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.

The Hidden Tariff Racism: Racial Inequity Stifles American Economy

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer When economists discuss the "bottom line" of American industry, the conversation often centers on interest rates, supply chains, and consumer spending. Yet, a growing body of research from the Federal Reserve, Citigroup, and the Brookings Institution points to a much older, more corrosive factor: the "hidden tariff" of systemic racism. The roots of this economic drag are not modern; they are foundational. Recently uncovered correspondence
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Self-Titled “Urban Explorers” Target Saint Augustine University’s Campus

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - The Carolinian received an anonymous tip that "Urban Explorers" are breaching security to trespass on Saint Augustine's University, which is already grappling with a fragile financial recovery and a complex federal bankruptcy process. Saint Augustine's University (SAU) is now facing a new threat after dark. Self-styled "urban explorers" and internet video creators are infiltrating the historic campus, documenting their trespassing on social
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Part 2: Gwendolyn White, A House Not A Home 

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - When we first brought you the story of Gwendolyn White, our community was forced to confront a deeply uncomfortable reality: a citizen can call for help, waving a flag of distress, only to find herself met with absolute institutional silence and corruption. When a citizen is trapped in a nightmare, the standard advice is always the same: call the police. Trust the
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Standing Room Only in Raleigh with Leader Sydney Batch and Stacey Abrams

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Raleigh, NC - It was a standing-room-only crowd in Raleigh as North Carolina Senate Democratic Leader Sydney Batch took the stage alongside national voting rights champion, attorney, and author Stacey Abrams for an intensive, data-driven Jeopardy themed conversation on the political landscape. Way more innovative than standard campaign events, the fundraiser served as an evidence-based dissection of the most critical policy issues facing North Carolina
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Governor Stein Signs Jaleeyah’s Law

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer On Monday, July 6th Govenor Josh Stein signed House Bill 1173 widely known as Jaleeyah's Law in the presence of Jaleeyah's mother, family, and community leaders. Jaleeyah's Law is designed to increase penalties for gang-related crimes and provide stronger tools for prosecutors. The law is named in memory of 13-year-old Jaleeyah Tune who on December 21, 2025, was shot and killed while walking home with
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Moore County Legislators Are Forcing Division: Pinehurst’s Silence Is Loud  

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer For generations, municipal elections in the state's smaller towns have operated on a simple premise: neighbors voting for neighbors based on local issues, free from the toxic polarization of national party politics. Senate Bill 876 aims to dismantle that tradition by forcing a mandatory partisan framework onto all 11 municipalities in Moore County, as well as its school board. Senate Bill 876 features several mandates
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Community Secures Key Funding To Fight Poverty

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Lillington, NC -  Driving meaningful change requires both a deep commitment to the community and a willingness to evolve. That spirit of enduring dedication and forward momentum was on full display at the latest board of directors meeting for Johnston Lee Harnett (JLH) Community Action. The inspiring session brought together long-serving members, agency leaders, and community advocates, all unified by a shared mission: securing grant
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Ownership Over Access: Several Key Takeaways From The Greensboro Business League Executive Round Table

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By Jheri Hardaway Staff Writer Greensboro, NC - "The civil rights movement won the right to sit at this lunch counter, but the challenge of the 21st century is ownership of the lunch counter." This striking sentiment captured the foundational theme of the Greensboro Business League's (GBL) Executive Round Table, hosted on Tuesday, June 23, at the stunning Center for Creative Leadership. Co-hosted by Gerry McCants, Co-Founder, and Earl Jones,
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An N.C. General Assembly Veto Axes Historically Underutilized Businesses

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

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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,
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