How A Black NC Native Rose To The Top Of Snowboarding

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

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

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

Black Newspapers Struggle To Survive Across The U.S.

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Another pillar of the Black Press has fallen. In February, the Richmond Free Press announced it would cease publication after 34 years, sending shockwaves through Virginia's Black political, civic, and business communities. Founded in 1992 by Jean Patterson Boone and her late husband Raymond H. Boone Sr., the free weekly had long served as a watchdog, community bulletin, and cultural record for Richmond's Black residents.

A Bipartisan Panel To Update NC Election Data Systems

[caption id="attachment_16342" align="alignnone" width="2032"] Screenshot[/caption] By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer North Carolina took a major step toward updating its election technology Tuesday with the inaugural meeting of the Modernization of Election Data Systems (MEDS) Commission.  Chaired by State Auditor Dave Boliek, the 22-member bipartisan group is tasked with providing guidance and practical advice on modernizing the state's election management system and campaign finance reporting software. "The current system hasn't been

A Home of History: Inside Wilson’s Unique Freeman Round House Museum

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Opened in 2001, the Oliver Nestus Freeman Round House Museum stands as one of eastern North Carolina's most distinctive historic landmarks, and as a tribute to the life and craftsmanship of Oliver Nestus Freeman. Born in 1882  as the son of a former slave, Oliver Nestus Freeman like many other African-Americans in Wilson, NC found few opportunities. Educated at the Tuskegee Normal School in Alabama,

Law Enforcement,Judicial Leaders Push For Reform In A Joint House Meeting

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer A multitude of county district attorneys from across the state gathered Thursday in Raleigh for a joint House meeting to press lawmakers on budget priorities, structural reforms, and law enforcement challenges. Leaders from the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol also testified, detailing staffing shortages, technology initiatives, and public safety concerns. District attorneys told lawmakers that approximately $180 million is

NCCU Celebrates New Peggy Ward Financial Education Center Opening

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer At North Carolina Central University, a milestone was marked Tuesday morning with the ribbon cutting of the Peggy M. Ward Financial Education Center, a space university leaders say will shape financial futures for generations of students and families across Durham and beyond. The ceremony, held inside the university's new 76,000-square-foot School of Business building, celebrated distinguished alumna Peggy M. Ward, Class of 1974, who's initial

Exhibit Honors Black Architects And Builders Who Shaped North Carolina

By Jordan Meadows Staff Writer At North Carolina Central University's James E. Shepard Memorial Library, a bold banner greets visitors with three simple words: "We Built This." ​Beneath it, the exhibit explains, "Many of the historic buildings we revere in North Carolina are credited to their owners. Rarely are the people responsible for the labor and craftsmanship recognized. This exhibit seeks to acknowledge the countless African Americans who built the

Raleigh Council Candidates Face Off at Shaw’s Forum

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer Raleigh voters had the opportunity to engage with candidates for mayoral, at-large, and district city council seats at the Non-Partisan Candidates' Forum held Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Shaw University. The event offered residents a chance to hear directly from candidates, ask questions, and discuss issues shaping Raleigh's future, including housing, public safety, transportation, and community resources. The forum was divided into two sessions. This

Shaw University Dormitory Closed After Fire

By: Jordan Meadows Staff Writer A fire inside Shaw University's Dimple Newsome Living and Learning Center prompted the evacuation of students Thursday evening and forced the dormitory to close indefinitely as repairs and safety assessments continue. The Raleigh Fire Department said the fire was reported around 7:15 p.m. and originated in room 313 on the third floor of the building. Fire officials said the blaze was caused by a space