Our Stories
At Beacon Media, we focus on telling the stories that truly matter to our communities. Beacon Media is built around the people who are preserving and strengthening democracy in North Carolina communities. From healthcare and education to housing and justice, our stories are crafted to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change. It is these community leaders and trusted messengers who will shift our collective narrative and show us what is possible — and then they are the ones who will make it a reality. We share their words and voices far and wide. That’s why all of our commentary is free to republish. We encourage you to use and share our work to help amplify the voices and issues that need attention across our state.
Read The Latest Stories
Iliana Santillán: What we can all learn from Suzy Geronimo
A transgender woman, Geronimo is a Henderson resident who has been detained by immigration authorities. Geronimo’s bold activism and standing in support of Latino and LGBTQ communities demands support from a broader community now, the author argues. By Iliana...
Iliana Santillán: This César Chavez Day, encouraging the whole truth
After many came forward to tell stories of abuse at the hands of the celebrated Latino organizer of farmworkers, the author tells us how to honor this complex legacy. By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media A decade ago, when I was teaching fourth grade in Apex,...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: This small town drag brunch brought threats — then sparked long-term activism
In 2022, restaurant owner Tiffany Dahle in Stanly County, N.C., hosted a drag brunch that drew threats. Here’s why she’s still fighting for her community. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Working Class Storytelling Photo by Nico Ruge on Unsplash...
Episode 2 (PT 2) – Andrew Aydin: Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and Comics
Welcome back to Do You Even Live Here? This is part 2 of our chat with Andrew Aydin. We had a lengthy conversation that we're sure you'll enjoy. In this episode, Andrew shares some Jesse Jackson stories honoring the late civil rights hero and spills about some comic...
Opinion: Restricting registration forms punishes North Carolina voters
By Kate Fellman You Can Vote Photo by Ernie Journeys on Unsplash Following a successful primary election with energetic voter participation all over the state, we expect voters to be even more eager to make their voice heard in the fall. North Carolinians have a...
kimberly jones: Rural public schools don’t want a handout. They want access to opportunity
Former teacher of the year Kimberly Jones, once a rural area public school student, says state lawmakers should offer the same opportunities to rural students that are offered to those from wealthier By Kimberly Jones Beacon Media Photo by Nathan...
Episode 2 – Andrew Aydin: Rushing the Mound, Jesse Jackson, John Lewis, and Comics
For our second episode, we're excited to host Andrew Aydin, John Lewis's former Digital Director and Policy Advisor, a #1 New York Times bestselling author, and a comics writer. We touch on a bit throughout these two parts. We hope you enjoy and look to support Andrew...
Billy Ball: How Jesse Jackson was vilified — and ultimately redeemed
The white South made a villain of a native son, but the region never had a better champion for it on the big stage than the Rev. Jesse Jackson. By Billy Ball The Living South Photo by Fine Photographics on Unsplash In 1984, the Rev. Jesse Jackson lost...
Episode 1 (Pt #2) Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Taking Back Storytelling
Friend of the show, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton continues the conversation about her work, AI, organizing, and much more in this part two of our episode one. Preston and Dalton stick around after and re-cap and touch on their first jobs. Special thanks for this episode goes...