said Sen. Benton Sawrey, a Republican and chair of the Senate Health Care Committee.

House Speaker Destin Hall echoed that sentiment, arguing the bill introduces “common-sense guardrails” to improve efficiency and accountability.

Some Democrats raised concerns that the new requirements could create barriers for eligible recipients.

House Minority Leader Robert Reives warned that increased paperwork and more frequent eligibility checks could discourage participation and lead to coverage losses.

“The harder we make it for people… the more chances they’re going to not do it,” Reives said, suggesting that administrative burdens could result in eligible individuals losing access to care.

Sen. Michael Garrett was the lone vote against the bill in the Senate.

Black Workers Face Steeper Job Losses Amid Economic Volatility

Jordan Meadows — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 13:02:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Fresh signs of strain in the U.S. labor market are fueling concerns, as new data shows the economy shed 92,000 jobs in February and unemployment reached its highest level in years.

Economists say the warning signs are especially pronounced for Black workers, who continue to face significantly higher unemployment rates than other groups. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black unemployment measured 7.3% in January, climbed to 7.7% in February, and edged down slightly to 7.1% in March. That remains nearly double the 3.6% rate for white workers and well above the national average of 4.3%.

The March report showed modest improvement for Black workers, with employment rising by 42,000 and the unemployment rate declining from the previous month. But analysts warn that month-to-month changes do little to alter the broader trajectory.

“The decline in the Black unemployed from 7.7% to 7.1% is significant and encouraging. But don’t be surprised if it rises again as month-to-month changes obscure the overall trajectory,” said Andre Perry, senior director at the Brookings Institution.

Critics argue that sweeping cuts to federal agencies and workforce programs have disproportionately affected Black workers, particularly in the civil service, which has historically provided stable employment opportunities. More than 327,000 federal jobs have been eliminated over the past year, alongside efforts to scale back programs aimed at supporting minority-owned businesses, including the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund and the Minority Business Development Agency.

The administration’s proposed 2027 budget includes a 10% reduction in discretionary spending and targets a range of diversity, equity, and inclusion programs for cuts.

Supporters say such moves are aimed at reducing government spending, while critics warn they could deepen economic disparities.

Researchers at the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies described current conditions as a “regression and recession” for Black Americans. Black unemployment reached 8.3% in November 2025, its highest level since the pandemic, while Black homeownership fell to 43.9% in early 2025—reversing years of gains.

Economists often describe Black workers as the “canary in the coal mine” during economic downturns, meaning their experiences can foreshadow wider labor market trouble. With job losses mounting, hiring stagnant, and disparities widening, analysts say the latest data presents a clear warning.

Wake County Board Approves Affordable Housing But Rejects Property Tax Amendment To Limit Increases

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 20:54:19 +0000

More than 1,000 people attended One Wake’s assembly to advocate for affordable housing on July 12, 2025. Mary Kintz One Wake

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

The Wake County Board of Commissioners tackled a wide-ranging agenda Tuesday afternoon, approving new affordable housing investments, infrastructure improvements, and unanimously adopting a resolution opposing a proposed state constitutional amendment that would limit local control over property taxes.

A major focus of the meeting was the county’s continued effort to expand affordable housing through its 2026 Affordable Housing Development Program (AHDP). Commissioners approved funding recommendations tied to both Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) and Non-Tax Credit (NTC) projects.

Among the highlighted developments was Evoke Living on New Bern, a project that will bring 73 senior housing units serving residents earning between 20% and 60% of the area median income (AMI). The project will receive more than $2.5 million in combined city and county loans.

Altogether, the slate of recommended projects includes 318 units targeted at households earning below 50% of AMI.

County officials noted that since adopting Wake County’s 20-year Comprehensive Affordable Housing Plan, adjustments to the request-for-proposals process have led to stronger outcomes—more deeply affordable units, increased supportive housing for vulnerable populations, and better coordination with developers and municipalities.

The 2026 AHDP cycle generated 15 new project proposals and 1 additional gap-financing request, totaling more than $35 million in funding requests. The initiative supports the county’s goal of creating or preserving 2,500 affordable housing units by 2029.

Commissioners also approved a construction contract to replace the aging roof at the Southeast Regional Library in Garner. The facility was built in 1989, with its current roof last replaced in 2005. The library will remain open throughout the process.

The most politically charged portion of the meeting came as commissioners addressed a proposed constitutional amendment under consideration in the North Carolina General Assembly that would allow lawmakers to impose limits on how much and how quickly local property taxes can increase.

The proposal, backed by Republican legislative leaders, is framed as a response to rising property tax burdens. Supporters argue it would prevent what they describe as excessive increases that outpace inflation and population growth. Democrats and local government advocates, however, warn that such limits could significantly constrain counties’ ability to fund essential services like schools, public safety, and public health.

In a unanimous 7-0 vote, Wake County commissioners adopted a resolution opposing what they describe as a “levy limit.”

The resolution emphasizes that property taxes are a primary and stable source of locally controlled revenue and that counties rely on that authority to meet both operational needs and long-term obligations. It warns that restricting that authority could reduce fiscal flexibility, undermine stability, and lead to unintended consequences such as service cuts, delayed infrastructure projects, increased fees, and inequitable impacts on residents.

Vice Chair Commissioner Safiyah Jackson voiced her support during the meeting, saying the resolution aligns Wake County with other jurisdictions across the state.

“I want to acknowledge that I also support [the resolution],” Jackson said. “My support is standing with other County Commissioners across the state, in a unified ask that we take a different approach. I just ask that we consider different solutions because if it were to move forward, it would have significant impacts,” she added.

Jackson also noted that commissioners will revisit the issue in greater detail during upcoming budget discussions.

“On May 4, the Board will come together with the Town Manager and look over the budget and the tough demands that are on our revenue—and why we have to have the rates that we have,” Jackson said.

The proposed amendment, advanced by a state House committee last Wednesday, would require legislative approval by a three-fifths majority in both chambers before going to voters as a referendum.

While current law already caps property tax rates at $1.50 per $100 of assessed value—something no local government has reached—the proposal would require lawmakers to set additional limits on annual increases, though it does not specify exact thresholds. Local government groups, including municipalities and county associations, have urged lawmakers to instead focus on targeted relief programs such as homestead exemptions or circuit breakers for seniors and low-income homeowners.

Meanwhile, counties like Harnett have begun taking up similar resolutions as Wake, particularly as property reappraisals drive higher tax bills in some areas. State law requires counties to reassess property values at least once every eight years.

Unlike standing committees, select committees are temporary. The involuntary commitment panel was established in late 2025, following passage of Iryna’s Law in September in response to the fatal stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte. A man with a history of severe mental illness is charged with her death.

“The committee recommends authorizing this committee to continue its work and to reestablish it to continue work for the 2027-2028 biennium,” legislative analyst Jessica Boney said.

Rep. John Torbett (R-Gaston) asked if agencies like the Dept. of Health and Human Services can make corrections immediately based on the committee’s work.

“Can they go in and start implementing some of the things that we’re talking about?” Torbett asked.

Rep. Hugh Blackwell (R-Burke), the panel’s co-chair, said the panel has involved the department throughout the process of drafting recommendations. The agency has identified a number of things they can implement without legislative action, he said.

“I would hope and encourage them to do that and have a lot of those conversations,” Blackwell said. “If it needs legislative action, then we can work on that.”

Federal Reserve Leadership Is Still In Limbo As Sen. Tillis Refuses To Budge

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:50:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Sen. Thom Tillis is escalating his standoff over the future of the Federal Reserve, doubling down Tuesday on his demand that the Department of Justice drop its investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell before he will support President Donald Trump’s nominee, Kevin Warsh.

The dispute, playing out in a high-stakes Senate Banking Committee hearing, has effectively stalled Warsh’s path to confirmation and injected new uncertainty into leadership of the central bank just weeks before Powell’s term as chair is set to expire on May 15.

Tillis, a key Republican vote on the narrowly divided committee, made clear he is prepared to block any nominee until the probe is resolved.

“You have extraordinary credentials. They’re impeccable,” Tillis told Warsh during Tuesday’s hearing. “The problem I have is where we are right now.”

With Republicans holding only a one-seat advantage on the Senate Banking Committee and all Democrats expected to oppose Warsh, Tillis’s position has given him outsized influence. His refusal to back the nominee is, for now, enough to keep the nomination from advancing to the full Senate.

Tillis emphasized that his opposition remains firm: “Let’s get rid of this investigation so I can support your confirmation.”

The impasse stems from a Justice Department investigation into Powell tied to cost overruns on renovations at the Federal Reserve’s Washington headquarters and his testimony to Congress about the project. Tillis dismissed the underlying issue as routine for government projects.

“If we put everybody in prison in the federal government that has had a budget go over, we’d have to reserve an area roughly the size of Texas for a penal colony because of the way government projects work,” he said.

He also sharply criticized the origins of the probe, appearing to target U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. A federal judge has already blocked two subpoenas in the case, though Pirro has vowed to appeal, a process that could take months.

Powell, whose term as Fed chair expires in May but who remains a board member through 2028, has said he will stay at the central bank while the investigation continues. Without resolution, it remains unclear who would lead the Fed if Warsh is not confirmed in time. Powell has indicated he could remain in an interim capacity, even as Trump has publicly clashed with him over interest rate policy.

The president has repeatedly criticized Powell for not cutting rates aggressively enough, while Powell has defended the Fed’s independence and data-driven approach.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Warsh sought to reassure lawmakers that he would maintain the Fed’s independence.

“Monetary policy independence is essential,” Warsh said. “I am committed to ensuring that the conduct of monetary policy remains strictly independent.”

Warsh, a former Fed governor and Hoover Institution fellow, fielded questions on monetary policy, his financial background, and his ties to the Trump administration. If confirmed, he would become the wealthiest Fed chair in history.

Tillis echoed that concern in a February statement, warning that “protecting the independence of the Federal Reserve from political interference or legal intimidation is non-negotiable.” At the same time, Trump has shown little interest in backing off the probe, saying he does not plan to pressure the Justice Department to end it.

The result is a political and institutional stalemate: a nominee with strong Republican support but blocked by a single senator, an embattled Fed chair unwilling to step aside, and a Justice Department investigation that shows no sign of ending soon.

Chief Addresses Recent Surge in Violent Crime

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:40:00 +0000

Screenshot

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

On Tuesday morning, Raleigh Police Chief Rico Boyce addressed the spike in violent crime across the city in recent weeks in a press conference outlining the scope of the violence and the department’s plan to restore public safety.

“This recent cluster of violence threatens the perception of safety of our residents, our visitors, and our overall sense of security within our community,” Boyce said. “Over the past 10 days, we’ve had multiple violent incidents that were publicized in the news.”

The recent surge includes a series of shootings, stabbings, and large public altercations—many of them occurring in well-trafficked areas like downtown Raleigh and the Glenwood South nightlife district.

Among the most alarming incidents was a shooting at Triangle Town Center on April 17. Police say three juveniles fought a mall employee, and the altercation escalated into gunfire, leaving three people injured. The mall was evacuated and closed for the evening before reopening the next day. The Wake County District Attorney's Office has indicated that charges are likely forthcoming.

In addition to shootings, two large fights involving weapons created chaos in public spaces downtown, further intensifying concerns about safety in Raleigh’s busiest areas.

Chief Boyce emphasized that a key component of the response involves increasing police presence in areas most affected by nightlife-related violence.

He said the department is “increasing the size of patrol force at and near bars, clubs, transportation hubs, and the hospitality corridor,” with a particular focus on downtown and Glenwood South.

Another major initiative is strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Wake County ABC Board Law Enforcement Division, based in Garner:

“Through this collaboration, we can more effectively address problem establishments and take a proactive step to reduce crime in our nightlife areas,” Boyce said.

These efforts fall under what Boyce described as the department’s broader Strategic Partnerships for Operational Success, an initiative that combines resources across agencies to respond more effectively to crime trends.

