Elevate: Amplifying voices in our community

UNC recruits for diversity on Decision Day

By Sarah Kaylan Butler | Apr. 8, 2015

“My goal is to make us the Morehouse College of (predominately white institutions),” he said. “They’re known for producing very high quality graduates, who go into fortune 500 companies ... We’ve had that for some time now, we’ve had a good percentage of our black males go on to do really great things — beyond Michael Jordan or a Harrison Barnes. We have Michael Jordans’ and Harrison Barrnes’ in medicine and in law.”

UNC junior Matthew Fenner says he was beaten and choked by members of his church in January 2013 after they found out he was gay. The trial for the case will reconvene this week in Rutherford County.

UNC junior says members of his church attacked him for being gay

By Mary Helen Moore | Apr. 2, 2015

Two years ago, Matthew Fenner was beaten and choked by members of his own church. Three months ago, his mother and brother testified against him when his attackers were indicted on charges of kidnapping and assault.

(From left to right) Asia Gandy, and Joia Freeman share their experiences with the attendees of the Token Black Girl Event Wednesday afternoon.

Black women address challenges at UNC

By Luman Ouyang | Apr. 2, 2015

Many UNC students of color consistently face the question of grouping themselves with people of their own race or merging into the majority culture of white students.

The Asian Student Association partnered with Radical Asians to host a discussion on identity and race. Dr. Jennifer Ho, a professor of English and Comparative Literature and Stevie Larsen, a graduate student led the discussion. Jasmin Huang, a senior clinical laboratory science major and the president of the Asian Students Association explained that "this is technically our first event and we're co-sponsoring holi moli and the fusion festival next month. These events are meant to unite the community of Asian American issues and bring them to light."

Students explore Asian-American identities

By Brielle Kronstedt | Mar. 31, 2015

At least 30 Asian-American students at UNC say they feel as though the University uses them as props.

Lady Jane Scandal stands by Chapel Hill Underground bar before performing.

UNC’s 13th annual Unity Conference hosts drag show

By Erin Wygant | Mar. 30, 2015

Junior Alex Ponikvar shed his economics major persona Friday night and strutted across the stage in stilettos and a platinum wig as drag queen Diana Thurst.

NC State’s Greek system under review

By Eric Surber | Mar. 27, 2015

An offensive book connected to an N.C. State University fraternity — the school’s third Greek-related offense of the spring semester — has caused the closing of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity and sparked a comprehensive investigation of the school’s Greek system.

‘Illuminating’ event looks at black divide

By Olivia Bane | Mar. 19, 2015

Students from the Black Student Movement and Organization for African Students’ Interests and Solidarity came together Wednesday night to address an issue not often discussed on a national level.

Summer reading book "Just Mercy" faces race, justice

By Emily Lowe | Mar. 6, 2015

This summer, future Tar Heels in the incoming class of 2019 and transfer students will dive into injustice in the legal system through this year’s summer reading, “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson.

Islamophobia talk kicks off Muslim students’ lecture series

By Sofia Edelman | Mar. 5, 2015

To graduate student Michael Muhammad Knight, prejudice against Islam is a relatively modern phenomenon— one that evolved from other types of prejudice.

Cipryana Mack, a sophomore EXSS major, leads a discussion following a screening of the film "Dear White People" hosted by the UNC Black Student Movement at Ram Village on Friday.

Black Student Movement hosts viewing of "Dear White People"

By Adam Sheinhaus | Feb. 23, 2015

With the lack of diversity in the Oscar’s nominations this year, UNC’s Black Student Movement’s event Friday hit a relevant note for its attendees.

Charlie Scott embraces former North Carolina coach Dean Smith, who was honored with the Dr. James A. Naismith Good Sportsmanship Award Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Robert Willett/Raleigh News & Observer/MCT)

Charlie Scott, Roy Williams and others remember Dean Smith for his humanitarian efforts off the court

By Aaron Dodson | Feb. 9, 2015

These are the memories that especially stand out — yet they don’t involve comeback victories, his trademark four-corner offense or runs to a national title.

Q&A with junior Taylor McCain, granddaughter of Greensboro Four participant

By Sarah Kaylan Butler | Feb. 5, 2015

In 1960, the Franklin McCain, one of the Greensboro Four, saw an issue with racial segregation and did something about it by hosting a sit-in in an all-white diner. More than half a century later, his granddaughter, UNC junior Taylor McCain, is taking his lead to pursue racial equality by working with Communiversity, a community-building youth program sponsored by the Sonya Haynes Stone Center for Black Culture and History.

Jose, an undocumented student, has overcome many challenges to attend UNC this year.

Undocumented students face burdens when paying for school

By Caroline Leland | Feb. 5, 2015

So far, Jose has defied the odds.

Civil rights center unapologetic about its advocacy efforts across the state

By Caroline Lamb | Feb. 2, 2015

For Allen Buansi, it happened when UNC’s Center for Civil Rights presented to his class at East Chapel Hill High School.

Activists continue the fight to rename Saunders Hall

By Stephanie Lamm | Feb. 2, 2015

Students of color are joining together on campus to support each other in ways they feel the University is unable.

A group of on lookers pay their respects to those who have been persecuted because of their gender on Transgender Remembrance day, Wednesday afternoon in the Pit.

Transgender Day of Remembrance honors 81 killed this year

By Sofia Edelman | Nov. 21, 2014

The UNC LGBTQ Center did not let the issue of gender-prejudiced violence go unnoticed or unaddressed on the international Transgender Day of Remembrance on Thursday.

Emilio Vicente, senior public policy major from Siler City, leads a discussion on financial aid and other student issues at a meeting for the North Carolina Student Power Union at Campus Y on Wednesday night based around the UNC Board of Governors.

Students teach and learn about BOG representation

By Sarah Brown | Nov. 13, 2014

A poster at the front of the room stated the facts: 91 percent white, 5.9 percent black, 3.1 percent Asian, 0 percent Hispanic, 80 percent men, 20 percent women, 29 Republicans, two Democrats.

Roderick Gladney (right) helps recruit new members during Carolina Cupboard's opening week of events in the Pit on Monday .

On-campus food pantry Carolina Cupboard set to launch Friday

By Katie Kilmartin | Oct. 21, 2014

On Friday, the basement of Avery Residence Hall will be the site of a food pantry for hungry, low-income students.

Lindsay Carroll looks on at her new spouse Desiree Peterson during Sunday dinner. The two exchanged vows Friday at the Wake County Justice Center.

In NC, gay couples tie a historic knot

By Mary Tyler March | Oct. 13, 2014

For some LGBT couples in North Carolina on Friday, patience wasn’t a virtue.

Tim McMillan, senior lecturer in UNC's Department of African, African-American and Diaspora Studies, talks to students and local residents on the Black and Blue Tour about historical landmarks on campus related to UNC's racial history.

Black and Blue Tour focuses on UNC's racial history

By Ashlen Renner | Oct. 13, 2014

To some, the Unsung Founders Memorial in McCorkle Place, dedicated to the people of color, both enslaved and free, who helped build the University, is simply an outdoor table — but not to Tim McMillan.