Ownership Over Access: Several Key Takeaways From The Greensboro Business League Executive Round Table

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Greensboro, NC - "The civil rights movement won the right to sit at this lunch counter, but the challenge of the 21st century is ownership of the lunch counter." This striking sentiment captured the foundational theme of the Greensboro Business League's (GBL) Executive Round Table, hosted on Tuesday, June 23, at the stunning Center for Creative Leadership. Co-hosted by Gerry McCants, Co-Founder, and Earl Jones,

An N.C. General Assembly Veto Axes Historically Underutilized Businesses

  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) program works to increase the number and types of businesses competing for state contracts, helping the government get the best value for taxpayer dollars. The HUB Office was originally established by law during the 2001 Legislative Session to educate and encourage women-owned and minority-owned businesses on how to compete for contracts with state and local government

Protecting Democracy: Rep. Rodney Pierce Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Guard Early Voting

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In an effort to shield the state's electoral process from constant partisan shifting, State Representative Rodney Pierce (D-Halifax, Northampton, Warren) hosted a press conference to introduce House Bill 1240, a landmark legislation proposing a constitutional amendment to permanently guarantee North Carolinians the right to vote early in person. The bill, primarily sponsored by Pierce alongside Representatives Marcia Morey (D-Durham), Renee Price (D-Caswell,

The Raleigh Firebirds Rebrand And Become The Carolina Firebirds, Expanding Their Legacy In NC

  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Raleigh Firebirds are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in the team's history: effective immediately, the organization will rebrand and compete as the Carolina Firebirds. This transition reflects the Firebirds' commitment to engaging and uniting basketball fans, athletes, and communities across the entire state of North Carolina. Since their inception, the Firebirds have been dedicated to excellence on and

Harnett County Trailblazer Awards Honors Local Leaders

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - The 2nd Annual Harnett County Trailblazer Awards, presented by the Harnett County African American Heritage Center (NCAAHC) on June 19th, was a spirit-filled celebration of community success and endurance. Hosted at the Harnett County Resource Center, the event served as a profound tribute to those who have paved the way for future generations. The organization's goal continues to be, "celebrate your name,

JetZero Ribbon Cutting 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Greensboro, NC - On Monday, June 15,  JetZero officially broke ground on an 8-million-square-foot aircraft manufacturing facility. Greensboro, North Carolina, the company has stated this, "is where the future of aviation gets built." This is the largest manufacturing investment in the state's history, the first greenfield large-aircraft production facility built in the United States in a generation, and the foundation for the first clean-sheet American

Style, Culture, & Brotherhood: Inside the Epsilon Rho Lambda Beautillion

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer There is a distinct, palpable energy that fills the room when our community gathers to pour into our young people. It is an atmosphere where preparation meets opportunity, and where historic traditions form the foundation for future success. That exact excellence was on full display at the "Young Men Leading With Purpose" Beautillion, hosted by the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho

Preservation NC Explores The Layered History Of Hillsborough

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Hillsborough, NC - Historic Hillsborough is full of character, history, and life. The morning of our Hillsborough Ramble, the main street was flooded with signs defending democracy, calling for healing and love. These same sentiments were felt throughout the tour. This sweltering Saturday ramble, hosted by Preservation North Carolina (PresNC), brought history buffs and preservationists to the quaint, historic, and stunningly beautiful town of Hillsborough.

Blue Ridge Loops and Budget Gaps: #SOCC26 Highlights Financial Strain of Growth With The Raleigh Chamber

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Briar Creek, NC - In an honest and sobering 2026 State of the City and County address hosted by the Raleigh Chamber and the City of Raleigh over lunch, Mayor Janet Cowell and Don Mial, Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, celebrated the region's unmatched prosperity while pulling back the curtain on the severe financial challenges posed by rapid growth. The central takeaway

Legislative Update: The Dominique Moody Act and the Parallels with State Government Inefficiency

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer NC General Assembly - On Tuesday in an emotionally raw and highly technical committee session, the North Carolina House Judiciary Committee advanced a Proposed Committee Substitute (PCS) for House Bill 1144, also known as the Dominique Moody Safety Act. The updated bill, primary sponsored by Representatives Carla Cunningham (U-Mecklenburg), Allen Chesser (R-Nash), Mike Colvin (D-Cumberland), and Mike Schietzel (R-Wake), shifts from a broad outline to