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.

An N.C. General Assembly Veto Axes Historically Underutilized Businesses

0
  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) program works to increase the number and types of businesses competing for state contracts, helping the government get the best value for taxpayer dollars. The HUB Office was originally established by law during the 2001 Legislative Session to educate and encourage women-owned and minority-owned businesses on how to compete for contracts with state and local government
Read More

Protecting Democracy: Rep. Rodney Pierce Proposes Constitutional Amendment to Guard Early Voting

0
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - In an effort to shield the state's electoral process from constant partisan shifting, State Representative Rodney Pierce (D-Halifax, Northampton, Warren) hosted a press conference to introduce House Bill 1240, a landmark legislation proposing a constitutional amendment to permanently guarantee North Carolinians the right to vote early in person. The bill, primarily sponsored by Pierce alongside Representatives Marcia Morey (D-Durham), Renee Price (D-Caswell,
Read More

The Raleigh Firebirds Rebrand And Become The Carolina Firebirds, Expanding Their Legacy In NC

0
  By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Raleigh Firebirds are proud to announce an exciting new chapter in the team's history: effective immediately, the organization will rebrand and compete as the Carolina Firebirds. This transition reflects the Firebirds' commitment to engaging and uniting basketball fans, athletes, and communities across the entire state of North Carolina. Since their inception, the Firebirds have been dedicated to excellence on and
Read More

Harnett County Trailblazer Awards Honors Local Leaders

0
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC - The 2nd Annual Harnett County Trailblazer Awards, presented by the Harnett County African American Heritage Center (NCAAHC) on June 19th, was a spirit-filled celebration of community success and endurance. Hosted at the Harnett County Resource Center, the event served as a profound tribute to those who have paved the way for future generations. The organization's goal continues to be, "celebrate your name,
Read More

JetZero Ribbon Cutting 

0
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Greensboro, NC - On Monday, June 15,  JetZero officially broke ground on an 8-million-square-foot aircraft manufacturing facility. Greensboro, North Carolina, the company has stated this, "is where the future of aviation gets built." This is the largest manufacturing investment in the state's history, the first greenfield large-aircraft production facility built in the United States in a generation, and the foundation for the first clean-sheet American
Read More

Style, Culture, & Brotherhood: Inside the Epsilon Rho Lambda Beautillion

0
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer There is a distinct, palpable energy that fills the room when our community gathers to pour into our young people. It is an atmosphere where preparation meets opportunity, and where historic traditions form the foundation for future success. That exact excellence was on full display at the "Young Men Leading With Purpose" Beautillion, hosted by the Brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Rho
Read More

Preservation NC Explores The Layered History Of Hillsborough

0
By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Hillsborough, NC - Historic Hillsborough is full of character, history, and life. The morning of our Hillsborough Ramble, the main street was flooded with signs defending democracy, calling for healing and love. These same sentiments were felt throughout the tour. This sweltering Saturday ramble, hosted by Preservation North Carolina (PresNC), brought history buffs and preservationists to the quaint, historic, and stunningly beautiful town of Hillsborough.
Read More

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

0
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
Read More

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

0
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
Read More

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

0
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
Read More