Santana Shines At Harrah’s Cherokee Casino

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer The atmosphere was electric at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort Event Center as guitar and music legend Carlos Santana took the stage for what can only be described as a truly timeless concert. The 10-time Grammy-winning guitarist, known for his masterful fusion of rock, blues, and Latin rhythms, delivered an outstanding performance that once again displayed his artistic brilliance. But beyond the soaring guitar solos

Harnett County Holds Legislative Luncheon To Discuss Challenges

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, N.C. - In a recently held Annual Legislative Luncheon, Harnett County commissioners met with state and federal legislators to discuss a range of issues affecting the county, with a particular focus on budgetary constraints, education funding, and state versus local control. The meeting, which aimed to facilitate dialogue and seek support for county priorities, was marked by both collaborative intent and expressions of frustration

Juvenile Crime Prevention Council’s Impact and Opportunities 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Are you familiar with the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council or JCPC? The Division of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention partners with Juvenile Crime Prevention Councils in each county to galvanize community leaders, locally and statewide, to reduce and prevent juvenile crime. JCPC board members are appointed by each county's board of commissioners and meet monthly or bimonthly in each county. The meetings are open to

D.A.R.E. Failed, D.E.A.R. Succeeded: Reading Is Liberation

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Last week, in reference to the Afroman trial, there was a mention of the D.A.R.E. program. The emphasis was on the fact that his hit song, "Because I Got High," did more for drug awareness than its contemporary program D.A.R.E., which has recently come under fire. According to a 2023 NPR report, "numerous studies published in the 1990s and early 2000s concluded programs like D.A.R.E.

‘History Is Repeating Itself’: Rep. Clyburn’s Call To Action

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Monday night at Artspace in Raleigh, a palpable sense of history filled the air as Congressman Jim Clyburn (D-SC) took the stage to discuss his latest book, "The First Eight," with a packed audience that included dignitaries and local leaders. The event began with a warm welcome from former Congresswoman Eva Clayton. Clyburn's message was not merely a historical recap, but a poignant and urgent

Behind the Scenes: Black Issues Forum Bridging the Gap in Autism Advocacy

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer RTP, NC - PBS NC Black Issues Forum in it's 40th year continues to do the work tackling important topics as a fixture of national Black media. We were given behind the scenes access on an essential conversation on neurodiversity, specifically focusing on the landscape of autism support within North Carolina. Hosted by Kenia Thompson, the segment featured insights from Nicole Harris of the Autism

Fire Damages Helping Hand Mission in Raleigh

By Jordan Meadows  Staff Writer A fire that broke out the morning of March 1 has left significant damage to Helping Hand Mission, a longtime Raleigh nonprofit that has served families in need for decades. Firefighters responded to the organization's building on Rock Quarry Road, where large flames and heavy smoke were seen coming from the roof. Roughly 40 firefighters initially arrived on scene, with an additional 25 personnel called

Progress, Partnership, and the Path Ahead: 2026 State of the Schools Address by Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Superintendent of WCPSS

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In his second annual State of the Schools address, Superintendent Dr. Robert P. Taylor delivered a message that was equal parts celebratory and sobering. Speaking to a room filled with educators, students, business leaders, families, and elected officials, Dr. Taylor painted a picture of a district leading North Carolina in academic growth and innovation, while simultaneously bracing for the "difficult choices" posed

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Mid-Atlantic Region Paints The Town Pink & Green

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The 73rd Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference, themed "Legendary," welcomed a pretty girl takeover of downtown Raleigh with a focus on sisterhood and service to all mankind. The weekend featured dynamic trainings, impactful workshops, and signature events, each thoughtfully curated with the membership in mind. A major highlight of the event was a keynote by outgoing Mid-Atlantic Regional Director Nadine Vargas Stewart. Stewart shared

Afroman Is Triumphant In His Lawsuit

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Adams County, Ohio - Afroman or Joseph E. Foreman successfully defended his First Amendment freedom of speech and expression against a lawsuit from Ohio's Adams County Sheriff's Office. In 2022, Afroman's house was raided, robbed, and vandalized based on suspicion of kidnapping and narcotics from an individual known to the Sheriff's Office. As an artist, musician, and American Afroman, he elected to "Turn my bad