Preston Blakely: What wielding a vacuum has taught me about power
Cleaning and vacuuming taught the mayor of Fletcher, N.C., a small Western North Carolina town near Asheville, what a gavel never could about leadership and how to be a mayor.
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.
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...
Preston Blakely: My grandmothers couldn’t vote freely. I’m now the Mayor.
Mayor Preston Blakely of Fletcher, N.C., reflects on his legacy and the struggle for Civil Rights that he inherited from his family.
Kimberly Jones: Public education is a sacred obligation
In a column based on a speech given as the outgoing N.C. Teacher of the Year, educator Kimberly Jones reflects on the importance of public schools.
Crystal Barnes: N.C. does not need massive, expensive Duke Energy pipelines
The writer raises concerns about a proposed pipeline planned for central North Carolina, particularly high costs passed onto ratepayers.