Many of the violent events involve large groups, escalate quickly, and occur in public or commercial spaces. This combination has heightened public visibility and concern, even as police continue to make arrests in several cases.

Boyce acknowledged the urgency of the moment while reaffirming the department’s mission:

“These actions lead to one priority: protecting our community and preventing further violence in our great city.”

Chief Boyce, who became Raleigh’s 31st police chief in February, brings 25 years of experience within the department. Announced by City Manager Marchell Adams-David, his career began as a patrol officer in Raleigh’s Southeast District, rising through the ranks to Deputy Chief before taking on the department’s top role.

Now, just months into his tenure, Boyce faces one of the most visible public safety challenges in recent years.

The Ever-Evolving Life of Paul Robeson

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 12:12:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

He won 15 varsity letters in four sports. He graduated valedictorian from Rutgers. He earned a law degree from Columbia while playing professional football on weekends to pay tuition. He performed before sold-out crowds on stages from Carnegie Hall to London's West End, and could sing in more than 25 languages. He petitioned the President of the United States, fought for independence movements on multiple continents, and stood before the House Un-American Activities Committee without flinching.

Paul Robeson did all of this—and was then largely written out of American history.

Born on April 9, 1898, in Princeton, New Jersey, the son of a former slave, Robeson came of age during an era of open segregation, lynching, and institutionalized racism.

In 1915, Robeson won a four-year academic scholarship to Rutgers University, making him only the third African American ever admitted to the school and, for a time, its only Black student. He played four varsity sports (baseball, football, basketball, and track). He was twice named a consensus All-American in football. He won speech and debate tournaments. He was inducted into the Cap and Skull Honor Society and earned a Phi Beta Kappa key in his junior year. He graduated valedictorian of the class of 1919.

From there, Robeson enrolled at Columbia Law School, where he met Eslanda Cordoza Goode, whom he married in 1921. Eslanda, who would go on to become the first Black woman to head a pathology laboratory, eventually became his manager and an enduring influence on his career. To pay his tuition at Columbia, Robeson taught Latin and played professional football on weekends, eventually earning his law degree in 1923 while playing in the National Football League.

Robeson's artistic life was profound: he was a bass-baritone of uncommon power and range, and he built a concert career that took him to Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, London, Moscow, New York, and Nairobi. Between 1925 and 1961, he recorded some 276 songs spanning spirituals, classical music, European folk songs, popular standards, and political anthems. He performed his signature tune, "Ol' Man River," in the 1928 London premiere of Show Boat.

On stage, he earned international critical acclaim for his lead role in Shakespeare's Othello, winning the Donaldson Award for Best Acting Performance in 1944. He starred in Eugene O'Neill's The Emperor Jones and All God's Chillun Got Wings, and his film career included eleven pictures, among them Body and Soul (1924), Jericho (1937), and Proud Valley (1939).

He was among the top-earning performers of his era, making more money than many white entertainers at a time when that was nearly unheard of for a Black artist. He was also among the first performers in America to refuse to play to segregated audiences.

Robeson's travels across Europe, Africa, and the Soviet Union convinced him that his fame carried an obligation.

"The artist must elect to fight for freedom or slavery. I have made my choice," he said.

That choice drove him to Spain during the Civil War to support the Republican cause, to Africa to advocate for self-determination, to India to support the independence movement, and to Britain to fight for labor rights.

In 1949, rioters attacked his concert at Peekskill, New York—smashing the stage, torching chairs, assaulting concertgoers, and threatening Robeson's life. The following year, the U.S. State Department revoked his passport, stripping him not only of his right to travel but of his primary source of income. The FBI had been monitoring him for years. Robeson fought back through the courts, filing suits and appeals that were repeatedly denied.

He waited eight years for vindication. It came in 1958, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Kent v. Dulles that the State Department could not deny citizens the right to travel based on their political beliefs or affiliations. To mark the occasion, Robeson performed his first New York concert in a decade at a sold-out Carnegie Hall.

Once named "Man of the Year" by the NAACP, Robeson had been systematically marginalized by the country he had spent his life trying to improve. He retired from public life in 1963 and died on January 23, 1976, at age 77, in Philadelphia.

Divine Nine Turns Out in Force for N.C. Legislative Day

Jordan Meadows — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:23:00 +0000

On April 8 the North Carolina Black Alliance hosted the Divine 9 Legislative Day, “Forging Our Future Together: Mobilizing for Maximum Impact.”

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Hundreds of members of historically Black fraternities and sororities filled Halifax Mall in downtown Raleigh on Wednesday, turning the North Carolina Black Alliance's annual Divine 9 Legislative Day into what organizers called the largest such gathering in more than a decade.

The event, themed "Forging Our Future Together: Mobilizing for Maximum Impact," drew more than 500 attendees from the nine organizations that make up the National Pan-Hellenic Council, along with an array of prominent speakers who touched on redistricting, voting rights, public education, and elections.

"Usually we don't see this type of turnout in a non-presidential election year," said Marcus Bass with the NC Black Alliance. "For this many people to show out for a midterm cycle speaks to how important what's happening in this building is.”

The program opened with an invocation delivered by Rev. Paul Anderson of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity before giving way to a full roster of elected officials and civic leaders. Among those who addressed the crowd were state Senator Natalie Murdock and state Representative Robert Pierce.

The day's keynote address came from former Illinois U.S. Representative Jesse Jackson Jr., who delivered his first television interview in North Carolina since the death of his father. Jackson trained particular fire on gerrymandering, condemning the most recent mid-decade redistricting map drawn to unseat Representative Don Davis of North Carolina, one of three Black members of Congress from the state.

"When we do lose 73% Black districts, we lose the voice of John Conyers—the voice of Maxine Waters," Jackson said. "When these lines change and we have to campaign on all sides of town, other than just our own, the history is lost, and the quality of our voices are affected by that process."

He also took on the state Supreme Court's recent dismissal of the Leandro school funding case, and warned the crowd that foundational democratic norms were under strain.

"The norms are being broken. Faith and support in the Constitution is being shattered," Jackson said.

After his keynote, Jackson accepted a posthumous Order of the Longleaf Pine—North Carolina's highest civilian honor—on behalf of his father. Both men attended North Carolina A&T and were members of Omega Psi Phi.

"He took people who did not believe in themselves and told them they were somebody," Jackson said of his father. He added that he looked forward to presenting the award to his mother, now 82, who had introduced Jesse Jackson Sr. to the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi and the American civil rights movement during their time together at A&T.

North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Anita Earls, one of two Democrats on the state's highest court, spoke at the event. She is seeking reelection and framed the stakes of judicial elections in stark terms, noting that in 2020, then-Chief Justice Cheri Beasley lost her seat by only 401 votes.

Governor Josh Stein also addressed the crowd, tying the work of Divine Nine organizations to the promise of the state.

"If you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go. That is the promise of North Carolina, and delivering on that promise is what drives me as your governor, just as I know it drives so many of you in your daily lives," Stein said.

The event also featured a legislative panel of Democratic lawmakers focused on voting rights and education access, with attendees raising concerns about the removal of polling places from college campuses across the state.

Nadine Vargas Stewart, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Director of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, framed the legislative day as part of an ongoing advocacy effort on issues she said continue to shape everyday life for communities across the region.

"Let us remember that the work continues until every citizen has access to quality healthcare, until affordable housing is truly affordable, and until we have representatives at every level of government who genuinely serve the interests of the people who elected them," Stewart said.

AKA members had attended both the Divine 9 Legislative Day on Halifax Mall and a reception held at the Governor's Mansion, featuring Shamieka Rhinehart, a Durham County Superior Court Judge, and Demetria Buie—both served on the Divine 9 Legislative Day Planning Committee.

Rhinehart also spoke at the event: "Even though we all wear different colors, today we are united. We understand we are stronger together," she said.

NC Educators Rally at State Legislature After Leandro Dismissal

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 15:03:00 +0000

Advocates gather in front of the Legislative Building in Raleigh on April 8, 2026 to protest the Leandro ruling. (By Ahmed Jallow/ NC Newsline)

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Dozens of educators, parents, and community members gathered outside the North Carolina General Assembly Wednesday morning to rally in the wake of the state Supreme Court's April 2nd decision to dismiss the Leandro case, a 32-year-old lawsuit that had become the centerpiece of efforts to overhaul public school funding in North Carolina.

The 4-3 ruling, split along partisan lines, vacated a court-approved plan that would have directed more than $5 billion toward teacher pay, special education, school counselors, social workers, and nurses. With that plan now gone, advocates say the consequences will be felt most acutely in the districts that were already struggling.

"When our schools struggle, our communities feel it," said Tamika Walker Kelly, president of the North Carolina Association of Educators.

The court's majority opinion vacated all actions taken in the Leandro case since 2017, ruling that a lower court had overstepped its jurisdiction by expanding what began as a county-level education adequacy dispute into a statewide matter. The ruling also reversed a 2022 decision that had allowed judges to direct state officials to transfer funds directly—effectively handing control of education spending back to the General Assembly.

For advocates, the most important legal point is what the ruling did not do: the 1997 precedent affirming that North Carolina's constitution guarantees every child a "sound basic education" remains intact.

"Nothing in this ruling has changed the words of our constitution," said Shray Shetty, an attorney at the North Carolina Justice Center.

But the practical weight of the decision falls squarely on lawmakers. Advocates said Wednesday they are still assessing their options; whether through new litigation, legislative lobbying, or broader public organizing.

"This is a time to build a stronger movement, to build power, to put even more pressure on our state legislators, state leaders, our governor and our state superintendent of public schools,” said Jenice Ramirez, Co-Executive Director of Education Justice Alliance.

The educators at Wednesday's rally described classrooms strained well beyond what any court ruling could fix quickly. High teacher turnover, inadequate staffing, and students with unmet needs were recurring themes.

Jackie McLean, a dropout prevention specialist in Hoke County Schools and one of the original Leandro plaintiffs, spoke at the rally, describing the day-to-day reality in her district with striking specificity.

"We have one social worker for more than 2,000 students," she said. "We are really heartbroken, but we will not let up."

The timing of the court ruling has landed in the middle of an already fraught political environment: North Carolina lawmakers have not passed a budget for the current fiscal year.

The House and Senate remain at odds over education spending levels. The House has proposed an 8.7% teacher pay raise and a starting salary floor of $50,000, which spokeswoman Demi Dowdy said "would bring North Carolina to #1 in the Southeast." The Senate has taken a more modest approach, noting that interim funding agreements have been reached for schools in the absence of a full budget.

Critics point out that state spending on education has not kept pace with growing needs, and that the expansion of Opportunity Scholarship vouchers has drawn resources away from the public system. Meanwhile, school districts across the state are already cutting budgets for next year, driven by enrollment declines, rising operational costs, and stagnant revenue.

With the legal path forward uncertain, the focus among those who backed the Leandro plan has shifted, at least in the near term, to the legislature.

That pressure was on full display outside the Legislative Building, where Yevonne Brannon, chair of Public Schools First NC, delivered a direct message to lawmakers:

"The Supreme Court let us down. But don't let our legislators forget that we're counting on them to fund our public schools… Make sure everybody in this building knows that they are the ones we're holding responsible for funding our public schools."

A Sanford Pastor Reflects On Leadership, Loss & Resilience

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:05:00 +0000

By Jheri Hardaway

Staff Writer

Sanford, N.C. - For Dr. Shawn E. Williams, the vision behind MINA Charter School of Lee County was never just about education—it was personal. The school was founded in honor of his mother, who passed away in 2016. “MINA” was the name she was affectionately called, and it became the inspiration behind the school’s meaning: More Is Now Achievable.

“What we built was rooted in purpose,” Williams shared. “It took years of work—securing land, funding, building a facility, and assembling a team committed to students and families.”

Serving initially as Chairman of the Board, Williams helped guide the school through its early development. In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, after an unexpected leadership vacancy and an extensive search process, the board asked him to step into the role of Lead Administrator.

“After much prayer and counsel, I made the decision to step away from my previous employment and take on that responsibility.”

