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
Preston Blakely: My grandmother, still fighting for the right to vote
A Black mayor in Western North Carolina reflects on a conversation with his grandmother, who fought for civil rights and the Voting Rights Act 50 years ago. In the wake of the U.S. Supreme Court decision last week, that fight continues. By Preston Blakely Beacon Media...
Can a billionaire make North Carolina’s public schools poor?
Veteran campaign finance expert says political donations are driving school privatization By Bob Hall NC Newsline Despite strong opposition, the North Carolina Senate voted this month to boost enrollment in privately run K-12 schools by doubling state...
For Latinos, ‘parent’s rights’ should be about support and respect
Growing up, I aimed to leave rural North Carolina, but now I help Latino families navigate education through Casa Azul.
How N.C. workers are changing the narrative on climate
Local organizing, new investments mean a power shift By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton In a small church on the outskirts of Smithfield on a Sunday afternoon, people are comparing light bills. One woman reports that her electrical costs could reach $700 in the summer when...
The stats that really matter in assessing K-12 education funding
North Carolina’s school funding ranks low in adequacy and equity, despite legislative focus on irrelevant state versus local sources.
Let’s engage in our communities, not just social media
There is real power in working with our neighbors. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton “Mom, have you seen the news?” my teenage son asks between mouthfuls of cereal at the breakfast table. He is reading an article about Ukraine. He then turns to another article, this one about...
Ask politicians: What are you doing for renters?
North Carolina renters face rising costs, fees, and displacement, threatening community stability, while lawmakers continue to overlook tenant protections.
School vouchers are un-American
North Carolina’s expanded private school vouchers divert funds from public schools, weakening bonds and democracy. This threatens the shared values public schools instill in our communities.
Lessons for the rural housing crisis from Western N.C.
In Watauga County, realtor Sarah Davis is fighting back against soaring housing costs and LLCs, organizing locals to protect homeownership.