Mayor Leonardo Williams On Durham’s Economic Future

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, N.C. - Mayor Leonardo Williams is not interested in code-switching, I'm glad because we are exhausted. Recently the teacher of the year-turned, restaurateur-turned-politician, was asked by a reporter about a comment Williams had made at a town hall meeting. In a moment of candid frustration regarding youth violence, the Mayor had used the acronym "YN." For the uninitiated, it stands for "Young N*****." "She

Updates From Veteran’s Affairs: VA Hits Seven-Year High in Housing Homeless Veterans

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, N.C. - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced this week that it has permanently housed 51,936 homeless veterans across the country in Fiscal Year 2025, marking the largest number of veterans housed in a single year since 2019. This national milestone had a significant impact here in North Carolina. According to recent data, 1,379 North Carolina veterans were permanently housed this fiscal year.

Novartis Breaks Ground On $771 Million Manufacturing Hub Expansion In Durham

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, N.C. - In a major victory for North Carolina's biotechnology sector, global pharmaceutical giant Novartis and DPR Construction broke ground this week on a massive expansion of its manufacturing capabilities in Durham and Morrisville. The event, attended by Governor Josh Stein, FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary, and Novartis CEO Vas Narasimhan, marked the beginning of a $771 million investment projected to bring 700 new,

Perseverance, Politics, and the Power of Authenticity

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In a city that has transformed dramatically over the last two decades, few voices have remained as consistent and authentic as Madison Jay, also known as "County!" A staple of the Raleigh hip-hop scene, Madison Jay has seen waves of artists come and go, but he remains grounded, driven by a philosophy of perseverance and community. I recently sat down with the

Passing the Baton, Not Throwing It: A Conversation On Leadership And Legacy With Reverand Dr. Darian Bouie

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer In the world of leadership-whether political, corporate, or spiritual-how one enters a role is often just as critical as how one performs in it. I was recently inspired by the installation ceremony of Rev. Dr. Darian Bouie, where a speaker noted the profound difference between a predecessor "passing the baton" versus "throwing it" at the new leader. This essential metaphor has stuck with me. It

Event Spotlight: Shaw University and the HBCU Triumph Gala

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Briar Creek, NC - December 6, 1865, was profoundly symbolic; the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, abolishing slavery. Saturday, December 6, 2025, at The Westin Hotel-RDU was powerful as well. The 2nd Annual HBCU Triumph Gala was a celebration of the very legacy, pride, philanthropy, and endurance that keep us going today. The premier black-tie event dedicated to celebrating triumphs of Historically

What Boycotting Looks Like 70 Years After Montgomery

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Doris Crenshaw was 12 years old on Dec. 5, 1955, when she and her sister eagerly rushed door to door in their neighborhood, distributing flyers prepared by activists planning a boycott of city buses in Montgomery, Alabama. "Don't ride the bus to work, to town, to school or any place on Monday," the flyers read, urging people to attend a mass meeting that evening. There was

Data Center In Person County: Microsofts Make Major Move

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Woodsdale Township, NC - Person County is set to become the newest home for a Microsoft data center, a development expected to significantly boost the local economy. According to county property records and local press, Microsoft recently paid $26.85 million for a site spanning over 1,300 acres in Woodsdale Township. "Microsoft's presence in Person County will boost our local economy through direct and indirect means,

Durham NAACP 49th Freedom Fund Banquet

By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Durham, NC - The Durham Chapter of the NAACP recently hosted their 49th Annual Freedom Fund banquet at the Durham Hilton near Duke. Attendees were dressed in their Sunday best attire. The event began with an awe-inspsiring and moving crowd rendition of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." While this song is a staple at many NAACP gatherings, it seemed to resonate with particular power this

The Carolinian’s Jheri Hardaway Files for NC Senate District 12, Vowing to Protect Voter Interests

Lillington, NC - Jheri Hardaway officially filed her Notice of Candidacy today with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, formally announcing her bid for the North Carolina State Senate, District 12. Hardaway, a dedicated journalist for The Carolinian News and a community event organizer, is challenging three-term Republican incumbent Jim Burgin. Writer, educator, and current Third Vice Chair of the Harnett County Democratic Party, Hardaway is running on a