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.

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

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

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

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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
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Nourished By The Movement Makes Waves

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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
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Harnett Co NAACP And School Board Search For Summer Meal Solutions

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

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

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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
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Part One: Meet Ms. Gwendolyn White (Analysis)

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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
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NC Legislature Considers H1200 Tax-Free Pads and Diapers

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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
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Dunn Chamber’s EmpowerHer Inaugural Event

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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
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