From 2020 through May 2023, Williams led the school during one of the most challenging periods in modern education. Under his leadership, the school maintained strong enrollment, secured grant funding, and positioned itself for continued growth. Following a change in board leadership, however, Williams’ tenure came to an end in a transition he described as unexpected. The departure led to a civil dispute, which was ultimately resolved through mediation and dismissed with prejudice. During that same period, criminal charges related to his prior employment were brought against him. Williams voluntarily presented himself to law enforcement and was arrested. A $600,000 secured bond was imposed, resulting in ten days of incarceration before he was able to secure his release. “That experience was one of the most difficult seasons of my life,” he said.

The charges were ultimately dismissed in March 2026, with the District Attorney citing insufficient admissible evidence and lack of cooperation from the complaining party.

While the legal matter has concluded, Williams says the impact extended far beyond the courtroom. “In theory, we say a person is innocent until proven guilty,” he said. “But in practice, once you are charged, people begin to treat you as if you are already guilty.”

He described how the charges affected his ability to work, his standing in the community, and even his access to certain privileges. “When doors begin to close, it creates pressure in every area of life,” he expressed. “If a person cannot work, they cannot provide. That reality contributes to a cycle many people struggle to escape.”

Williams said that although he had additional sources of income, the financial strain became overwhelming over time, ultimately leading him to file for bankruptcy. He also reflected on the broader questions raised by his experience with the bond process. “My understanding is that bond is intended to ensure a person returns to court, in my case, I voluntarily presented myself, yet I was given a $600,000 secured bond.”

Williams shared that his experience, particularly the bond determination, led him to reflect on how similar legal circumstances can result in very different outcomes. “When you go through something like this, you become more aware of how much discretion exists in the system and how profoundly those decisions can shape a person’s life. These are the kinds of things that make you reflect,” he said. “Not just about what happened to me, but about how the system operates more broadly.”

Williams also reflected on how his experience connects to broader conversations within Black and faith-based communities. “As a Black man and a pastor, I am very aware of how quickly circumstances can change, there is an added weight that comes with knowing how easily your life, your work, and your reputation can be disrupted. For many people on the margins, stability can be fragile, and when pressure comes, it doesn’t just affect one person—it affects families, churches, and entire communities.” During the ordeal, Williams faced significant emotional and mental strain. “There were moments when the weight of everything became overwhelming, but my faith in God, the support of my family, and the strength of my church family carried me through.”

Dr. Williams also expressed deep gratitude for those who stood beside him during one of the most difficult periods of his life,“There were a few people—both within the church and outside of it—who stood with me every step of the way, from fellow clergy to close friends, their support meant more than words can express.” While the circle was small, Williams said their presence was significant. “You learn a lot about relationships in difficult seasons, and I am thankful for those who chose to stand.” Despite the challenges, he remains committed to his calling, “The faithful remained, and we are still standing,” he said. “This experience did not define me—it refined me.”

Today, Williams continues his work as a pastor and community leader, focused on moving forward while reflecting on the lessons of the journey. “There is still purpose ahead,” he said. “And I believe that even in difficult seasons, God is still at work.”

Paige Defied Age And Segregation In Baseball

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 14 Apr 2026 12:46:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Born Leroy Paige on July 7, 1906, in Mobile, baseball legend Satchel Paige rose from difficult beginnings to become one of the most iconic figures in the sport’s history. His family altered the spelling of their last name to distance themselves from his father, and he earned the nickname “Satchel” as a child while working as a porter at a train station, where he devised a way to carry multiple bags at once. After a troubled youth that included time at a reform school, Paige discovered baseball—a turning point that would shape the rest of his life.

Paige turned professional in the late 1920s, launching a long and unconventional career in the Negro Leagues. For more than two decades, he pitched for teams across the United States and internationally, becoming known for his blazing fastball, pinpoint control, and unmistakable showmanship. His personality matched his talent; Paige often entertained crowds by calling his outfielders in before striking out opposing batters. His tenure with the Kansas City Monarchs in the late 1930s and early 1940s solidified his reputation, as he led the team to multiple league pennants and starred alongside players like Josh Gibson.

Despite his dominance, Paige’s prime unfolded during an era of racial segregation that barred Black players from Major League Baseball. By the time integration began, he was already in his 40s. In 1948, owner Bill Veeck signed him to the Cleveland Guardians, making Paige one of the oldest rookies in league history. He quickly proved he still belonged, finishing the season with a 6–1 record and helping Cleveland capture a World Series title. He later earned All-Star selections in 1952 and 1953, further underscoring his enduring skill.

Over the course of his career, Paige overcame arm injuries and adapted his pitching style as he aged, relying more on control and strategy while remaining highly effective. His longevity and charisma made him a cultural icon, and his name became widely recognized across the country, even among those who had never seen him pitch.

On September 25, 1965, Paige added a remarkable final chapter to his career. Taking the mound for the Kansas City Athletics against the Boston Red Sox, the 59-year-old delivered three scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. The appearance made him the oldest player ever to appear in a Major League Baseball game. Before the game, he famously sat in a rocking chair in the bullpen while a nurse tended to his arm, but once play began, he commanded the field with the same poise and precision that had defined his career.

In 1971, Paige became the first player inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame specifically for his Negro Leagues accomplishments. He died in 1982, leaving behind a legacy as one of baseball’s greatest pitchers. While many details of his career—such as his total number of wins—remain uncertain, his impact on the game and his place in its history are beyond dispute.

N.C. Faces Cannabis “Policy Gap,” New State Report Finds

Jordan Meadows — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:35:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A state advisory council convened by Governor Josh Stein is warning that North Carolina’s rapidly expanding market for hemp-derived THC products is operating in a regulatory vacuum, describing the current system as a “wild west” that poses risks to consumers and calling on lawmakers to establish a comprehensive legal framework.

In a newly released interim report on Friday, the North Carolina Advisory Council on Cannabis found that intoxicating cannabis products, including gummies, drinks, and other edibles derived from hemp, are being sold across the state without consistent standards for testing, labeling, potency, or age restrictions. Because state law does not currently impose age limits on these products, the council noted that minors can legally purchase them.

“Intoxicating hemp-derived cannabinoid products…are being sold in an environment without any uniform standards for manufacturing, testing, labeling, packaging, or age verification,” the report states, adding that the absence of oversight has created a landscape with “significant and widespread concerns regarding consumer safety, youth access, and public health.”

The 27-member council, comprising public health officials, law enforcement, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders, was established in June 2025 at the direction of Stein to recommend policies that would “create a safe, legal market for adults that protects kids.” After meeting for months and reviewing approaches in other states, the group concluded that North Carolina’s current system leaves a “dangerous policy gap,” with no meaningful enforcement authority or regulatory guardrails governing a market estimated at roughly $3.2 billion in annual sales.

Council co-chairs Dr. Lawrence Greenblatt, the state’s health director and chief medical officer, and Robeson County District Attorney Matthew Scott, are recommending that lawmakers move toward a regulated adult-use cannabis framework that includes protections for medical users. A central component of that recommendation is regulating cannabis products based on total THC content, regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or marijuana.

“It provides a way for the state to oversee and regulate the existing but unregulated market in North Carolina,” the report explains.

The council’s findings come as North Carolina remains one of a shrinking number of states without a legal medical cannabis program, despite strong public support for legalization. Previous legislative efforts to regulate hemp-derived THC products or establish a broader cannabis framework have stalled due to disagreements within the Republican-controlled General Assembly.

“Last year, I charged this group with developing a comprehensive solution to the unregulated sale of cannabis that is grounded in public health and public safety, with a special focus on keeping young people safe,” Stein said. “Let’s get this right.”

The policy debate is unfolding alongside shifting federal rules. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp production nationwide, enabling the rise of hemp-derived THC products, while more recent federal actions have sought to limit THC concentrations and revisit regulatory gaps. A recent executive order from Donald Trump has also signaled a potential easing of restrictions on marijuana research and broader reconsideration of federal cannabis policy.

Lawmakers are expected to take up cannabis-related proposals when the General Assembly reconvenes later in April, including bills addressing medical marijuana, adult-use legalization, and research programs.

The advisory council will continue its work in the coming months, with a final report due in December 2026.

Rocky Mount Mayor Pro-Tem Andre Knight

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 16:04:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A state audit has found that years of mismanagement, weak oversight, and aggressive spending pushed the City of Rocky Mount to the brink of financial collapse, with officials warning that the city’s fiscal trajectory had become “unsustainable” before recent corrective actions were taken.

In a performance audit completed March 9, the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor detailed what it described as “serious financial failures,” including a staggering 78% drop in the city’s cash and investment balances—from roughly $100 million in August 2023 to just $21.8 million by August 2025.

State Auditor Dave Boliek said the findings point to systemic issues in leadership and decision-making:

“OSA’s audit of Rocky Mount has uncovered serious financial failures,” Boliek said. “From the lack of due diligence in hiring the former City Manager, to cycling through five Finance Department directors, it’s clear that Rocky Mount has not been serious about resolving its financial issues.”

The audit was launched after complaints from residents and public concerns raised during City Council meetings. According to Boliek, his office received more inquiries about Rocky Mount than any other government entity since he took office in 2025.

At the center of the report is the hiring of former City Manager Keith Rogers Jr., who auditors say was brought on in March 2023. The audit found no evidence that the City Council conducted independent reference checks before unanimously approving his appointment. Rogers had previously overseen a budget overspend in Dumfries, Virginia.

Auditors concluded that under Rogers’ tenure, city spending surged dramatically while revenues declined. Between fiscal years 2023 and 2025, employee compensation increased by 27%, including a 47% jump in police salaries and a 22% increase for firefighters. At the same time, capital spending ballooned, with a 153% increase in fiscal year 2024 alone. Major expenditures included $17.2 million for land tied to a proposed casino and entertainment complex that has yet to materialize, $11.2 million for the redevelopment of a fire station that far exceeded initial estimates, and millions more for fleet leasing and the purchase of heavy equipment.

The audit found that many of these expenditures were made without adequate financial analysis and, in some cases, without proper City Council approval. Investigators cited evidence that Rogers attempted to bypass council oversight by structuring contracts to fall below approval thresholds. In a separate investigative report, auditors also found that Rogers authorized a $795,500 consulting contract without a formal request for proposals or council involvement; more than $385,000 had already been paid before the contract was terminated.

Auditors found that council members approved budgets without sufficient financial data, missed statutory audit deadlines, and did not hold city management accountable for a lack of transparency. Meanwhile, the city’s finance department experienced significant instability, cycling through five directors in recent years, some of whom lacked local government finance experience. At one point, the city failed to reconcile its checking account for 13 months.

Warnings from the state’s Local Government Commission had gone unheeded: the commission repeatedly designated Rocky Mount a “municipality in financial distress” for three consecutive years.

In response to the crisis, city leaders have taken a series of corrective steps, including cutting positions, scaling back spending, and raising revenues. The city eliminated dozens of full-time jobs—roughly 10% of its workforce—reduced part-time staffing, and implemented utility rate increases of about 15% across services such as electricity, water, and trash collection. For residents, that has translated into higher monthly costs.

“This mess is unfortunately costing local residents,” Boliek said, noting widespread public concern.

At the same time, state leaders have sharply criticized the city’s governance. State Treasurer Brad Briner called the situation “nothing short of financial malpractice,” while Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, speaking as a member of the Local Government Commission, said, “I find the culture to be unworthy of the citizens of Rocky Mount.”

Mayor Sandy Roberson acknowledged the severity of the situation, telling state officials, “We have certainly gotten the memo. We certainly understand the seriousness of this.”

Newly appointed City Manager Elton Daniels and Finance Director Cheryl Spivey have emphasized a shift toward more disciplined financial practices, including conservative revenue projections and outside expertise from state and municipal partners.

The Local Government Commission has stopped short of taking over the city’s finances but has imposed heightened oversight, requiring twice-monthly financial reports. A full state takeover remains a possibility if conditions do not improve—an outcome that would make Rocky Mount the largest municipality in North Carolina history to lose control of its finances.

