Iliana Santillán: No one will make the Latino community invisible

by Beacon Media | May 15, 2026 | El Faro, Español, Latino Community, North Carolina Community, Uncategorized

As the Trump administration targets people under the guise of immigration enforcement, many Latinos in N.C. are celebrating our communities and culture — despite the fear. By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media Photo of La Grande Latin American Festival in...

Martin Henson: Targeting “DEI” is costing life-saving programs and research

by Martin Henson | Apr 22, 2026 | Black Community, DEI, Español, Healthcare, North Carolina Community, Politics

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...

Iliana Santillán: This César Chavez Day, encouraging the whole truth 

by Beacon Media | Apr 1, 2026 | El Faro, Español, History, Immigration, Latino Community, North Carolina Community

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,...

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...