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
Melissa Castillo: In North Carolina fields, a ministry of tamales
An underground economy helps immigrants survive, sometimes with a little humanity. Can we learn from that to reform our immigration system so it recognizes reality? By Melissa Castillo Beacon Media It’s Wednesday afternoon in Sampson County, and I watch as Juana’s...
Martin Henson: A murder on a Charlotte train, exploited for Black blood
The writer argues that the murder of a white woman by a Black man on a train in Charlotte, N.C., became the latest incident used for political convenience by our leaders.
Opinion: The price of eggs isn’t my fault
A Hillsborough, N.C., author and farmer knows about the economics of eggs from the perch of his small farm.
Opinion: Where Does Western North Carolina Stand A Year After Helene?
Those who have stepped up in the wake of disaster — and those who must do more.
Opinion: A life in the shadows of North Carolina fields
A former child farmworker and the daughter of immigrants reflects on her life and the current moment.
Opinion: The children of Latino immigrants have shown me their community’s true story
A high school teacher writes that headlines about immigrants don’t match reality. So he wrote a book about how the Durham, N.C., community rallied behind one particular immigrant facing deportation.
Shannon Moretz: Let’s learn from preparation mistakes before the next Helene
After-action reports show state and local officials weren’t ready. Let’s prepare now before the next disaster.
Opinion: It’s not yet time to look back at Hurricane Helene
On the anniversary of Hurricane Helene, two Western North Carolina leaders say too much of the recovery from the storm remains unfinished to see the storm as a memory.
In the wake of violence, living our values
Death, violence and the art of persuasion for a better world than Charlie Kirk envisioned. Editor’s Note: This piece was originally published Sunday to those subscribed to Beacon Media’s newsletter list, published weekly. Occasional pieces are republished here....
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: I went on a Reconnaissance Mission to Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel rebranded, and the Internet freaked out. Gwen made it her mission to find out more.
Opinion: Instead of vilifying Trump voters, let’s build a new movement
The new ‘Beyond Resistance’ initiative will elevate the concerns of rural Americans and the working class. By Anthony Flaccavento Beacon Media My friend, Jack, is a hard-working man, a part-time farmer, and a mechanic who teaches at the local vocational school....
Opinion: A life’s journey to help working-class communities rise
Down Home N.C. candidate recruiter Isra Allison, originally from Philadelphia, Pa., writes about her journey to help the working class ascend to the halls of power. By Isra Allison Beacon Media Sometimes life is preparing us to become something, and we...
Scott Peoples: The Trump Administration is betraying transgender troops
The military veteran reflects on the Trump Administration’s recent decisions around transgender troops.