Author: Jheri Hardaway

Jheri Hardaway is a staff writer for The Carolinian whose reporting explores the intersection of activism, politics, and community life across North Carolina. Drawing on her own experience and history in political organizing and civic engagement, Hardaway focuses on political coverage that highlights grassroots movements, public policy, and the voices of communities often overlooked in traditional media. Through thoughtful storytelling and analysis, she brings attention to the people and issues shaping the region’s political and social landscape.

Dunn Chamber’s EmpowerHer Inaugural Event

May 24, 2026May 21, 20260

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

May 23, 2026May 21, 20260

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

May 22, 2026May 21, 20260

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

NC Lawmakers Weigh In On The Supreme Court Dismantling of the Voting Rights Act

May 14, 2026May 13, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer North Carolina General Assembly - In a monumental 6-3 decision that has sent shockwaves through the American South, the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively dismantled key protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act (VRA). The ruling, which centers on the case Louisiana v. Callais, upends decades of precedent and makes it significantly harder for minority voters to challenge racially discriminatory voting maps and laws. The

A Troubling Pattern of Racial Disparities In Wells Fargo’s Mortgage Lending

May 11, 2026May 6, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Charlotte, NC - Wells Fargo's mortgage lending patterns demonstrate significant racial disparities in Charlotte and across North Carolina, according to a new report released by Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund, North Carolina United Power for Action/NC Industrial Areas Foundation, Organized Power in Numbers, and UNITE HERE North Carolina. The study analyzed nearly 25,000 North Carolina mortgage applications and over 16,000 mortgage loans at Wells

U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis To Speak At Campbell University Law School Hooding Graduation

May 9, 2026May 6, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) will offer the commencement address at Campbell University School of Law's 48th annual hooding and graduation ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. "I am proud to announce that Senator Tillis will serve as our hooding and graduation speaker as we celebrate 50 years as a law school," Leonard said. "He is an important voice

Harnett County Commissioners “Slow Down” With Data Center Moratorium

May 7, 2026May 6, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - In a standing room only meeting marked by passionate pleas for environmental justice and fiscal transparency, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to implement a temporary development moratorium on data centers. The unanimous "yes" vote effectively hits the pause button on a burgeoning industry that critics argue threatens the county's water supply, power grid, and rural character. The moratorium

Fourth Annual Gala: The Daniel Center for Math & Science

May 5, 2026April 29, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The mission of The Daniel Center for Math and Science (The Daniel Center) is to narrow the education gap for at-risk and disadvantaged children, and the team continues to excel at the mission. Their goal is to prepare and motivate young people to pursue a post-high school education through proven teaching, tutoring, and learning experiences. The Daniel Center hosted its 4th Annual

NC Education Lottery: Where Does Your Education Dollar Actually Go?

May 4, 2026April 29, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Since its inception in 2005, the North Carolina Education Lottery has been marketed as a winning ticket for our state's schools. But as the lottery grows into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, many North Carolinians are left wondering: is the money actually making its way to the classroom, or is it just a shell game? According to recent data from Public Schools First NC, the answer

SB 214 Threatens Local Government Protections

May 1, 2026April 29, 20260

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer North Carolina Senate Bill 214 (2025-2026 Regular Session) is a complex legislative package that addresses various local government and municipal issues across several counties. While it covers matters like planning, zoning, and annexations, the most significant and controversial provision currently making headlines is Section 5 of the Conference Report. Section 5 authorizes Franklin County to acquire real property (including through condemnation/eminent domain) in Halifax, Vance,