A Legacy of Leadership: Celebrating Stephfon Walton’s Historic IBM Career

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Cary, NC - An inspiring chapter of an impactful story has closed in Research Triangle Park. Stephfon Walton formally retired from IBM after an extraordinary journey spanning over 41 years. For more than four decades, Stephfon has been a foundational pillar of our local tech landscape, anchoring massive global operations and mentoring countless professionals along the way. His story is the definition of a dream

Nourished By The Movement Makes Waves

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, NC - On Friday night in downtown Durham, the North Carolina Black Alliance cultivated an atmosphere of fullness, wellness, and excellence at the Lincoln on Greer. With a tasty VIP dinner featuring area staples like Dame's Chicken and Waffles, Corner Boys BBQ, Full Street Catering, and many more, we knew we were in for a treat. This immersive experience coincides with the 25-year celebration

Harnett Co NAACP And School Board Search For Summer Meal Solutions

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - On June 1st, Harnett County NAACP Chair Benita Harrington informed the Harnett County School board and community of the following: "I stand before you today on behalf of the Harnett County NAACP, and the families whose voices often go unheard. We are here because hunger is not an abstract issue in the heart of our community. It's a daily reality for many

A Wake County Library’s Mollie Huston Lee Collection: Reflecting On Writings Of George Washington Williams 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Mollie Huston Lee was the first African American librarian in Wake County and the founder of the  Richard B. Harrison Wake County  Library Branch. Not only did she leave behind a legacy of helping others and encouraging a love of literacy, but her treasured collection is a rare and special intellectual treat she left for us to share, analyze, and dissect. Mrs. Lee started and

Support Danya Perry: A Heart for the Community Needs a New Heart

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer If you know Danya Perry, you know he is a man who leads with his heart. As the first-ever Director of Equitable Economic Development for Wake County, Danya has spent years ensuring that Raleigh's growth is fair and inclusive. From corporate inclusivity to citizen mobility, his people-focused approach-informed by a background in sociology rather than just business-has made him a champion for those often left

Part One: Meet Ms. Gwendolyn White (Analysis)

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Ms. Gwendolyn White has been seeking justice for racially targeted harassment since 2020. Her alleged actions on Friday, May 21st, are unacceptable; at the same time, all Americans should understand the backstory and the need for law enforcement and judicial system reform for all of our protection. What happened to Ms. White and her mother is un-American and should never happen to another tax-paying citizen

NC Legislature Considers H1200 Tax-Free Pads and Diapers

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - As we search for innovative solutions to the cost-of-living crisis, an important bill was filed in the North Carolina General Assembly on April 30, 2026, House Bill 1200, formally known as the Tax-Free Family Essentials Act. This bill proposes to eliminate the state sales tax on a critical list of non-negotiable healthcare and hygiene products. Walking through the halls of the General

Dunn Chamber’s EmpowerHer Inaugural Event

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Smithfield, NC - Former Governor RoyDunn, NC - In a powerful demonstration of community and collaboration, the Dunn Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural EmpowHer event last Monday morning at the Dunn Shrine Center. Brought to life by powerhouse presenting sponsor KS Bank, the morning gathering was explicitly designed as an intentional space to encourage, equip, and empower local women making an impact in

Preservation North Carolina’s Franklin County Ramble

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Franklin County, NC - Preservation North Carolina, or PresNC, has been Saving Places That Matter to the Diverse People of North Carolina Since 1939. As part of a recent historic "Ramble" in Franklin County, PresNC hosted visitors at several properties, including the Historic Perry's School, several churches, and historic residences. The day began with a tour of the historic Perry's School educational complex in rural

Cooper’s “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Smithfield, NC - Former Governor Roy Cooper brought his U.S. Senate campaign to Johnston County, speaking to a packed room of supporters about affordability, healthcare, and corporate accountability. His focus is "making stuff cost less." During the Smithfield event, Cooper heavily contrasted his record in North Carolina state government with that of his Republican opponent, former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, whom he repeatedly