Alpha South Regional HBCU College Fair in Raleigh

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 13:15:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

The 2026 Alpha South Regional Convention and FOCUS HBCU College Fair brought more than 1,500 students to the Raleigh Convention Center last Thursday. Running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the annual event connected students from across North Carolina with representatives from historically Black colleges and universities throughout the Southeast region of the U.S., offering information on admissions, scholarships, academic programs, and extracurricular opportunities.

In addition to traditional college outreach, the fair featured resources for ACT and SAT preparation, military recruitment, and exposure to programs in band, cheer, arts, and choir. Organizers and partners, including the College Foundation of North Carolina, described the event as one of the largest of its kind in the state, with educators, college presidents, deans, and recruiters all in attendance to guide students through the transition to higher education.

The Raleigh event is part of a broader, growing effort to expand access to HBCUs at a time when such initiatives face increased scrutiny nationwide. The Alpha Phi Alpha-led fair builds on a longstanding mission to connect Black students and other underrepresented groups with institutions that have historically played a critical role in American higher education.

For colleges like Alabama State University, the Raleigh fair represents a key recruiting opportunity in a region where many students may not be familiar with out-of-state HBCUs.

Gregory Clark, the V.P. for Institutional Advancement and President of FAMU's National Alumni Association, said the event has proven to be an effective way to introduce North Carolina students to the school’s academic offerings and campus culture.

“A lot of students here haven’t heard much about Alabama State before they attend this fair,” Clark said. “But once we start talking about our business programs, internships, and the overall experience, you can see that interest build.”

Clark noted that the connections made at previous fairs have already led to increased enrollment.

“Last year, we met several students right here in Raleigh who are now freshmen at Alabama State,” he said. “A couple of them are thriving in the marching band, fully involved on campus, and doing exactly what we hoped they would—finding their place and succeeding.”

The fair also incorporated interactive elements designed to engage students and test their knowledge of HBCU history and culture. Trivia questions—such as how many HBCUs are located in North Carolina or where Martin Luther King Jr. attended college—were used to spark conversation and encourage deeper exploration of historically Black institutions.

The event follows a similar HBCU-focused initiative held earlier in March in Charlotte, where the National Coalition of 100 Black Women hosted a free college fair at First Baptist Church West. That gathering brought together students and families from across the region to explore post-secondary options, including four-year universities and trade schools, while also connecting them with local college and career planning organizations.

The growing network of outreach efforts aimed at strengthening the pipeline between North Carolina students and HBCUs across the country extends far beyond a single day. For students, it offers a chance to envision new possibilities; for colleges, it provides a direct line to prospective applicants; and for communities, it reinforces the enduring importance of HBCUs as engines of opportunity and advancement.

SE Raleigh Community Voices Concerns Over Lack Of Park Input

Jordan Meadows — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:13:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Southeast Raleigh residents are calling out city officials over a series of long-planned parks bond projects that community members say are drifting away from their original vision.

At the center of the dispute are several initiatives tied to the South Park neighborhood, including the John P. “Top” Greene African American Cultural Center, the South Park Heritage Trail, Heritage Plaza, and Phase II of the John Chavis Memorial Park master plan. Residents who have worked on these projects for decades say a lack of transparency and limited public input now threaten both the projects’ integrity and their cultural significance.

“This was supposed to be the heart of the project,” one resident of Southeast

Raleigh said of Heritage Plaza. “It was meant to represent the endurance of those who’ve historically lived there, to remind people and give them an experience of what life was like earlier in this community.”

The conflict traces back to a 2007 neighborhood-led planning effort known as the South Park Heritage Walk Revitalization Strategy. Developed through the South Park-East Raleigh Neighborhood Association (SPERNA) and the Central Citizens Advisory Council, the plan aimed to preserve and highlight the history of the East Raleigh-South Park National Historic District—an area anchored by Shaw University and St. Augustine’s University.

By that time, the district had already been recognized as one of the most prominent historically Black residential areas in Raleigh, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Residents say the revitalization strategy was comprehensive, involving local artists, architects, engineers, and institutions such as North Carolina State University College of Design. The goal was cultural preservation—telling the stories of people and places that shaped the community.

“We were focusing on the stories of Southeast Raleigh,” one resident said. “It’s too big to be general—there needs to be a focus on this area.”

The South Park Archives initiative, first proposed in the late 1990s, was built and maintained by volunteers for years inside the cultural center. Programming and staffing were minimal, according to residents.

Despite those challenges, residents eventually helped secure millions in parks bond funding approved in 2022. Approximately $9 million was allocated for renovations and expansion of the Top Greene Cultural Center, with an additional $3 million designated for the South Park Heritage Trail.

Now, residents argue that the implementation phase has sidelined their input.

“The staff decided how the money would be spent to implement these projects without any community input,” one resident said. “We did all the work—designing the programs, building support, getting public buy-in—yet we’ve never had an opportunity to talk directly with city staff about how the money would actually be used.”

A key frustration is the structure of communication. Concerns must be routed through city staff before reaching administrators or elected officials, creating what some describe as a disconnect between the community and decision-makers.

According to residents, plans now include converting the Top Greene Cultural Center building’s primary meeting space into a recording studio—something they say was never requested or discussed publicly. They argue this would significantly reduce the room’s capacity and eliminate its use for exhibitions and community gatherings.

Other concerns include the removal of a kitchen stove, changes to exhibition space plans, and the elimination of a proposed memorial garden designed to educate visitors about the neighborhood’s history. Residents also worry these changes could undermine the facility’s financial sustainability by reducing its ability to host events and generate rental income.

Beyond any single project, residents say the issue reflects a broader pattern of stalled or incomplete initiatives. Some projects tied to the revitalization strategy have yet to begin, while others remain unfinished.

They also note that turnover on the City Council has created an additional challenge.

“Most of the current council members weren’t here when this started,” one resident said. “They’re not even aware that we’ve already done most of the planning work. We began this with NC State back in 2007 and completed the initial documentation by 2010.”

Some residents have begun reaching out directly to elected officials, including Jonathan Lambert-Melton, in an effort to pause current plans and reopen the process for public input.

“I actually facilitated a meeting with the City Manager, our staff working on the project, and [residents] for next week.” Council Member Melton said via email on Tuesday morning.

As the city moves forward with implementing its parks bond projects, the dispute highlights an ongoing tension between long-term community planning efforts and the realities of municipal decision-making.

ICE Eyes Multiple NC Site For Migrant Detention Centers

Jordan Meadows — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:45:00 +0000

The current Rivers Correctional Institute in Winton, NC is closed but is actively maintained, according to its owner The GEO Group. (Aaron Sanchez-Guerra / WUNC News)

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A growing national debate over immigration detention has found a focal point in eastern North Carolina, where federal officials and private prison operators are exploring new sites for expanded Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.

The long-shuttered Rivers Correctional Institution in Hertford County, a 257-acre private prison complex, could soon be repurposed into a detention center for immigrants awaiting deportation. The facility, owned by The GEO Group, closed in 2021 after the Biden administration ended federal contracts with private prisons, citing dangerous conditions that included violence, contraband, and reports of inmate sexual abuse.

Newly released documents obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union through a Freedom of Information Act request indicate that the company is in negotiations with ICE to reopen the site as a roughly 1,300-bed detention center, part of a broader federal effort to expand immigration detention capacity nationwide.

That expansion effort is backed by significant federal investment, including $45 billion approved by Congress last year to scale up detention infrastructure. As a result, North Carolina has emerged as a key target, with multiple cities and rural communities under consideration for new or expanded ICE operations.

In Hertford County, the proposal has drawn both support and opposition. The closure of Rivers in 2021 resulted in approximately 300 job losses in a region grappling with population decline, and some local officials and residents have expressed interest in reopening the facility to restore employment opportunities.

Those concerns have sparked an unusual wave of public protest in the small town of Ahoskie. Dozens of residents recently gathered at the intersection of First and Academy Streets. The protest, organized in part by local advocacy groups such as The Cultivator, reflects a broader grassroots campaign aimed at preventing the facility’s reopening. Nearby residents, including those from Murfreesboro, have voiced similar objections.

The history of the Rivers facility adds another layer of complexity to the debate. Built on land that was once a cotton plantation belonging to the Meherrin Indian Tribe, the site still contains antebellum-era graves of the Vann family, a legacy that researchers say symbolically ties past systems of exploitation to present-day incarceration practices. The prison previously operated as a Criminal Alien Requirement facility, housing noncitizens serving federal sentences, and its potential transformation into an ICE detention center would mark a continuation of that role under a different legal framework.

In Greensboro, ACLU documents identified the city as a potential site for another detention center. The proposal, submitted by the private firm The Baptiste Group, would convert the former American Hebrew Academy, a 100-acre boarding school campus, into a large-scale detention facility.

In response, city leaders amended zoning regulations to impose stricter requirements on detention facilities, including a mandate that such sites be located at least 2,500 feet away from neighborhoods, hospitals, schools, and parks.

In the rapidly growing town of Cary, the debate has centered less on detention facilities and more on ICE’s potential administrative expansion. Reports that the federal government had leased office space in the area triggered widespread public concern and protests. Mayor Harold Weinbrecht has stated that the town lacks legal authority to prevent such expansion and has cautioned against drawing attention that could invite further federal involvement.

Similar uncertainty surrounds reported plans for a new ICE office in Charlotte, where lease agreements through the U.S. General Services Administration suggest a growing federal presence.

Elsewhere in the state, ICE is reportedly considering additional detention capacity, including a warehouse in Concord, outside Charlotte, that could hold up to 1,500 detainees. The Alamance County Detention Center previously housed ICE detainees until Sheriff Terry Johnson ended the agreement in late 2025, though negotiations are underway to potentially resume cooperation at a nearby former state prison. The New Hanover County Detention Center continues to hold detainees through an arrangement with the U.S. Marshals Service, illustrating the patchwork nature of detention operations across North Carolina.

Beyond dedicated facilities, ICE maintains a network of field offices in Charlotte, Cary, and Hendersonville, each equipped with temporary “hold rooms” that have housed detainees in recent years. Data from the Deportation Data Project shows that these short-term detention spaces were actively used throughout much of 2025.

Additionally, more than 25 local law enforcement agencies in North Carolina have entered into 287(g) agreements with ICE, allowing officers to enforce federal immigration laws and, in some cases, detain individuals on behalf of the agency. These partnerships were further reinforced by the passage of House Bill 318 in 2025, which mandates increased cooperation between local sheriffs and federal immigration authorities.

Textbooks vs. Technology: State Leaders Grapple With N.C.’s Lack Of Teachers

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 12:28:00 +0000

Screenshot

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Lawmakers on the North Carolina Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee spent Tuesday morning grappling with how best to measure student success, modernize curriculum, and address challenges in the state’s teacher pipeline, with members raising pointed questions about both instructional methods and long-term outcomes.

A recurring theme throughout the meeting was how students are being taught, particularly in early grades.

Rep. David Mills of Union County suggested the state may need to revisit more traditional approaches to instruction.

“We should take a look at going back to textbooks in k-5. I think we have too much choice and flexibility in content…what the concrete vetting of what thinking behind these things are,” Mills said.

But others pushed back on the idea that traditional tools alone reflect how students learn today.

Sen. Gladys A. Robinson of Guilford County questioned whether current reforms align with modern learning styles and national trends.

“Kids aren’t using textbooks. They’re using models and machines, that’s how they learn. I know my grandchildren use all the technology, and that’s how they’re learning. What is the national trend… you’re comparing the recent math proficiency scores with—relative to what?” Robinson said.

Sen. Robinson also raised concerns about implementation, asking, “Where will teachers get the preparation necessary to learn the new curriculum and skills being implemented in the math courses?”

State education officials said districts will have time to adjust, pointing to face-to-face and hybrid options over two full years to allow school systems to develop plans and train teachers on what they described as a “crosswalk,” a tool designed to help educators understand where and how standards are changing across grade levels.

Officials from the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction acknowledged that while test scores show some improvement, there is still significant room for growth.

