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.

Unpacking The Reality Of Sexual Exploitation, Trafficking

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer In August, a 12-year-old girl was taken during an overnight sleepover at a friend's house by 38-year-old Daniel Francis Gear, the uncle of her friend. Harnett County Sheriff Wayne Coats stated that automated Flock cameras along U.S. Highway 421 helped investigators track Gear's truck to a wooded area near Erwin. North Carolina Senate Candidate Michael Whatley has been widely criticized for his political associations with
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Citizen Spotlight: Preserving Legacy with Shenette E. Swann

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - When Shenette E. Swann speaks about cultural preservation, she doesn't just talk about artifacts behind glass. She speaks about living rooms filled with music, the quiet courage of local educators, and the transformative power of ensuring Black families feel seen. As the newly appointed Director of the African American Cultural Resources Unit within the City of Raleigh's Historic Resources and Museum Program,
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Cumberland County Bus Mechanic’s Emotional Plea Prompts Review

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Fayetteville, NC - As an educator, there is nothing more frustrating than hearing an announcement during the school day that a bus isn't running. Students lose all focus and have to think about how they will get home. Phone calls must be placed; the teaching and learning process is completely disrupted. Recently, in a tense Cumberland County Board of Education meeting, a veteran school bus
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Raleigh – Wake Chapter Member Named NCCU Alumnus Of The Year For 2026

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, NC - The Raleigh-Wake Alumni Chapter of North Carolina Central University (NCCU) proudly congratulates Stephanie Wilson Jones on being named the recipient of the 2026 NCCU Alumnus of the Year Award, also known as the Eagle Excellence Award. The award recognizes alumni who demonstrate exceptional leadership, service, and commitment to NCCU through their contributions of time, talent, and treasure in support of the university,
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Album Review: PROLIFIC by Nipsey Hussle and Bino Rideaux 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer The world was robbed and hip hop culture was brought to its knees when visionary rapper and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle was murdered in front of his Los Angeles store. Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom (August 15, 1985 - March 31, 2019) widely known as Nipsey Hussle and Neighborhood Nip preached self determination and entrepreneurship to anyone who would listen. I met Nipsey Hussle around 2016, in
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Project Sweetpotato: Bold Farm-to-School Movement Launches in Harnett County

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - True community wealth is measured by how well we feed our children, preserve our soil, and invest in our neighbors. This week marks the official public launch of Project Sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), an ambitious, farm-to-school nutrition proposal presented to the Harnett County Board of Commissioners and Harnett County School Board by your author Jheri Hardaway. At its core, the initiative establishes a
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Federal Court Protects MS Majority-Black Voting District in Mississippi for Upcoming November Election

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[caption id="attachment_19511" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo by Melissa Bender/NurPhoto via AP)[/caption] By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer DESOTO COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI - Black voters in DeSoto County, Mississippi, won a major legal victory after a federal judge rejected an attempt to eliminate a new, majority-Black judicial voting district ahead of the November election. The decision ensures that local Black residents will keep their fair chance to elect judges of their choice this fall.
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Severe Storms and 100 MPH Winds Knock Out Power Across Gary, Indiana

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Gary, Indiana - Perhaps you've seen folks in Gary, Indiana, on social media grilling outside and cleaning out spoiled food from their refrigerators. Widespread power outages across Gary and the greater Northwest Indiana stem from a devastating line of severe storms that brought hurricane-force wind gusts exceeding 100 mph, heavy rainfall, and intense lightning. The extreme weather caused catastrophic damage to the regional electric grid,
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The People’s Cookout: A Civic Gathering

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  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer One thing we do well as a people is create a vibe. This past Saturday, The Triangle Collective successfully created a positive and prosperous vibe for leaders to connect, learn, and grow. In an era when grassroots organizing demands both conviction and connection, The People's Cookout stood out as a powerful demonstration of unity and civic strength. More than a gathering, the event served
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Bree Carroll’s All Things EPIC Delivers a Structural Blueprint for Purposeful Living

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Meet Bree Carroll, a Jersey native, proud North Carolina A&T State University Aggie, and structural engineer whose multidimensional identity spans the roles of wife, mother, entrepreneur, and intentional motivator. Navigating this current season through the intersection of deep-seated faith, structural creativity, and the unique rhythms of military life, her perspective is unapologetically defined by spiritual grounding, technical precision, and authentic cultural energy. In a self-help
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