Sofia Lesnewski
Articles
Social assistance organizations in the Triangle refocus efforts amid COVID-19 outbreak
As individuals in the Triangle experiencing homelessness navigate increased unemployment and widespread closures during the COVID-19 outbreak, the organizations that serve them are working to respond — all while following social distancing guidelines. These groups are grappling with how to provide housing and services to those who need it most, and they know need isn't going to slow down any time soon. “For many of us, this time is a matter of staying at home and missing out on certain activities,” Stephani Kilpatrick, residential services director at the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service, said. “But for IFC’s members, it could mean that basic needs are not met.”
'A struggle and a conflict': The history and future of Pine Knolls
Pine Knolls is a community that has struggled with self-preservation in the past, and today, that self-preservation is still uncertain.
Student activism: The evolution of the antiwar movement at colleges across the state
At several colleges across North Carolina, antiwar sentiment has transformed the role of activism both on and off-campus and will continue to prompt student action in the future.
Chapel Hill Public Library petitions to get rid of library fines
"Within three weeks of going fine-free, Chicago Public Library saw a 240 percent increase in returned materials and an increased number or new users," said Meeghan Rosen, the assistant director of Chapel Hill Public Library.
National politics takes center stage at Raleigh Women's March
“Until women’s rights are enshrined in the constitution with an Equal Rights Amendment, everything that has been given to us by law, can conceivably be taken away.”
'Is my vote going to count?' Local nonprofit addresses race and voting rights in N.C.
Last Thursday, voting rights advocates met at the Chapel Hill Public Library to discuss their opposition to voter ID and other issues.
Universities are preparing for the future of dreamers amid DACA's potential rollback
Students who have benefitted from DACA are now facing uncertainty as a decision on the program's future rests in the hands of the Supreme Court. At the same time, colleges and universities across North Carolina are teetering the line between protecting students and complying with the law in a state that allows local law enforcement to collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prohibits sanctuary cities. While several schools have declared themselves sanctuary campuses, others are relying on student activism. No matter what the method is, they say they're trying to help DACA recipients carry the weight.
UNC-Charlotte coalition wants to oust head of safety
After UNC-Charlotte's associate vice chancellor for safety and security, John Bogdan, was accused of overlooking human rights violations during his tenure at Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, activists are listing their demands for future hirings.
Will CHALT and NEXT endorsed candidates be successful on Tuesday?
As election day approaches, candidates for local office in Chapel Hill and Carrboro are entering the homestretch of campaigning. For the Next Action Fund and Chapel Hill Leadership Political Action Committee, this means the wait is almost over: in just a few days, they will know if the candidates they endorsed have secured seats.
Over a year after being killed by a security guard, DeAndre Ballard is not forgotten
Students at NCCU remember the death of DeAndre Ballard a year later.
Media
pine knolls
Pine Knolls is a historically Black neighborhood just west of Merritt Mill Road, where UNC provided housing for some janitorial staff and subsidies for other Black workers facing postwar hardship.
orange county commissioners
The Orange County Board of County Commissioners met on Tuesday, Sept. 10 to discuss regulation for discharging firearms.