“In mathematics, NC is essentially within the pack of the states—slightly above in 8th grade math. In all aspects, we have potential to grow,” said State Superintendent Mo Green.

Still, lawmakers questioned how those gains are being measured.

Rep. Hugh Blackwell of Burke County raised concerns about relying on year-to-year comparisons of different student groups, noting that broader trends may tell a different story about readiness over time. He pointed to the need to examine outcomes across entire cohorts of students, suggesting that current data reveals declining college readiness the longer students “remain in the system”.

Blackwell also pressed officials on expectations for student achievement in reading.

“Should we expect two thirds of students to be proficient in reading?” he asked. Education officials acknowledged that scores could be improved but did not offer definitive answers during the meeting.

In addition to curriculum and performance, lawmakers also heard a proposal aimed at addressing the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. The organization BEST NC presented its TeachReadyNC plan, which would create up to 3,000 teacher apprenticeships across the state. The initiative is designed to provide structured, paid, on-the-job training for college graduates entering the profession, rather than placing them directly into classrooms under emergency or alternative licenses.

“This could be up to 3,000 teacher apprenticeships for the state of North Carolina, converting people who normally would come in under emergency license without any teacher preparation, instead entering through an apprenticeship of at least one year where they’re learning how to become a teacher for a year before jumping into that deep end of the pool,” said Brenda Berg of BEST NC.

The proposal comes as North Carolina continues to rely heavily on alternatively licensed teachers.

The meeting highlighted a central tension facing state education leaders: how to balance evolving classroom practices with measurable outcomes, while ensuring teachers are adequately prepared to meet changing demands.

Knight Brings History to Life in Exhibit

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 15:04:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Artist Derwin Knight’s work took center stage last Thursday at the Durham Main County Library, where visitors gathered for a showcase with his distinctive paintings and storytelling.

Born in Long Island, New York, Knight studied at the State University College of New York at Old Westbury before graduating from North Carolina Central University. He joined the military in 1986, and it was during his time stationed in California that he first developed an interest in art, particularly glass painting.

After moving to High Point in 1996, Knight began refining his craft with the help of his sister, Janis Allen.

His work is known for its striking three-dimensional quality, layering imagery in a way that brings scenes vividly to life. Many of his pieces explore themes of religion and African American history, offering both visual depth and cultural reflection.

Knight’s art has been widely recognized and exhibited across North Carolina and beyond. His work has appeared at institutions including the North Carolina Museum of History bookstore, the African American Atelier, North Carolina Central University, the Hayti Heritage Center, Bennett College, Duke University, the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina A&T, and the Congressional Black Caucus in Raleigh.

The Durham showcase offered attendees a chance to experience Knight’s work up close, where the layered glass technique and powerful subject matter created an immersive artistic experience.

Affordable Housing Loopholes Pushing Wake County Tax Hike on Residents

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 16:37:00 +0000

The NC Court of Appeals ruled in 2013 that Cane Creek Village was entitled to a property tax exemption. (Photo: NC General Assembly Legislative Analysis)

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A growing set of tax incentives meant to encourage development and expand affordable housing in Wake County is now raising alarms among local officials, who say a surge in property tax exemptions could jeopardize funding for schools, public safety, and other essential services.

During a Monday morning meeting of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, Deputy Housing Director Mark Pearlman outlined the complex landscape of housing incentives available to developers, while Tax Administrator Marcus Kinrade warned that one increasingly common strategy is rapidly eroding the county’s tax base.

At the center of the concern is what officials and housing advocates call a “rent-a-nonprofit” structure. Under a 2013 ruling stemming from a North Carolina Court of Appeals case, for-profit developers can qualify for property tax exemptions by transferring a small ownership stake—sometimes as little as 0.1%—to a nonprofit partner, provided the property offers units at or below 80% of the area median income.

Kinrade told commissioners the impact has been significant.

“This is a huge leak in your tax base, and the City of Raleigh’s also,” he said. “Most of these things are occurring in the city, so it’s affecting them even worse than it’s affecting the county.”

The number of exempt properties has nearly doubled in recent years, rising from 66 in 2020 to 136 in 2025. Those exemptions now account for a projected $776 million reduction in taxable property value—equivalent to about $4 million in lost annual revenue. This year alone, the county received roughly 170 applications covering $1.2 billion in property value, which could result in an additional $6.2 million loss.

“If this issue continues to grow,” Kinrade warned, “it could encompass 94 percent of all the multi-family units in Wake County,” potentially removing an estimated $27 billion in value from the tax base and costing as much as $140 million in revenue.

Lower tax revenues mean less funding for public schools, libraries, emergency services, and infrastructure—costs that may ultimately shift to homeowners.

As Janet Cowell put it, “We’d either have to cut services or raise taxes on single-family or townhome-owning residents… or not hire those police, build those fire stations.” She continued, “It’s scary because you can see a train coming down the railroad track at you… That is the General Assembly.”

State lawmakers like Representative Erin Paré of Southern Wake pledged to work toward closing the loophole, while Phil Berger has convened a committee to examine broader property tax concerns. Local officials are also urging reforms that would tighten definitions of affordable housing and require annual reporting to ensure tenants meet income eligibility requirements.

The loophole exists alongside a broader suite of incentives designed to spur housing development. These include Builders Exclusion tax breaks, which allow developers to defer taxes on new residential construction for up to three years and commercial projects for up to five. Developers can also tap into federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), Opportunity Zone capital gains incentives, and Brownfields agreements that reduce taxes on redeveloped contaminated sites.

In Raleigh, additional tools such as expedited permitting for subsidized affordable housing and tax increment-style reimbursement programs aim to accelerate development in 2021. City leaders argue these programs are necessary to attract investment and address housing shortages, though critics say they can subsidize projects that would have been built anyway while accelerating gentrification.

Meanwhile, Wake County is also investing in affordable housing through financing mechanisms like the Wake County Opportunity Impact Fund, which partners with Raleigh-based CAHEC Capital. Since 2015, the organization has issued more than $104 million in short-term loans supporting over 60 affordable housing developments, and has helped finance more than 890 communities nationwide since 1992.

Still, even as officials emphasize the need for more affordable housing, the fiscal pressures are mounting. Wake County’s $2.1 billion budget for fiscal year 2026 already includes a property tax increase, following a period in which property values rose by 51% between 2020 and 2024. Commissioners have also had to make tradeoffs, including reducing seed funding for a housing acquisition fund and scaling back planned EMS staffing increases to redirect resources toward schools.

As North Carolina continues without a full state budget, Governor Josh Stein has called on lawmakers to pass a $1.4 billion “critical needs” spending package to support essential services. At the same time, a national housing bill under discussion in Congress—ROAD to Housing Act—could reshape how large developers build rental housing altogether.

“We’re not against affordable housing,” Kinrade said. “But we want it to be in the classic form… not this rent-a-nonprofit structure we think is just taking advantage of taxpayers.”

How Eastern NC Became A Refuge For Runaway Slaves

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 13:14:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

The Civil War dramatically reshaped the lives of enslaved people in eastern North Carolina, particularly after Union forces captured key coastal towns in 1862. Before the war, the conditions faced by enslaved African Americans in the region were harsh and restrictive.

Union forces launched a campaign to seize the North Carolina coast, with the reluctant approval of President Lincoln, in early 1862. The expedition began in the Outer Banks and moved inland, capturing several key locations, including Roanoke Island, New Bern, Washington, Beaufort, and Morehead City.

The fall of New Bern in particular became a defining moment for enslaved people across eastern North Carolina. News of the Confederate defeat spread quickly through nearby plantations and rural communities, signaling that Union forces now controlled a major stronghold in the region.

As they arrived at Union camps, their legal status was uncertain because under U.S. law, they were still technically considered property. Union commanders initially struggled with how to handle the influx of refugees until they declared escaped enslaved people “contraband of war,” arguing that their labor supported the Confederate war effort and could therefore be seized by the Union army.

The policy allowed Union forces to keep them within military lines and prevented their return to enslavers. By 1862, reports estimated that roughly 10,000 freedpeople had gathered in New Bern and other Union-controlled areas across eastern North Carolina.

These newly freed men and women quickly became active participants in the Union war effort. Across the camps, they helped construct fortifications, cooked for soldiers, cared for the sick, and assisted with the daily operations of military bases. Black men were not initially permitted to serve as soldiers, but many contributed as scouts and spies. Their deep knowledge of the region’s rivers, swamps, and coastal terrain proved invaluable to Union commanders unfamiliar with the landscape.

Freedpeople also began building communities around the Union camps. In and around New Bern, they constructed homes, opened small trade shops, and cultivated garden plots to help feed their families during the war. Education quickly became a priority as well.

In 1862, educator Vincent Colyer established the first formal school for formerly enslaved people in New Bern. Yet African Americans themselves had already begun teaching one another before outside missionaries arrived. Black teachers such as Martha Culling organized schools in contraband camps.

While the Union presence created new opportunities for freedom, the war continued to bring violence and uncertainty. In April 1864, Confederate forces captured Plymouth, North Carolina, and reports soon emerged of a massacre of Black residents and Union supporters following the town’s surrender. Although the exact number of victims remains unknown, the attack sent hundreds of freedpeople fleeing toward the safety of Union-controlled New Bern.

Throughout the war, several refugee communities formed across the North Carolina coast as enslaved people escaped to Union territory. One of the earliest was Hotel De’Afrique near Hatteras Inlet, where enslaved people from the Outer Banks settled in abandoned military barracks after Union forces captured the area in 1861. Similar contraband camps emerged in Washington, Beaufort, and Morehead City as the Union tightened its hold on the coast. By January 1864, nearly 2,500 freedpeople were living in the camp at Beaufort alone.

Out of this network of wartime settlements emerged one of the most enduring communities of freedmen in the state. After the fall of Plymouth, a settlement formed along the Trent River just across from New Bern. Known at the time as the Trent River Settlement, the community grew as freedpeople built homes, churches, and businesses. Over time, it became known as James City.

Wake Co. Board Discusses Progress & The Challenges With Homelessness

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Members of the Wake County Board of Commissioners’ Affordable Housing Committee met Monday morning to review programs aimed at expanding affordable housing and addressing homelessness, including new funding initiatives, partnerships and ongoing planning efforts as the county continues to face rising housing costs and a growing population.

The meeting focused on the work of the Wake County Continuum of Care (CoC), a collaborative network that coordinates housing and services for people experiencing homelessness. It works with county departments, municipalities, and nonprofit partners to connect residents with housing and support services.

Commissioners also shared positive updates about individuals who have been able to move from homelessness into short- or long-term housing through county programs.

A major initiative discussed during the meeting was the Wake County Housing Opportunity Fund, supported by a new $10 million investment. The fund is a 2026 initiative designed to finance affordable housing development, including site acquisition and gap financing for low-income residents. Officials said the program works alongside the county’s Bridge to Home program, which uses $10.5 million to provide services such as housing navigation, financial assistance, and case management.

Bridge to Home is specifically targeted at people experiencing homelessness and offers services such as rental assistance, case management, and connections to healthcare resources.

County officials said emergency services for people without housing are coordinated through the Wake County Continuum of Care, which works with shelters and street outreach teams across the region. Residents who are at risk of losing housing are encouraged to contact Wake Prevent, a program focused on early intervention and prevention. For individuals already experiencing homelessness, officials recommend connecting with Oak City Cares or other partner organizations. Many of the county’s nonprofit partners like Triangle Family Services, are trained to conduct initial assessments and help people access services through the CoC system.

County leaders said they are also working toward a simpler system for people seeking help. Officials discussed plans to develop a single online platform where residents could easily find information about available programs and services.

Commissioner Vickie Adamson said having too many disconnected options can make it harder for people to get help and may lead to confusion or misinformation.

“If we can have one entry point, and let the community know, we’ll be able to help more people,” Adamson said.

Governance of the homeless response system is handled by the Wake County Continuum of Care Governing Board, the lead decision-making and policy-setting body focused on ending homelessness in Wake County. The board coordinates resources, sets strategic priorities, and oversees funding for local housing and service programs while emphasizing a trauma-informed and equitable approach to services.

