Martin Henson: Juneteenth is my Fourth of July

by Martin Henson | Jun 24, 2026 | Beacon Voices, Black Community, Martin Henson

Juneteenth has always felt to the writer, a Black man, like the day when those who care about the freedom of Black people in America can truly call a day of independence. By Martin Henson Beacon Media Juneteenth is my Fourth of July. It comes with all my favorite...

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: The real reason we’re told to hate Pride

by Gwen Frisbie-Fulton | Jun 16, 2026 | Beacon Voices, Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, LGBTQ+, North Carolina, North Carolina Community, Women's rights

Small town pride events showcase the best of us. Why do some still want to stoke hate? By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Editor’s note: This column, first published in 2024, has been updated from its original version. Photo by Tong Su on Unsplash From...

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: This small town drag brunch brought threats — then sparked long-term activism

by Gwen Frisbie-Fulton | Mar 20, 2026 | Gwen Frisbie-Fulton, LGBTQ+, Local Organizing, North Carolina Community

In 2022, restaurant owner Tiffany Dahle in Stanly County, N.C., hosted a drag brunch that drew threats. Here’s why she’s still fighting for her community.  By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton  Working Class Storytelling Photo by Nico Ruge on Unsplash...

kimberly jones: Rural public schools don’t want a handout. They want access to opportunity

by Kimberly Jones | Mar 4, 2026 | Beacon Voices, Education, Español, Kimberly Jones, North Carolina, North Carolina Community

Former teacher of the year Kimberly Jones, once a rural area public school student, says state lawmakers should offer the same opportunities to rural students that are offered to those from wealthier By Kimberly Jones Beacon Media Photo by Nathan...

Opinion: Why we are asking ‘Do You Even Live Here?’

by Beacon Media | Feb 19, 2026 | Dalton George, North Carolina, North Carolina Community, Opinion, Preston Blakely, Reclaiming Rural, Western North Carolina

Two mayors from Western North Carolina are launching a new podcast, in partnership with Beacon Media, to answer a big question about the future of North Carolina. Preston Blakely (left) & Dalton George (right) By Preston Blakely and Dalton George Beacon Media Last...

Martin Henson: Resisting ICE is not just about immigration

by Martin Henson | Jan 12, 2026 | Beacon Voices, Black Community, 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,...