Uncovering Our Roots: How The 2025 Family History Fair Illuminated North Carolina’s Past

  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer RALEIGH, NC - On Saturday, October 4th, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources building was filled with the energy of discovery. Hundreds gathered for the 2025 Family History Fair, an event dedicated to African American Genealogy and History that left attendees feeling inspired, informed, and deeply connected to the past. Hosted by the State Archives and the State Library of North Carolina,

Changing Destinies’ New Leadership

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Pinehurst, NC - Changing Destinies Ministry is proud to announce that Renee Cassidy has been named Executive Director, effective September 23, 2025. She succeeds Kym Nixon, who will continue her service as President and co-founder of the ministry. Under Nixon's leadership, Changing Destinies Ministry (CDM) has grown from a vision into a life-changing refuge for survivors of human trafficking. With the support of nearly 450

Harnett County NAACP 55th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Dunn, NC - The annual Harnett County NAACP 5473B Freedom Fund Banquet, led by chapter president Tony Spears, was elevated by an impassioned address from the cousin of George Floyd, Thomas N. McLaurin, who offered a profound reflection on the five years since his relative's death-a moment that sparked a global movement. Thomas N. McLaurin serves as the Executive Director of the Floyd Family Center

Product Review: Power Peace Pads

By Jheri Hardaway  Staff Writer This year at Earn Your Leisure's InvestFest, one of the vendors that stood out the most had a product that most of the population needs but is not widely produced. It stops girls from going to school and can impact women from working. You can only use it once, but it is relied upon. I'm talking about sanitary napkins or pads. Rizza Islam's Intellectual Power

For the Community, By the Community: A Sheriff’s Vision For Harnett County

By Jheri Hardaway  Staff Writer Lillington, NC - Major Aaron Meredith, a 20-year veteran of the sheriff's office, is running for Sheriff of Harnett County with a platform centered on community enhancement and a modern approach to law enforcement. With a history of serving in nearly every capacity within the department, he brings a unique perspective and a deep understanding of the office's operations. "I've pretty much done everything at

Local Government Commission September Meeting: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools, Taylortown Update, and more!

By: Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, N.C. - From the office of the Local Government Commission (LGC), members cleared the way on September 9th for the state to contract for an outside, independent audit of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools. The school system has been cited for financial mismanagement and a $46 million budget deficit that led to the elimination of 350 positions.  Commission members unanimously passed a resolution at Tuesday's

Teens with Guns Murder Beloved Roseville Educator Ericka Ruffin Lucas

By: Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide)  Staff Writer Former Rolesville High School Principal Ericka Ruffin Lucas, 56, is dead after being shot in Wake Forest. She was not the intended target. Her life was tragically cut short by two members of our community's youth. Principal Lucas opened Rolesville High in 2013, proudly led its first graduating class, and dedicated her life to giving students a future. She believed every

The Legacy Of John Hunter Continues: Raleigh Hosts Informative Family Reunion

By Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide) Staff Writer "If you leave home you still need to know where home is" one of the family members mentioned during the presentations of Belle Long and Yvonne Hunter Sanders at Tucker House in downtown Raleigh. The City of Raleigh hosted members of the Hunter family for a follow up to an experience that took place four years ago. On YouTube.com you can find

Nazar Fragrances on Crabtree Changes and Cultural Shift

By Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide) Staff Writer The heart of a community often beats in its small businesses. The Crabtree Valley Mall we knew is no longer. Drastic changes have impacted every element of the customer and retailer experience. For four years, Nazar, a perfume kiosk in the Crabtree Valley Mall, was a pulsating artery of that community. Located in the bustling corridor between popular shoe stores, the kiosk,

Harnett County Commissioner McKoy’s Impactful and Informative Town Hall

By Jheri Hardaway (formerly Ms. Jheri Worldwide) Staff Writer Lillington, NC - Harnett County officials addressed growth, taxes, and public services at a town hall hosted by Commissioner Barbara McKoy. This gathering updated residents on key county initiatives and services, addressing a range of topics from property taxes and public health to the challenges of managing a rapid population growth. The event was held in Lillington at the Harnett County Resource