Officials emphasized the importance of broad representation within the governance structure.

“It’s important to have municipalities represented (on the CoC governance board), but especially the municipalities that may not have housing departments so they can learn and grow, and have input,” said Commissioner Shinicia Thomas.

Commissioners also discussed the role that community organizations and faith groups can play in helping address homelessness.

“I know a lot of churches and religious organizations do a lot of work in our community. How can they get involved in helping their neighbors in this housing initiative for the unsheltered and homeless?” Commissioner Tara S. Waters asked during the meeting.

County officials said faith-based organizations can participate in the Continuum of Care as member organizations and help by volunteering, providing meals, and continuing their own outreach initiatives that connect people with services.

“Faith-based organizations certainly have a place at the table as CoC member organizations,” said Deputy County Manager Duane Holder, who oversees Wake County’s consolidated Health and Human Services agency.

Officials also reviewed the core operational systems that support the county’s homelessness response. These include the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which tracks data on housing services and outcomes and recently completed federal fiscal year 2025 reporting.

Despite those efforts, county data show that approximately 3,400 households are new or returning to homelessness each year. About 92 percent of individuals use shelters for an average of 38 days, and roughly 36 percent of those who exit the system return within six months. Officials estimated that about $24,000 per year is required to end homelessness for one household through housing and support services.

Officials said additional resources will be needed to meet the growing need through targeted investments. Planning for the new housing initiatives will continue over the coming months. County leaders outlined a timeline that included community outreach in February, public comment on a draft plan in March, with a final review and governance vote in April and continued program design and implementation through May of this year. Officials expect a formal launch and rehousing efforts to begin in July.

Earlier this week, Congresswoman Deborah Ross announced $850,000 in federal funding to renovate Second Street Place, a Wake County shelter serving people experiencing homelessness. The shelter, operated by The Bryant Center, will receive accessibility upgrades, showers, and other improvements as part of a broader $13 million package Ross secured for 15 projects across the county. The 98-bed facility connects guests with case management and services aimed at helping them move toward permanent housing.

“These funds help transform a building into something more important—a place of stability, a space that is safe and a place that provides opportunity,” said Vance Haywood, executive director of the Bryant Center.

Local leaders say the challenge is intensified by Wake County’s rapid population growth.

“Our county is at 1.2 million people. We’ve got six people moving in every day, and 25 kids being born every day. This isn’t just a city of Raleigh concern—we work with 11 other municipalities, and we appreciate Congresswoman Ross for helping bring this forward,” said Don Mial, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development data shows homelessness increasing in many communities across the country. Wake County has experienced a similar rise. The county’s most recent point-in-time count identified about 1,258 people experiencing homelessness, roughly 27 percent more than the previous year.

First Black Boy Scout Troops in America

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 15:45:00 +0000

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Long before the Boy Scouts of America became a nationwide institution, Black communities were already working to bring the ideals of scouting to their youth. In the early twentieth century, African American leaders and volunteers organized some of the first Black Boy Scout troops in the country, helping open opportunities for young people who were frequently excluded from mainstream civic organizations.

Historians say identifying the first Boy Scout troop in the United States is difficult because many early troops formed before the national organization was officially established in 1910. Determining the first Black troop is even more challenging. Outreach to African Americans, Native Americans, Latinos and other minority groups was limited in scouting’s earliest years, and records documenting those troops were often poorly preserved.

Still, one early unit frequently cited as among the first was founded in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, in 1911, just one year after the creation of the Boy Scouts of America.

The Elizabeth City troop encountered opposition almost immediately, but it continued meeting and became an important early example of African American participation in the movement. Similar efforts soon emerged in other communities. In 1916, the first council-sponsored Black troop in the South was organized in Louisville, Kentucky. Within a year, four officially recognized Black troops were operating in that city.

Despite these early developments, scouting opportunities for Black youth remained limited for many years. Because the national organization often allowed local councils to set their own policies, many communities refused to admit Black scouts or created separate troops with fewer resources. Some units allowed African American boys to participate but prohibited them from wearing official uniforms or imposed waiting periods before they could join.

Even outside the South, Black Boy Scouts sometimes faced hostility and violence. An account published in the newspaper The Denver Star in October 1913 described how a gang of white youths attacked a group of 75 Black scouts marching in their New York City neighborhood while accompanied by their own fife-and-drum corps. The scouts reportedly defended themselves until the attackers dispersed. In another incident reported by The Evening Star in 1924, men dressed in hoods and robes burned a cross to intimidate a Black troop camping near Philadelphia.

Despite those challenges, the number of Black troops gradually increased. A 1927 report in the Chicago newspaper estimated there were roughly 600 Black Boy Scout troops across the United States, though only 18 of them were located in the South. By 1926 there were at least 248 all-Black troops with nearly 5,000 scouts nationwide, and the number continued to grow in the following decades.

Some of that expansion came from efforts within the national organization to extend scouting to minority communities. Leaders such as Stanley Harris, a white scouting official who later directed the Boy Scouts’ Interracial Service program, worked to promote scouting among African American and Native American youth beginning in the 1920s. Community leaders and volunteers also played a crucial role. In Mansfield, Ohio, for example, black Sunday school teacher Thompson Jackson helped establish Troop No. 7 in 1925 after organizing a group of boys in his church class. Twenty scouts from the troop received their first badges during a ceremony that year.

While the Elizabeth City troop is often recognized as one of the earliest Black Boy Scout units, other troops have also claimed that distinction. An article in the March 1936 issue of Scouting magazine noted that Troop 55 of Brooklyn, New York, believed it was the first African American troop in the country.

As more troops formed, scouting leaders slowly expanded outreach to Black communities. Councils began hiring Black field executives, developing camps specifically for Black troops and encouraging participation in national events. At the 1937 National Jamboree, African American troops from across the country attended, and Black adult leaders participated in national training programs for the first time.

By the end of World War II, the movement had grown significantly. By 1945, more than 3,500 Black Boy Scout troops and nearly 800 Cub Scout packs were operating across the United States. Still, many troops remained segregated for decades. Integration within scouting councils occurred gradually, particularly in the South. In North Carolina, the Old Hickory Council—one of the last segregated Boy Scout councils—did not fully integrate its troops until 1974.

Historic Shepard House at NC Central Turns 100

Jordan Meadows — Mon, 16 Mar 2026 19:50:00 +0000

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

In 1925, a home rose on the corner of Fayetteville and Brant Streets in Durham, built for the founder of what would become one of the nation’s most important historically Black universities. One hundred years later, the Dr. James E. Shepard House at North Carolina Central University still stands.

The home was constructed for university founder and first president James E. Shepard and his family after the original president’s residence burned in 1923.

According to university archivist Andre Vann, the house itself was the result of a broad community effort.

“This home, which celebrates its centennial this year, came as a result of a gift and support from Dr. Shepard’s many friends,” Vann said. “Over the next two years they raised funds in both the Black community and white community to have this wonderful house built that stands today as an anchor of what we call Centennial Square.”

The residence, located at 1902 Fayetteville Street, is now the oldest house in the university’s property inventory and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The house contains more than 4,000 square feet and includes a main entryway, parlor, dining room, den, two sun porches, four upstairs bedrooms and a basement. Vann noted that the den was Shepard’s favorite room, while the home’s distinctive architecture includes many horizontal design lines inspired by plans associated with famed designer Frank Lloyd Wright.

Beyond its architectural features, the Shepard House played a central role in campus life during the early decades of the university.

“The James Shepard House was a very important and focal point for life here on this campus,” Vann said. “Not only as the home for Dr. Shepard but also for many guests who would come to speak in the B.N. Duke Auditorium.” Among the prominent figures hosted at the home were renowned intellectuals such as W. E. B. Du Bois and Benjamin E. Mays.

The home also served as a gathering place during an era defined by segregation in the South. Vann recalled a historic moment when Eleanor Roosevelt visited the campus and was entertained at the house by university leadership.

“While Jim Crow law was on the books, the university was able to offer opportunities for whites and Blacks to sit together and talk and communicate over food,” Vann said.

Shepard himself, in 1910, founded the National Religious Training School and Chautauqua for the Colored Race, the institution that eventually became North Carolina Central University—the first state-supported liberal arts college for Black students in the nation. An educator, pharmacist, businessman and civil servant, Shepard was also one of the first investors in North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company and helped incorporate Mechanics and Farmers Bank, both key institutions of Durham’s historic Black Wall Street.

The Shepard House remained a presidential residence for decades. After Shepard’s death in 1947, the State of North Carolina purchased the home in 1949, and it continued to house university presidents and chancellors until 1974. Leaders including presidents Alfonso Elder and Albert N. Whiting lived there during their tenures. In later years, the building nearly disappeared.

“This house had almost faced demolition on three different occasions,” Vann said. “Each and every time it was alums working with the leaders of the institution who talked about the importance and the need of preserving such a structure.”

Preservation eventually gained momentum under Chancellor Julius L. Chambers and later Chancellor James Ammons. The restoration effort culminated in a major renovation completed in 2004, funded in part by more than $340,000 from the National Park Service along with private donations and alumni support. The project also benefited from the work of renowned Durham architect Phil Freelon, who helped stabilize and preserve portions of the house, including a breakfast nook that had nearly collapsed.

Today, the Shepard House serves as a museum and cultural site featuring exhibits on Shepard’s life and the early history of the university. The interior has been recreated in a 1940s style based on photographs and interviews with Shepard’s descendants and community members. Furnishings include Tiffany-style lamps, period furniture and a player baby grand piano, giving visitors a glimpse of the home as it would have appeared during the height of Shepard’s leadership before his death in 1947.

The home now anchors the university’s Centennial Square, alongside Centennial Gardens and Centennial Chapel, which was dedicated during the school’s 2010 centennial celebration.

“This house serves as a very important anchor for the university, a look at our historical past but also a great opportunity to prospect going forward,” Vann said. “It allows people to feel the spirit of Dr. Shepard and understand the important function of a house like this to the history of North Carolina Central University.”

2nd Annual Raleigh Women’s Market

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 21:18:40 +0000

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

The Raleigh Women’s Market returned to downtown Raleigh this month, transforming Moore Square into a place for women-owned businesses, artists and performers from across the Triangle. Held last Sunday afternoon, the event coincided with International Women's Day and was part of the broader celebrations of Women's History Month.

The market featured a curated selection of women-owned and women-led small businesses. Visitors browsed handcrafted goods, artwork and other unique products created by female entrepreneurs while enjoying an atmosphere designed to celebrate women supporting women. In addition to shopping, the event included live performances by female musicians, giving the afternoon a soundtrack of local talent.

Food was also part of the draw, with women-owned food trucks serving a range of dishes to marketgoers throughout the day. Among them were Shawerma Bowl, a Jordanian Mediterranean food truck that serves chicken shawerma, lamb gyro and vegan falafel bowls. Other spots offered fresh halal shawarma and gyros, and Queen Quisines, and fried hotdogs, chicken sandwiches, chicken bites, wings, fries and loaded fries.

The 2nd Annual Raleigh Women’s Market was founded by Bethany Carpenter four years ago in Wilmington, North Carolina. Since moving to the capital city in 2024, it has quickly grown—reflecting the increasing demand for spaces that promote local creators while allowing them to connect directly with their communities.

Attendees also had the opportunity to learn about other programs taking place across the Triangle during Women’s History Month, linking the market to a broader network of events recognizing women’s achievements and contributions, such as the children’s event on rocket science at the Southeast Raleigh library and the 2nd Annual International Women’s Day Expo in Cary.

NC Medicaid Faces $319M Gap as Lawmakers Examine Costs

Jordan Meadows — Wed, 11 Mar 2026 01:16:09 +0000

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

State lawmakers on Tuesday afternoon pressed North Carolina Medicaid officials about rising costs, enrollment trends and funding gaps during a meeting of the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid at the North Carolina General Assembly.

