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.

Preservation North Carolina’s Franklin County Ramble

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Franklin County, NC - Preservation North Carolina, or PresNC, has been Saving Places That Matter to the Diverse People of North Carolina Since 1939. As part of a recent historic "Ramble" in Franklin County, PresNC hosted visitors at several properties, including the Historic Perry's School, several churches, and historic residences. The day began with a tour of the historic Perry's School educational complex in rural
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Cooper’s “Make Stuff Cost Less” Tour

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Smithfield, NC - Former Governor Roy Cooper brought his U.S. Senate campaign to Johnston County, speaking to a packed room of supporters about affordability, healthcare, and corporate accountability. His focus is "making stuff cost less." During the Smithfield event, Cooper heavily contrasted his record in North Carolina state government with that of his Republican opponent, former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley, whom he repeatedly
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NC Lawmakers Weigh In On The Supreme Court Dismantling of the Voting Rights Act

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer North Carolina General Assembly - In a monumental 6-3 decision that has sent shockwaves through the American South, the U.S. Supreme Court has effectively dismantled key protections of the landmark Voting Rights Act (VRA). The ruling, which centers on the case Louisiana v. Callais, upends decades of precedent and makes it significantly harder for minority voters to challenge racially discriminatory voting maps and laws. The
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A Troubling Pattern of Racial Disparities In Wells Fargo’s Mortgage Lending 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Charlotte, NC - Wells Fargo's mortgage lending patterns demonstrate significant racial disparities in Charlotte and across North Carolina, according to a new report released by Americans for Financial Reform Education Fund, North Carolina United Power for Action/NC Industrial Areas Foundation, Organized Power in Numbers, and UNITE HERE North Carolina. The study analyzed nearly 25,000 North Carolina mortgage applications and over 16,000 mortgage loans at Wells
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U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis To Speak At Campbell University Law School Hooding Graduation 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) will offer the commencement address at Campbell University School of Law's 48th annual hooding and graduation ceremony on Friday, May 8, 2026, Dean J. Rich Leonard has announced. "I am proud to announce that Senator Tillis will serve as our hooding and graduation speaker as we celebrate 50 years as a law school,"  Leonard said. "He is an important voice
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Harnett County Commissioners “Slow Down” With Data Center Moratorium

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer   Lillington, NC - In a standing room only meeting marked by passionate pleas for environmental justice and fiscal transparency, the Harnett County Board of Commissioners voted Monday to implement a temporary development moratorium on data centers. The unanimous "yes" vote effectively hits the pause button on a burgeoning industry that critics argue threatens the county's water supply, power grid, and rural character. The moratorium
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Fourth Annual Gala: The Daniel Center for Math & Science

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The mission of The Daniel Center for Math and Science (The Daniel Center) is to narrow the education gap for at-risk and disadvantaged children, and the team continues to excel at the mission. Their goal is to prepare and motivate young people to pursue a post-high school education through proven teaching, tutoring, and learning experiences. The Daniel Center hosted its 4th Annual
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NC Education Lottery: Where Does Your Education Dollar Actually Go? 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Since its inception in 2005, the North Carolina Education Lottery has been marketed as a winning ticket for our state's schools. But as the lottery grows into a multi-billion dollar enterprise, many North Carolinians are left wondering: is the money actually making its way to the classroom, or is it just a shell game? According to recent data from Public Schools First NC, the answer
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SB 214 Threatens Local Government Protections

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer North Carolina Senate Bill 214 (2025-2026 Regular Session) is a complex legislative package that addresses various local government and municipal issues across several counties. While it covers matters like planning, zoning, and annexations, the most significant and controversial provision currently making headlines is Section 5 of the Conference Report. Section 5 authorizes Franklin County to acquire real property (including through condemnation/eminent domain) in Halifax, Vance,
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Celebrating The 20th Annual NC Black Summit 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - North Carolina Black Alliance is marking its 25th year and just concluded its 20th Annual NC Black Summit, held at the Raleigh Marriott Crabtree Valley. The event brought together Black elected officials, policy experts, partners, and community advocates to exchange ideas and explore solutions to improve the lives of Black people in North Carolina. The Summit's theme was "Unleashing OUR Power: United
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