Author: Jordan Meadows

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Born in 1827 in Davidson County, North Carolina, Benjamin Hedrick's journey from a rural upbringing to a controversial academic career reflects the intense regional and ideological conflicts of his time. Hedrick's early years were shaped by his family's modest prosperity. With limited formal education available after his mother's death in 1842, young Benjamin was tutored at home before attending the Lexington Classical School. His academic

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Mae Carol Jemison's storied career began with a solid academic foundation. She graduated from Stanford University with degrees in chemical engineering and in African and African-American studies before earning her medical degree from Cornell University in 1981. Jemison traveled to Cuba for a study funded by the American Medical Student Association and to Thailand, where she provided medical care at a Cambodian refugee camp. Additionally,

Jordan Meadows Staff Writer The North Carolina Vintage Bazaar, the largest vintage clothing market and thrift convention in the state, has once again brought vintage lovers together for a weekend of unique finds and nostalgic experiences. Held this past weekend at the Exposition Center at the State Fairgrounds, the Bazaar, which started in 2022, was a resounding success, expanding to a two-day format for the first time in its history.

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer In a historic move, four of North Carolina's leading Black political action committees (PACs) have come together to endorse candidates for the 2024 elections. This unprecedented coalition, comprising the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, the George C. Simkins, Jr. Memorial PAC of Guilford County, the Durham Committee on the Affairs of Black People, and the Bladen Improvement Association, represents a significant shift in the state's political

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer On Friday, a press conference in Durham spotlighted the legacy of Durham's Black Wall Street. U.S. Rep. Valerie Foushee, State Rep. Zack Hawkins, and local Black small business owners came together to evaluate Vice President Kamala Harris' proposals alongside Donald Trump's agenda. "Since taking office, Vice President Harris has overseen a small business boom that is uplifting communities across the country, including North Carolina," Congresswoman

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Formed in 1944, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was the only all-Black, all-female battalion to serve both in the U.S. and Europe during World War II. Initially comprising 31 officers and 824 enlisted personnel-all women from the Women's Army Corps, the Army Service Forces, and the Army Air Forces-the battalion was established to address a critical shortage of postal officers and an overwhelming backlog

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Sylvester Magee, who is thought to have been born in or around May 1841, and widely recognized as the last living former American slave, captivated the nation with his remarkable life story. Magee's early years were spent on the J.J. Shanks plantation in what is believed to be Granville County, North Carolina. Born to enslaved parents Ephraim and Jeanette, Magee was purchased at age 19

Photographer: Mathias Bishop Staff Writer: Jordan Meadows The African American Cultural Festival of Raleigh celebrated its 15th year. The event took place over the weekend on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Known for attracting over 40,000 attendees, the festival aimed to unite and educate through the celebration of African American culture. Highlights included performances by The Ray Band and the Singo Dance Troupe, interactive art projects, and a variety of

By: Jordan Meadows, Staff Writer Since its inception in 2010, PORCH Communities has been at the forefront of local hunger relief, contributing over $12 million across all chapters, impacting approximately 700,000 individuals. The grassroots organization, founded and directed by Christine Cotton, believes every community member should have enough fresh food to live an active, healthy life. With a mission to combat hunger by mobilizing neighbors, building community, and providing fresh,

By: Jordan Meadows  Staff Writer In the first half of 2024, Raleigh has seen a troubling rise in homicides despite an overall decline in violent crime. This paradoxical trend has highlighted significant challenges for city leaders and law enforcement as they grapple with a multifaceted crime landscape. The Raleigh Police Department (RPD) reported a 5% decline in overall violent crime in the first six months of this year compared to