“Africa to Carolina” Public Art Installation Is Unveiled at Brunswick Town

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Winnabow, NC - Amidst the heavy, sun-drenched air of the lower Cape Fear, history and art converged at the Brunswick Town Fort Anderson State Historic Site on Thursday, July 16. Dozens of community members, historians, and state officials gathered for the historic unveiling of the "Africa to Carolina" public art installation. Commissioned by the North Carolina African American Heritage Commission (NCAAHC) and funded through the

Fayetteville Newsmakers Event Highlights War Innovation 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Fayetteville, NC - On Wednesday, July 15, Fayetteville State University's Rudolph Jones Student Center became the epicenter for critical regional discourse as it hosted the inaugural "Fayetteville Newsmakers" civic dialogue. Co-organized by The Assembly Network and the News Foundation of Greater Fayetteville, the editorially led forum brought together a formidable panel of state officials, local policymakers, and entrepreneurial leaders-including Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin, Cumberland County

The Hidden Tariff Racism: Racial Inequity Stifles American Economy

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer When economists discuss the "bottom line" of American industry, the conversation often centers on interest rates, supply chains, and consumer spending. Yet, a growing body of research from the Federal Reserve, Citigroup, and the Brookings Institution points to a much older, more corrosive factor: the "hidden tariff" of systemic racism. The roots of this economic drag are not modern; they are foundational. Recently uncovered correspondence

Self-Titled “Urban Explorers” Target Saint Augustine University’s Campus

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Carolinian received an anonymous tip that "Urban Explorers" are breaching security to trespass on Saint Augustine's University, which is already grappling with a fragile financial recovery and a complex federal bankruptcy process. Saint Augustine's University (SAU) is now facing a new threat after dark. Self-styled "urban explorers" and internet video creators are infiltrating the historic campus, documenting their trespassing on social

Part 2: Gwendolyn White, A House Not A Home 

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - When we first brought you the story of Gwendolyn White, our community was forced to confront a deeply uncomfortable reality: a citizen can call for help, waving a flag of distress, only to find herself met with absolute institutional silence and corruption. When a citizen is trapped in a nightmare, the standard advice is always the same: call the police. Trust the

Standing Room Only in Raleigh with Leader Sydney Batch and Stacey Abrams

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - It was a standing-room-only crowd in Raleigh as North Carolina Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch took the stage alongside national voting rights champion, attorney, and author Stacey Abrams for an intensive, data-driven Jeopardy themed conversation on the political landscape. Way more innovative than standard campaign events, the fundraiser served as an evidence-based dissection of the most critical policy issues facing North Carolina

Governor Stein Signs Jaleeyah’s Law

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer On Monday, July 6th Govenor Josh Stein signed House Bill 1173 widely known as Jaleeyah's Law in the presence of Jaleeyah's mother, family, and community leaders. Jaleeyah's Law is designed to increase penalties for gang-related crimes and provide stronger tools for prosecutors. The law is named in memory of 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune who on December 21, 2025, was shot and killed while walking home with

Moore County Legislators Are Forcing Division: Pinehurst’s Silence Is Loud  

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer For generations, municipal elections in the state's smaller towns have operated on a simple premise: neighbors voting for neighbors based on local issues, free from the toxic polarization of national party politics. Senate Bill 876 aims to dismantle that tradition by forcing a mandatory partisan framework onto all 11 municipalities in Moore County, as well as its school board. Senate Bill 876 features several mandates

Community Secures Key Funding To Fight Poverty

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC -  Driving meaningful change requires both a deep commitment to the community and a willingness to evolve. That spirit of enduring dedication and forward momentum was on full display at the latest board of directors meeting for Johnston Lee Harnett (JLH) Community Action. The inspiring session brought together long-serving members, agency leaders, and community advocates, all unified by a shared mission: securing grant

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,