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
Martin Henson: Resisting ICE is not just about immigration
From the death of a woman in Minnesota to federal immigration raids in North Carolina, resistance is an awful reminder of a society once governed by slavery. Image created by AI. By Martin Henson Beacon Media I can imagine the scene: Locked shoulder to shoulder,...
Kimberly Jones: Access to a good education is a civil right. How do we plan to enforce it?
Deep cuts and layoffs to the U.S. Department of Education endanger our students and our democracy in North Carolina.
Democracy does, in fact, die in darkness
The end of an era at the Washington Post marks a turning point for media’s role in strengthening our democracy in North Carolina and beyond.
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....