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
Dalton George: Why do we hate places we’ve never been?
The writer discusses the politics of place amid a larger cultural phenomenon: vilifying places we’ve never actually seen.
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.
A sixth-grader created the greatest “I voted” sticker I’ve ever seen
A Wake County sixth-grader designed the new “I Voted” sticker featuring a unicorn, capturing attention and sparking excitement about voting.
Latinos push for change to reflect students’ diversity
Without representation, Latino students in North Carolina may feel like no one is looking out for their interests.
From a New Park to City Hall in Rural N.C.
By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Jason Dunkin lives out in the country on the same small plot of land he grew up on. When I met him at his house recently, the rain was beating down hard on the metal roof. He looked out the window toward the road. “I remember my dad and my...
Rural NC town shows how you can build power from the ground up
How a campaign to re-open a park helped build small-town political power in Oxford, North Carolina.
How about working people on the ballot?
Jayne Williams ran for Kannapolis City Council to advocate for working-class issues, and she’s not done yet.
Four Miles Through Kannapolis on Foot
Explore Dale Earnhardt’s hometown on this scenic 4-mile run, uncovering history and surprises along the way.