The briefing from officials with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services came as lawmakers prepare to return to Raleigh next month to negotiate a long-delayed state budget and address a projected $319 million shortfall in the Medicaid program. The funding discussion also follows a call from Josh Stein for lawmakers to fast-track a $1.4 billion “critical needs” spending package to cover Medicaid costs and other state obligations.

Medicaid officials began the presentation by outlining the scale of the program, which covers more than three million residents across the state.

“One out of every four North Carolinians is enrolled in Medicaid,” said Melanie Bush, assistant secretary for North Carolina Medicaid. “Two out of every five children in North Carolina are covered through the program.”

Bush added that Medicaid also supports some of the state’s most vulnerable populations, including “three in ten people with disabilities in North Carolina and five in eight people living in nursing facilities.”

“There’s a lot of big numbers in this stack… so I want to talk about who is being impacted,” Bush told lawmakers.

Officials said enrollment surged during the early months of expansion but has now stabilized.

“Enrollment continues its planned normalization following the pandemic-era continuous coverage requirements,” Bush said. “Expansion enrollment has reached a stable plateau at around 700,000.”

Even as enrollment declines slightly, Medicaid spending continues to rise.

Rep. HEATHER RHYNE of Lincoln County asked officials why fewer enrollees still translated to higher costs: “Are they requiring costlier services—the ones still on Medicaid?” Rhyne asked.

Bush responded directly: “Yes.”

She explained that many individuals leaving Medicaid as pandemic coverage rules expired were healthier residents who no longer qualified, leaving a population with more complex needs.

“People who are older and disabled have more complex needs. They are the more expensive population,” Bush said. “Medical inflation in the U.S. is contributing to those costs.”

Families and children account for roughly 79 percent of Medicaid enrollment but represent only 46 percent of total spending. By contrast, older adults and people with disabilities make up about 21 percent of enrollment but drive 54 percent of Medicaid expenditures due to higher-acuity care needs.

Much of the discussion centered on the state’s annual Medicaid “rebase,” a budgeting process that adjusts funding levels based on changes in enrollment, health care usage and inflation. It primarily funds the per-person capitation rates paid to managed care plans that administer benefits.

Although total program costs are projected to decline in fiscal year 2026, state funding requirements are increasing because of changes to federal matching rates and higher utilization of care.

The Medicaid team told lawmakers that $319 million in additional state appropriations is needed to fully fund the program through the end of the current fiscal year. North Carolina has been operating without a new state budget since 2024, continuing under spending levels from the previous plan while negotiations stall over tax policy, raises for state workers and other priorities.

Earlier attempts by the state to manage the Medicaid funding gap included temporary provider rate cuts of 3 to 10 percent in October 2025. Courts later ordered those reductions reversed in December, leaving the underlying budget gap unresolved.

Sen. Jim Burgin of Harnett County asked officials what services were driving the largest increases in Medicaid spending.

“Three drivers of that rising cost is gene therapy, increase in eye services, [and] cost of prescription drugs,” Bush said.

Sen. DeAndrea Cunningham of Charlotte also questioned officials about potential task forces to evaluate Medicaid policy proposals and asked who would appoint members. Bush said similar task forces are used in other states and that the structure in North Carolina could involve either legislative or executive appointments.

Cunningham also raised questions about Medicaid eligibility rules for long-term care, specifically how long individuals must wait after transferring assets before qualifying for coverage. Bush explained that Medicaid enforces a “five-year look-back” period for financial assets.

“If they’re in your possession you may have to pay a penalty for it,” she said.

Medicaid officials outlined several strategies aimed at controlling costs while maintaining coverage. Those include refining payment rates for managed care plans, increasing accountability through performance-based financial withholds and tightening medical loss ratio standards. The program is also expanding pharmaceutical cost controls and value-based payment models for expensive treatments like gene therapies.

Officials said direct negotiations with drug manufacturers generated $2.3 billion in combined state and federal cost avoidance in fiscal year 2025.

North Carolina currently receives a 90 percent federal match for expansion coverage. If that rate were reduced, state analysts estimate the program could face a potential $27 billion loss over 10 years, putting coverage for more than 640,000 residents at risk.

For now, Medicaid officials told lawmakers that enrollment and spending trends are closely tracking projections.

The Southern Black Girls And Women Organization Are Bending Philanthropy Toward Justice

Jordan Meadows — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 12:18:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Since its founding in 2017, the Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium has set out to do one thing: transform the philanthropic landscape for Black girls and women across the South.

In 2017, LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, encountered a report from the Southern Rural Black Women’s Initiative showing that Black women and girls received less than one percent of the $4.8 billion in philanthropic investments flowing into the South. Determined to change that narrative, Brown joined with Felicia Lucky of the BlackBelt Community Foundation, Alice Jenkins of the Fund for Southern Communities and Margo Miller of the Appalachian Community Fund. Together, they formed Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium as anchor institutions committed to centering Black girls and women in grantmaking.

To date, the consortium reports awarding more than $11.4 million to over 250 Black women-led organizations and more than 800 girls across its 13-state footprint, including the organization’s Youth Ambassadors program. The program engages young leaders as advocates, helping shape grant funding priorities and inform content for the annual Southern Black Girls conference. In January 2025, Youth Ambassadors from across the 13-state region gathered in Charlotte for a day of learning and collaboration.

“For more than twenty years, I've worked alongside communities and know first-hand that communities of color experience the disproportionate impacts from environmental pollution and climate change,” said Executive Director Chanceé Lundy. “Black women are often on the front lines advocating for justice and building innovative community based solutions with little to no resources."

In 2022, the consortium partnered with Megan Thee Stallion’s Pete and Thomas Foundation to launch the “Joy Is Our Journey Dream Tour,” a monthlong bus tour that created space for Black girls to connect across the South. That same year, the organization hosted its inaugural Black Girls Dream Conference. The Southern Black Girls has since expanded through partnerships with Comic Relief US and Jay-Z’s Roc Nation.

The organization recently launched its Environment and Climate Justice Fund, a new grant initiative supporting organizations that advocate for and build solutions around environmental and climate justice impacting Black girls, women and femme-identifying youth across 13 Southern states—including North Carolina. The fund awards grants ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 to underfunded organizations advancing environmental and climate justice.

“Even in difficult times, investing in organizations that center Black girls and women is an act of resistance, imagination, and faith in the future,” said Lundy.

Lundy has helped guide Southern Black Girls into a new era of growth and national recognition. In 2024, she was invited by the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, to engage with leaders and activists on shared challenges around climate change, equity and economic empowerment. The Southern Black Girls’ climate fund opened during Black Climate Week 2026, a national campaign led by The Solutions Project and the NAACP that centers Black communities as hubs of climate innovation and justice.

“By centering joy as both resilience and resistance, Southern Black Girls is building a future in which our communities have the infrastructure, resources, and power to survive and thrive amid environmental pollution and climate change,” Lundy said.

Southern Black Girls also convenes a Wisdom Council to guide its focus on regional and statewide issues affecting Black girls and women. Through its Sage Circle, a monthly session for its network, partners lead conversations aimed at strengthening the broader community. Its Joy Network, hosted on the Mighty Networks platform, serves as a digital hub where Black girls and women across the South can share resources, collaborate and participate in virtual events.

In 2024, the organization launched its “Resistance and Resilience” grant through the Black Girls Defense Fund, offering $2,000 mini-grants to support community-led efforts addressing adultification, dehumanization and violence impacting Black girls.

“There’s a particular kind of calmness in the eye of the storm. There’s a particular kind of calmness when you center yourself back into your own body. I had to recenter myself and be grounded on who I am and what I believe. I believe that love will win,” Brown said. “The South is my home. I love the South. It’s beautiful.”

Through grantmaking, youth leadership development, national partnerships and now environmental and climate justice funding, Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium continues to reshape how philanthropy flows in the South by ensuring that Black girls and women are centered as architects of change.

Free Women of Color Take Center Stage in New NC Exhibit

Jordan Meadows — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:30:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

A new exhibit from the state archives is shining a light on stories long left in the margins.

Through MosaicNC, an initiative of the North Carolina Office of Archives and History, the state is elevating the voices of free women of color who lived through and helped sustain the American Revolution. The exhibit, led by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, centers on a collection titled North Carolina’s Women of the Revolution: In Their Own Words, with a special focus on “Free Women of Color.” Drawing from Revolutionary War pension applications, the project reveals the lived experiences of women whose contributions to the Patriot cause were historically overlooked.

Contrary to common assumptions about 18th-century North Carolina military policy, Patriot forces were integrated. White men and free men of color served alongside one another in the state militia and Continental Line with no distinction in pay or official status. Prior to the state’s 1835 constitutional revision, all free adult men—regardless of race—were subject to the draft.

While George Washington was hesitant at the "Federal" (Continental) level, the North Carolina militia operated under its own state laws. North Carolina had a relatively large population of Free People of Color, and because they were already "freemen" and taxpayers, North Carolina viewed them as part of the "body politic" obligated to defend the state–Unlike South Carolina or Georgia, which remained terrified of arming Black men until the very end.

Military payrolls and discharge papers rarely noted a soldier’s race, underscoring what historians describe as a bureaucratically colorblind structure during the war. It is often only through later pension applications that researchers can identify a veteran as a man of color.

Behind these soldiers stood wives and families who sustained farms, protected children, and kept communities functioning amid wartime disruption. For free women of color, those responsibilities came with additional layers of vulnerability.

Nearly 250 years after the Revolution, women’s contributions remain less understood than those of their husbands. The pension applications featured in the exhibit offer rare first-person testimony. Although many of these women were largely illiterate and rarely appear elsewhere in the written record, the pension process required them to recount their wartime experiences in detail. These documents reveal women acting as farmers, nurses, refugees, and family guardians. They also expose the obstacles they faced in seeking recognition.

Among the women highlighted at the exhibit is Rachel Locus. While her husband Valentine served as a private in the Continental Line for two years, Rachel cared for their children, grew crops and managed their homestead. After the war, the family settled in Wake County near Lick Creek. In 1801, a group of white men forced their way into the Locus home and abducted two of their children, Absalom and Polly. During the attack, Rachel and Valentine were beaten badly. The abductors likely intended to sell the children into slavery in the Deep South, despite their legal status as free people of color.

Though Absalom and Polly managed to escape and return home, the perpetrators were never identified or charged.

After Valentine’s death in 1811, Rachel raised eight children on her own. In 1838, she applied for a Revolutionary War widow’s pension. Even after her claim was approved, she encountered further injustice: in 1839, she wrote to the Secretary of War explaining that her pension agent had been collecting and keeping her payments. Only after federal intervention did she receive the benefits owed to her.

In another presentation, a 24-year-old Granville County free woman of color, Nelly Taburn, was living near Fishing Creek when the Revolution began. Born free, she and her husband, William, participated in the war effort just as their white neighbors did. William was drafted for three separate terms, spending more than ten months in service. During his absences, Nelly cultivated crops and sustained their growing family.

Yet when William later applied for a pension, federal officials subjected his claim to unusual scrutiny. The U.S. Pension Commissioner reportedly doubted that an African American man could have served alongside white soldiers. Affidavits from fellow soldiers and officers were not enough. Only after North Carolina’s Secretary of State confirmed that free men of color had indeed been subject to the draft did the claim proceed.

By that time, William was described as “almost blind” and living in the county poorhouse. After his death in 1835, Nelly applied as a widow. Records suggest she may have spent her final years living with family.

Free women of color had never been permitted to vote, and all faced restrictions in court. For families like the Taburns and the Locuses, these legal barriers compounded everyday hardships.

By focusing on free women of color, MosaicNC’s exhibit challenges narrow interpretations of Revolutionary history. It reminds North Carolinians that the ideals of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” were defended in farm fields, homesteads and courtrooms–just as much as the battlefield.

North Carolina’s Data Center Surge Is Sparking Debate Over Energy Costs

Jordan Meadows — Thu, 05 Mar 2026 15:09:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Data centers have become the backbone of modern life. In North Carolina, that backbone is expanding at a historic pace by bringing billions in investment, thousands of construction jobs and a growing debate over energy, water and who pays the bill.

