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: A Raleigh death evokes strong emotions for the Black community
The Black community should not immediately be dismissed for speculating on the cause of a Black man’s death after he was found hanging from a tree, the author writes. By Martin Henson Beacon Media A Black man was found hanging from a tree in downtown Raleigh last...
Kimberly Jones: North Carolina lawmakers and the N.C. Supreme Court turn their backs on our future
The N.C. Supreme Court has shut the door on the Leandro lawsuit, ignoring its obligation to our Constitution. Our communities are the only ones left to stand up for our future. Photo by Elijah Mears on Unsplash By Kimberly Jones Beacon Media It was 22...
Martin Henson: Targeting “DEI” is costing life-saving programs and research
When many people think of “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion” efforts, they think of a workplace training. However, targeting of those initiatives has resulted in harm far beyond that, affecting the health of many Americans, the writer says. Photo...
DYELH Podcast: Episode 6 – Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter
Episode 6: Henderson County, Hospitality House, and Coach Carter In this episode, we sit down with Todd Carter—Mayor Pro Tem of Boone, Dalton’s right-hand man, and Chief Development Director at Hospitality House of WNC—for a wide-ranging conversation rooted in...
DYELH Podcast: Episode 5 – ACA, Graig Meyer, and March Madness
In our second news episode with just our two hosts, Preston and Dalton, touch on an ongoing healthcare challenge related to a hospital in WNC, the replacement process for NC Senator Graig Meyer's seat, their own controversies, and wrap it up talking about March...
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...
DYELH Podcast: Episode 4 (PT 2) – Petey Smith McDowell: Belle Chere, Reddit, North Carolina Ghost Busters
Here's part two of our conversation with Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more,. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows @peteysmithmcdowell. Big shoutouts to Preston's family business, Quality Janitorial Group Inc....
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,...
DYELH Podcast: Episode 4 – Petey Smith McDowell: AVL, Comedy, and Reading the Room
So excited that we had the Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more, join us for our first in person episode! Together we talk comedy, politics, and Western North Carolina. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows...