Human Rights

Amid the pandemic, racism & injustices must not be ignored

By Alanna Joyner / May 28, 2020 /

The COVID-19 outbreak has taken a toll on the U.S., exposing not only the weakness in the health care system and economy, but the continued inequalities and injustices happening in communities across the country. During a time when the country needs direction and unity, Trump has only spread division and discord, ultimately pandering to an…

Read More

NC Policy Watch: Left behind: Immigrant communities try to navigate COVID-19 with language barriers, lack of resources

By Alanna Joyner / April 8, 2020 /

Just two weeks ago, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement(ICE) agents attempted to detain an undocumented worker in Cary just after the enforcement agency announced plans to limit enforcement actions amid the COVID-19 pandemic. With the largest national public health crisis gripping the nation, already vulnerable communities are being left behind. For immigrant populations, safety concerns,…

Read More

NCHN: COVID-19 accentuates barriers for the deaf and hard of hearing

By Alanna Joyner / April 6, 2020 /

In the midst of a public health crisis, various communities are being heavily impacted and the necessity to provide vital information for everyone as society consistently changes due to COVID-19, is important.  But that lifesaving information can be lost in translation or limited for those within the deaf community. In a state that has almost…

Read More

“Shelter in place” is impossible if there’s no guaranteed housing for thousands

By Alanna Joyner / April 2, 2020 /

Pivotal measures such as self-distancing and social-isolation have been mandated across the United States in an effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Numerous states have implemented “stay-at-home” orders, but what if individuals do not have homes to go to? According to a 2018 report by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, on a…

Read More

Need food during your coronavirus quarantine? NC farmers want to provide it.

By Alanna Joyner / March 18, 2020 /

North Carolina farmers in several counties across the state are providing communities with access to fresh produce in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. With over 230 farmers markets and roadside stands in North Carolina, residents will be able to get local fresh food in their communities, rather than at grocery stores.  From North Carolina…

Read More

NC Policy Watch: Reproductive freedom is in the cross-hairs this week at the Supreme Court

By Alanna Joyner / March 3, 2020 /

Wednesday will be an important day for reproductive rights, as the Supreme Court hears its first abortion case with Gorsuch and Kavanaugh on the court.  Trump’s two handpicked nominees will be deciding on the state of Louisiana’s case, June Medical Services v. Russo, which has the potential to shape abortion access in Louisiana and perhaps…

Read More

ICE raids increase in North Carolina as Trump weaponizes the DOJ

By Alanna Joyner / March 3, 2020 /

North Carolina communities are taking a stance against Trump’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased presence and arrests. Since January, ICE has targeted immigrants in12 counties across the state. ICE agents detained 32 people, 16 in Raleigh, prompting city leaders and immigrants to speak out against their increased actions. Yet, efforts to resist ICE enforcement actions…

Read More

N.C. immigrants, allies vow to resist ramped-up ICE enforcement actions

By Alanna Joyner / February 28, 2020 /

Increased ICE enforcement actions across 12 counties in North Carolina, are causing concerns for many communities. Since January, ICE agents have detained over 32 people in 10 counties, including 16 in Raleigh recently. In response, community members, immigrants and allies, are vowing to protect their families and neighbors as Trump’s ICE agents continue to invade…

Read More

UNC-Chapel Hill faculty petition to end moratorium on renaming university buildings

By Alanna Joyner / February 4, 2020 /

On Monday, a group of prominent UNC-Chapel Hill professors delivered a petition to the new UNC-Chapel Hill Chancellor Kevin Guskiewicz, petitioning to end the moratorium. UNC professors are asking the UNC Board of Trustees to allow the university to rename buildings and historical places on campus — particularly those tied to a racist or white supremacist history.…

Read More

King’s words ring true today

By Eleanore Wood / January 20, 2020 /

In the days leading up to Martin Luther King Day – the Raleigh News & Observer republished this editorial which was one of the newspaper’s most shared pieces in 2018 and again in 2019. It’s a reminder that the civil rights icon was not as appreciated during his lifetime as he should have been or as he is today.…

Read More