The warehouse-sized facilities that power cloud computing, artificial intelligence, streaming services and nearly every corner of the modern digital economy are expanding rapidly across North Carolina. Yet it remains surprisingly difficult to pin down exactly how many data centers there really are in the state. Depending on the source and how facilities are categorized, estimates range from roughly 40 major operating centers to 140 total facilities statewide.

North Carolina’s data center footprint began in earnest in 2009 when Apple announced its campus in Catawba County. The company now operates eight hyperscale facilities there, spanning more than 500,000 square feet, including a recent $175 million, 237,600-square-foot expansion. Meta established a multi-building campus in Rutherford County, while Google has invested more than $1.2 billion in Caldwell County.

Amazon Web Services has announced projects across multiple counties too, including a $10 billion investment in Richmond County. The largest operational data center currently in the state is the T-5 Data Center in Cleveland County, a facility that consumes roughly as much electricity as nearly every home in Durham County combined. Microsoft purchased a 1,385-acre megasite in Person County for $26.85 million in 2024. In Edgecombe County, Energy Storage Solutions plans to break ground in 2026 on a $19.2 billion, 900-megawatt data center and energy storage campus in Tarboro’s Kingsboro development, with a similarly scaled project planned in Fayetteville.

Several factors have made North Carolina particularly attractive to data center developers: strong grid coverage from Duke Energy, significant solar generation capacity, abundant large parcels of land at competitive prices, business-friendly tax incentives, and proximity to major East Coast routes. Nationally, Virginia remains the dominant data center market with more than 600 facilities concentrated in Northern Virginia’s “Data Center Alley,” the largest cluster in the world, while Texas and California follow behind.

The growth comes with significant energy implications. According to Duke Energy’s 2025 load forecast, total demand across its two Carolina systems is projected to increase between 16% and nearly 60% through 2040. Future growth is expected to accelerate sharply, with data centers accounting for about 80% of Duke Energy’s projected demand growth, according to Gov. Josh Stein’s North Carolina Energy Policy Task Force.

Between 2017 and 2024, the average residential electricity bill in North Carolina rose nearly 30%, with almost two-thirds of that increase driven by rising fuel costs tied largely to volatile natural gas prices. Utilities are projecting further increases by 2040, including proposed residential rate hikes of 16–18% over just the next two years.

In response to those concerns, Gov. Stein created the bipartisan Energy Policy Task Force in August 2025 through Executive Order 23. The 30-member panel, co-chaired by Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson and Rep. Kyle Hall, released an interim report recommending the development of large-load tariffs to ensure that major customers like data centers pay the majority of costs tied to their infrastructure needs. The task force also proposed “bring your own capacity” options that would allow large-load customers to procure or build their own energy resources, encouraged load flexibility programs that would require data centers to reduce consumption during peak demand periods, and called for an assessment of the dollar value of existing tax exemptions for data centers.

The task force will refine its recommendations over the next year before issuing a final report in February 2027.

Environmental advocates point to a Duke University study suggesting that the true cost impact may depend less on total electricity consumption and more on when that electricity is used. The study found that adopting “load flexibility”--shifting computing tasks to off-peak hours when unused grid capacity exists—could help the United States avoid up to $150 billion in new power plant, fuel and transmission costs over the next decade.

Local governments are grappling with how to manage the boom. Chatham County leaders recently approved a one-year moratorium on new data center construction to reassess zoning and infrastructure impacts. In Apex, residents in the New Hill and Jordan Pointe communities have voiced opposition to a proposed 190-acre data center near old U.S. Highway 1.

At the same time, the construction surge is straining labor markets. Data center projects require mission-critical standards for redundancy, cooling, power and security, creating high demand for journeyman and master electricians, low-voltage and fiber technicians, HVAC and refrigeration specialists, pipefitters, ironworkers, concrete crews and experienced project managers. Contractors say finding qualified workers is becoming as challenging as securing materials, particularly in counties where hyperscale campuses overlap with advanced manufacturing projects.

How A Black NC Native Rose To The Top Of Snowboarding

Jordan Meadows — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 20:38:00 +0000

By: Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Professional snowboarder Zeb Powell has spent the past few years redefining what the sport looks like while carrying his North Carolina roots onto some of snowboarding’s biggest stages.

Born in Charlotte and raised in Waynesville, Powell grew up far from the traditional mountain hubs that typically produce elite riders, yet carved out a path that would eventually make him one of the most recognizable figures in modern snowboarding. Powell was adopted and raised by Carl and Valerie Powell, whose working-class household in western North Carolina helped shape his grounded, experimental approach to the sport.

Early on, he struggled with instruction that forced him to ride in a stance that did not come naturally, and he initially disliked snowboarding. That frustration, however, turned into persistence. By age 15, he had already won Red Bull All Snow, a breakthrough that signaled the arrival of a rider whose style would prioritize creativity, flair, and individuality over traditional competitive orthodoxy.

His breakthrough moment on the global stage came at the 2020 Winter X Games, where he captured gold in Knuckle Huck, becoming the first Black snowboarder to win X Games gold. Powell has since used that platform to partner with organizations like Hoods to Woods, which introduces inner-city youth to snowboarding and outdoor recreation.

In competition, Powell has remained a consistent presence, placing first in X Games Knuckle Huck in 2020, fourth in 2022, second in 2024, and fourth again in 2025. Off the podium, his influence has arguably been even greater. Known for oversized boards, playful tricks, and an unconventional aesthetic, he has helped push snowboarding toward a more expressive, street-influenced direction that resonates with younger audiences.

That cultural reach has attracted major sponsorships and cross-industry attention. Powell is backed by brands including Red Bull, Burton, Thirtytwo, Recess Ride Shop, and Crab Grab, and in April 2025 he made history again by signing with Jordan Brand, becoming the first professional snowboarder to represent the label.

His growing presence within that world became especially visible during the brand’s 40th anniversary “Board of Greatness” gathering in Greece, where Powell found himself among elite athletes and celebrities, including Michael Jordan, Luka Dončić, Maya Moore, and Carmelo Anthony.

Powell’s celebrity crossover continued during high-profile winter sports coverage that included appearances alongside Snoop Dogg, who served as an honorary Team USA personality during Olympic festivities. In widely shared content, Powell joined snowboarding legend Shaun White in introducing Snoop Dogg to snowboarding.

Beyond entertainment appearances, Powell has also entered mainstream advertising, recently collaborating with skateboard icon Tony Hawk in promotional campaigns, further cementing his status as a crossover action sports figure. He also appeared in a Warren Miller film.

Most recently, Powell was in Boston for the revived Red Bull Heavy Metal Finals, a free urban snowboarding competition held at Boston City Hall Plaza. The plaza was transformed with more than 100 tons of snow to create a custom street course blending architecture and terrain, drawing thousands of spectators and featuring top riders from around the world.

Powell described the past year as “crazy,” noting appearances at X Games, community tours, film features, and major brand activations. Despite the rapid rise, he has maintained a perspective rooted in his North Carolina upbringing, often expressing disbelief at the scale of opportunities now surrounding him

They Were Bound By Law: Limits To Emancipation in Revolutionary NC

Jordan Meadows — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 17:04:00 +0000

By Jordan Meadows

Staff Writer

Last Wednesday, the State Archives of NC’s America 250 held a panel discussion offering a detailed examination of how colonial and early state laws shaped the lives of African Americans in North Carolina. The panel, titled “Bound by Law: Limits to Emancipation during the Revolution” revealed deep contradictions between revolutionary ideals of liberty and the legal system that restricted Black freedom.

Hosted as a lunch-and-learn program, the event spotlighted a research initiative connected to the state’s official commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States’ founding in 1776. The program was held in recognition of Black History Month and focused on legislation that restricted the emancipation of enslaved individuals in early North Carolina.

Archives staff Adrienne Berney and Alana Gomez examined the legal landscape from the late seventeenth century through the Revolutionary era, beginning with what was described as “The foundations of Racialized Law,” when race became formally tied to legal status and inheritable lifetime servitude. The panel traced these developments to the 1669 Fundamental Constitutions of Carolina, which declared enslaved people to be property and granted enslavers absolute authority.

Olivia Cody, a junior from Fayetteville majoring in teaching at Winston-Salem State University, contributed to the project through historical research and digital interpretation. Interning with the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources State Archives Division as part of the America 250 NC team, she helped develop an interactive digital timeline and instructional materials designed to make complex legal history more accessible to educators and the public.

“My philosophy is that access to history means more than opening the archive, it means helping people understand what they find there,” Cody said.

By the early 1700s, laws in neighboring Virginia limiting the rights of free Black residents influenced similar legal structures in North Carolina, culminating in statutes by 1741 that reinforced racial hierarchy and further restricted Black mobility and autonomy. During the early to mid-1700s, North Carolina enacted a growing body of laws designed to protect enslaved people primarily as labor property, requiring passes for travel, restricting gatherings for worship or community without white supervision, and obligating white citizens to pursue and return runaway enslaved individuals.

Panelists emphasized that even seemingly protective legislation reflected economic motives rather than humanitarian concern. By 1774, North Carolina outlawed the willful and malicious killing of enslaved people, but the law functioned largely to preserve the stability of the plantation economy rather than recognize enslaved people’s humanity, notably including an exception when an enslaved person was deemed in “willful resistance.” As revolutionary sentiment grew, these legal contradictions became more visible.

The Halifax Resolves of 1776 revealed anxieties among colonial leaders about British promises of freedom to enslaved people who supported the Crown, exposing the tension between the rhetoric of independence and the reality of slavery in North Carolina’s cash-crop economy.

Central to the program was the 1777 statute, “An Act to prevent domestic Insurrections, and for other Purposes,” which sharply limited emancipation and established one of the only legal pathways to freedom through the recognition of “meritorious services.” Under this law, county courts were required to evaluate whether an enslaved person’s extraordinary acts of loyalty, service or devotion justified a recommendation for emancipation to the General Assembly.

To illustrate how these laws operated in practice, the panel highlighted the story of John Jasper White, known as “Currituck Jack,” whose experience demonstrated both the physical and legal battles required for freedom in Revolutionary North Carolina. In 1780, Jack was aboard the schooner Polly, owned by Henry White of Currituck County, when it was captured by British privateers. After persuading his captors to unchain him, Jack helped the crew retake the ship and deliver the captured privateers to Annapolis and the Continental Congress.

Jasper later wrote that Jack “received the thanks of the Congress of the United States . . . and a recommendation to his master to liberate him.” Despite this recognition and his injuries, Jack remained enslaved and was subjected to abuse until the North Carolina General Assembly granted his freedom in 1792.

The program also examined the life of Edward “Ned” Griffin, a multiracial man in Edgecombe County during the Revolution. First documented in a 1770 probate record as “mulatto Ned,” Griffin was passed between enslavers before being sold in 1781 and sent into Continental service as a substitute in exchange for a promise of freedom. Griffin served as a private for twelve months and was honorably discharged in July 1782. However, upon his return, Kitchen reneged on the agreement and sold him again, prompting Griffin to petition the Edgecombe County court for his emancipation.

The North Carolina General Assembly ultimately passed “An Act for Enfranchising Ned Griffin, Late the Property of William Kitchen” in 1784, declaring that “Ned Griffin… shall forever hereafter be in every respect declared to be a freeman; and he shall be, and he is hereby enfranchised and forever delivered and discharged from the yoke of slavery.” Griffin lived as a free person of color in Edgecombe County until his death in 1802.

Throughout the discussion, presenters stressed that the restrictive legal framework did not eliminate resistance among enslaved people.

Reflecting on the research behind the exhibit, Cody noted, “I think what surprised me the most is the resistance that still took place. Although these legislations were set up against enslaved people, enslaved people were still working to either gain their freedom or ensure their continued attempts to do so–making sure they’re still resilient.” She added, “I read stories of resistance, stories of revolt with everything set against them. Much like how we are now, they did not die and disappear.”