Breaking Boundaries: Guerline Pierre's Trailblazing Black Art
“If you’re one of those people who has that little voice in the back of her mind saying, ‘Maybe I could do [fill in the blank],’ don’t tell it to be quiet. Give it a little room to grow, and try to find an environment it can grow in.” --
Read full storyBlack History Triumphs: Franklin Dems Celebrate with Mayor Stoney
"I have great respect for the past. If you don't know where you've come from, you don't know where you're going."-- Maya Angelou. The words of this renowned African American author writer continue to hold significance, urging us to understand the history of those individuals who enabled our current cultural progress & personal growth. The words of truth encourage us to delve into the past of those who played a crucial role in shaping our culture and our present identities.
Read full storySt. Augustine student went viral after being accused of knowingly infecting another student with HIV
"Know your status." This used to be a commercial that was aired to encourage viewers to be tested for human immunodeficiency virus, HIV. A recent viral story of alleged infatuation, infection, and ill-intent circulated around Facebook before gaining national recognition.
Read full storyHampton Roads Rapper Gifted Hands Reaches the Stars
Music is a universal language that speaks to our deepest selves. Rhythms and lyrics have the power to communicate with our hearts, spirits, and souls in a way conversation cannot.
Read full storyGod's Blessing: NC Pastor & Church Gives VA Student a Vehicle
"But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."-- Matthew 6:33. This verse held showed itself true, and God showed Himself mighty in the life of Kenzel Pugh (and family) as he was unexpectedly blessed with a car by his home church. A recent Facebook video touching the hearts, souls, and spirits of viewers went viral after the moment generosity was captured by phone.
Read full storySouthampton County & Franklin urged to know their candidates during Sheriff Election
Advocate. Advise. Counsel. Inspire. These are tasks, commitments, & responsibilities Sheriff Wyche has selflessly & independently added to his sworn allegiance & mission to protect & serve.
Read full storyLittle entrepreneurs touching hearts of the City of Franklin
Brandon Hendricks once said, ”be the one to inspire someone’s dream, not the one to expire someone’s dream,” & that’s exactly what the citizens of the City of Franklin did after discovering why this table was set up on a corner of a neighborhood home.
Read full storyCorn hole fundraising event being held for Southampton County nurse battling breast cancer with community’s support
Susan G. Komen. This was the name that brough breast cancer to the attention nation. Statistically, breast cancer is the most common cancer globally & accounts for 12.5% of all new cases of cancer annually worldwide. As of January 2022, there were more than 3.8 million women with a history of breast cancer in the U.S. This includes women currently being treated and women who have finished treatment. In 2022, an estimated 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer were expected to be diagnosed in women in the U.S., along with 51,400 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer. (Source: Breastcancer.org)
Read full storyMulti-award winning black owned barber shop expanding into North Carolina
Resilience. Grit. Determination. From broke to blessed--it's a "boss mentality." "Manny Did It!" He transitioned from a barber to a business, a business to a brand, & from standing behind a chair to sitting behind a desk. His vision is unlocking new achievements.
Read full storyCapron Elementary School ceremony goes viral after an emotional performance
Following the 5th grade promotion ceremony on Wednesday, June 14th, TikTok user & Southampton County Public School grandparent, Mama Jen uploaded a video of the deeply moving performance.
Read full storyGates County senior omitted in yearbook accomplished a milestone amid battling school inflicted disappointment
Graduation season is upon us. Social media is flooded with videos, pictures, & “congratulations" plastered on every timeline as it is indeed a time of celebration. Students & parents alike are rightfully proud of the accomplishments that have been achieved.
Read full storySouthampton County native hope dealer using her voice to give battered women a second chance at life
An average of 24 people per minute are victims of rape, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in the United States & intimate partner violence alone affects more than 12 million people every year. Domestic abuse has an effect on everyone in the home. 30% to 60% of intimate partner violence perpetrators also abuse children in the household. (Source: National Domestic Violence Hotline)
Read full storyBlack Girl Leadership Academy shattering glass ceilings across the nation by way of mentorship
"Yes, we can!" This slogan vibrated across America as teary-eyed African Americans who endured slavery, segregation, & social injustice in their prime witnessed Barack Obama be announced as President of the United States in 2008. By his side, a beautiful woman, educated & eloquent, former 1st Lady, Michelle Obama--the 1st African American First Lady to serve in the seat & lead the country. Together, they had become history--black history.
Read full storyNorth Carolina A&T recording artist graduate giving back to Franklin High School
Statistically, the City of Franklin is one of Virginia's most underserved & underpopulated cities. An underserved community is considered to be one that has limited or no resources or one that is otherwise disenfranchised (Source: Fema.gov).
Read full storyNorfolk State University graduate—black clothing brand to appear on Shark Tank
Historically black colleges & universities or HBCUs have been a source of pride for the black culture & community in the realm of education since dating back to 1837 when the 1st HBCU, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania was established. Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended defines an HBCU as:
Read full storyThe Scars of Endometriosis--a Warrior's journey heading into surgery number five
While endometriosis can affect women of any race (around 176 million women worldwide), black women are less likely to be diagnosed with endometriosis than white women. "It takes an average of 7 to 10 years after symptoms begin to get a diagnosis & women are often misdiagnosed or receive poor medical care for a long time." The unfortunate truth is Research suggests that race plays a role in misdiagnosis. Doctors believed that white women had endometriosis, but black women did not. (Source: Endometriosis.net--Spotlight Racial Differences)
Read full storySee a life. Touch a life. Change a Life--a mission & lifestyle of a Hampton native
D.J. Davis, CEO of Touch Life Enterprises, LLC. & music artist/author who goes by the stage name WALT-LEON, is a Hampton, Virginia native who is for making a positive impact in the community & the lives of those around him. His purpose is made public. His passion? People. He credits his mother for instilling his values & igniting the spark for people & touching lives as she herself leads by example as a strong tower in the community.
Read full storyThe Big Red Machine charging along with Southampton High School coach leading on the field & into the future
"Let's go big red!" A sea of red & white SHS Indian pride chants from the stands while they stare down onto a widely stretched field scattered with red helmets & jerseys; down in the trenches with the seemingly big players, a small framed body who has the heart of a giant--Coach P.
Read full storySomething in the Water still a hit despite less than perfect weather
Nothing about the weather could stop Something in the Water. As the weekend wraps up the three-day-long festivities of the celebrity-packed beach party, patrons report that it was money well spent despite the rainy weather. With rain expected, many took to social media to announce purchases of ponchos to confirm that they would be in attendance at the event--rain or shine.
Read full storySouthampton County native claiming hearts of people one plate at a time
“Kiss the cook!” I cannot think of any event or occasion that I have participated in where food was not involved. Food has a way of bringing even the biggest strangers together in unity.
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