North Carolina
Voting rights advocates reflect on MLK's unfinished work
NORTH CAROLINA (WTVD) — Voting rights advocates reflected on the legacy that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr left behind when it comes to voting.
MLK Jr. Day 2024 celebrations are happening amid ongoing voter litigation in North Carolina in response to the state’s recently redrawn congressional maps.
The plaintiffs in those federal lawsuits — which are still making their way through the courts — contend that North Carolina’s new maps are an example of the modern methods utilized to suppress voters. The maps’ backers say redistricting on partisan lines is legal and no racial data was used in the new maps.
The outcome of those suits notwithstanding — voting rights advocates used the Monday holiday as an opportunity to promote what they called Martin Luther King’s unfinished work.
“It’s the same problem, and we need to eradicate it,” said Deborah Maxwell, president of the North Carolina NAACP, one of the plaintiffs in a federal voting lawsuit.
Maxwell spent part of MLK Jr. Day addressing community members and advocates in Chapel Hill, 30 days before early voting begins for North Carolina’s March primaries.
“We need stronger protections within North Carolina immediately,” Maxwell said. “We’re not going to get that. But that is why we’ve filed suit through Southern Coalition for Social Justice.”
In Durham, Law professor Irving Joyner says the fight for voting rights that continues today echoes MLK’s efforts on the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“Back in the 60’s, the focus was on being to vote, period,” Joyner said. “Today, there is a recognition of the right to vote but there is a strong effort to curtail the impact and importance of that exercise amongst African Americans.”
Joyner says nationwide — that manifests itself today through restrictive voter requirements and gerrymandered maps, and that pushing back against those measures proves Dr. King’s message.
“As we move to confront the efforts to minimize the vote, the relevance becomes apparent,” Joyner said.
A movement advocates say is not only still relevant — but still being fought for, nearly 60 years after MLK’s death.
“He would’ve been 95 today. He would’ve been sad to see some of the things that have occurred not only in this state but around the country. But we will continue to pursue his dream,” said Maxwell.
WATCH | Video from 1966 found of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. speaking at NC State
A 19-second clip of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech inside Reynolds Coliseum in 1966 was recently found in a Raleigh homeowner’s basement.
Voter Suppression
Britannica defines voter suppression as a legal or extralegal measure or strategy whose purpose or practical effect is to reduce voting, or registering to vote, by members of a targeted racial group, political party, or religious community.
What is Gerrymandering?
Gerrymandering is defined as a process where the boundaries of legislative districts are redrawn to favor the political interests of one party. Boundaries are redrawn to include as many of one party’s voters as possible, and to help that party have the best chance possible to win as many seats of power.
What are the election laws in my state?
Federal laws for states are all the same, especially. However, individual states may have different laws.
Here’s a link to election laws in all 50 states
What is Voter Intimidation?
According to the ACLU, Voter intimidation is attempting to interfere with your or anyone’s right to vote, it may be voter intimidation and a violation of federal law. Examples of intimidation may include: aggressively questioning voters about their citizenship, criminal record, or other qualifications to vote, in a manner intended to interfere with the voters’ rights falsely presenting oneself as an election official spreading false information about voter requirements, such as an ability to speak English, or the need to present certain types of photo identification (in states with no such requirement) displaying false or misleading signs about voter fraud and the related criminal pen.
Here’s how to report voter intimidation: Call the Election Protection Hotline: 1-866-687-8683 or 1-888-VE-Y-VOTA (en Español)
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North Carolina is an explorer’s dream, with a landscape that stretches from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Atlantic coast. Whether you’re into hiking through pine forests, relaxing on the beach, exploring historic towns or sampling classic Southern food, there’s something here for everyone.
It’s no surprise that places like the Biltmore Estate, the Outer Banks and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are featured in most North Carolina travel lists. With so many postcard-worthy spots across the state, it’s easy to miss the quieter, obscure destinations that make North Carolina unique.
That’s where you come in.
The Fayetteville Observer wants to know: What are the lesser-known treasures everyone should visit in North Carolina? Maybe it’s a small town with big charm, a trail you’ve hiked a dozen times, a hole-in-the-wall barbecue joint or a swimming hole that only locals know about. Survey responses will be collected for a follow-up look at the most worthwhile places to visit across the state, according to readers.
What’s on your list?
Take the survey below or linked here to help us shine a spotlight on places that might not be famous but are absolutely worth the trip.
Survey closes May 25.
Reporter Lizmary Evans covers dining, retail, entertainment and culture for The Fayetteville Observer. You can reach her at LEvans@gannett.com.
Decatur (Ill.) Mt. Zion four-star tight end JC Anderson remains a prospect on Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels’ radar heading into a busy summer stretch.
Anderson, a Top-10 tight end in America, is coming off of an impressive junior campaign with a myriad of schools entering the mix.
The 6-foot-6, 230-pounder has the Ole Miss Rebels, North Carolina Tar Heels, Illinois Fighting Illini and Auburn Tigers, among several others, battling for his services this offseason.
Kiffin and Co. are set to receive an official visit from Anderson during the weekend of May 30-June 1 as his recruiting process ramps up.
North Carolina and Auburn are also on the official visit schedule for the summer as they turn up the heat for his services.
Ole Miss is in pursuit of multiple top tight ends in the 2026 Recruiting Cycle with both Anderson and five-star Mark Bowman at the top of their list.
Bowman, the No. 1 tight end in America, is currently on an official visit to Ole Miss as Kiffin and Co. role out the red carpet.
Meet the Visitor: Top-Ranked Tight End in America
Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei five-star tight end Mark Bowman has cemented his status as one of the top prospects in America after a dominant sophomore campaign in 2024.
Bowman, the No. 1 rated tight end in America, recently reclassified into the 2026 Recruiting Cycle and will skip junior campaign.
After making the move to reclassify, Bowman remains aa Top-25 prospect in America and the most sought-after tight end on the market.
He’s heard from the top programs in America throughout his process with multiple powerhouse schools turning up the heat.
That includes Lane Kiffin and the Ole Miss Rebels.
Kiffin and Co. were the first program to extend Bowman a scholarship as a freshman and have been on the prowl ever since.
Now, he’s locked in an official visit with the Ole Miss Rebels, according to 247Sports.
Bowman arrived in Oxford on Friday to begin his visit with the program.
The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder remains one of the top targets on the program’s “Big Board” with the Rebels battling the Georgia Bulldogs, Texas Longhorns and Ohio State, among others.
Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs appear to be the frontrunners as it currently stands with the Rebels and other schools looking to make noise this summer.
Bowman’s official visit to Oxford this weekend will be the first official visit of his recruiting process.
What will the California native provide the school of his choice at the next level? On3 Sports National Scout Cody Bellaire chimed in.
“Mark Bowman was the most consistent tight end threat throughout the OT7 Championship. He was constantly moving the chains and made the occasional strong-handed dunk on top of a defender in the end zone that made the highlight reel as well.
“His frame, twitchy movements and route-running are impressive for a 2027 prospect. Bowman’s skill set allowed him to work himself open both underneath and up the seam. If Vance Spafford was covered, Bowman was the next man up. He stepped up his game in a big way this weekend and made his presence felt throughout the OT7 Championship.” – National Scout Cody Bellaire
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