Approximately one-third of the residents in Cumberland County have a challenge of food insecurity or limited access to healthy foods, according to Laura Lupton, local CROP Hunger Walk coordinator and Presbyterian pastor. The Cumberland County CROP Hunger Walk will take place in Downtown Fayetteville on March 30. The pre-walk activities begin at 2 p.m. and the step off is at 3 p.m. Hay Street United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church-Anderson are co-hosts of the event. Church World Service and Fayetteville Urban Ministry are partners in the walk. The fundraising goal is $20,000. The donations will provide funds for critical services such as emergency housing and food, addressing severe medical costs, and self-sufficiency resources.
Lupton shares the inspiration for the event.
“The CROP Hunger Walk inspires learning about local, global, innovative ways to create partnerships for the creation of healthy, safe futures. They are reminded about innovations in poverty relief such as building sand dams, cooperatives of women cultivating honey production, Friend-to-friend mentoring, and home repair skills for youth to help senior citizens age in place. My passion intersects my inspiration, many people personally know the financial hardship or loss from natural disasters such as Hurricane Matthew and Florence, persons who lost their jobs due to injury and illness, or downsizing. How do the persons of this population put food on the table?” Lupton said.
“Negative stereotypes imposed by society can impede successful economic and social navigation within the community. We come together in CROP to show solidarity and provide resources.”
Lupton talked about the length of the walk, focusing on the distance and what it represents.
“The design of CROP Hunger Walk is based on persons around the world who have to walk miles to have access to drinkable water. The length of CROP Walk was at one time ten miles. Ten miles was representative of the average distance for drinkable water in an emerging country. We walk in solidarity with these persons.”
In addition to the walk, CWS kits will also be available. These kits contain various supplies for those in need. For more information regarding CWS kits, visit https://www.CWSkits.org.
“We are passionate about the CROP Hunger Walk; we are increasing awareness of global and local poverty. No one is immune from being suddenly stripped of earthly comforts and finding themselves displaced and broke,” Lupton said.
“The Church World Service is experiencing the impacts of the abrupt and sweeping halt of the U.S. Agency of International Development (USAID). One of the impacts is dire consequences for many communities. Church World Service will be the only organization providing sustainable solutions to hunger and poverty. The annual CROP Hunger Walks raise significant funds for the critical work of Church World Service,” she said. “CROP Hunger Walk is open to anyone or any group who wants to participate. The past participants have been persons in strollers to mature citizens over one hundred.”
Participation in the CROP Hunger Walk is free; however, donations are welcome. The Facebook fundraiser connects to the participants' registration page so they can see their progress. Cash and checks can be turned in at the event.
“The CROP Hunger Walk is a great way to see our churches come together for a common goal of loving our neighbors. The Walk is a great way to meet our neighbors who care about the hurting and hungry in our area,” Lupton said.
Create a family and personal tradition by starting a team, donating, or being an individual walker. For more information, contact Lupton at 910-818-9938 or by email at CumberlandCropWalk@gmail.com. Updates can be found on the Fayetteville CROP Walk Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FayettevilleCROPWalk/

(Photo: A participant in the CROP Hunger Walk in 2024 poses with a Hunger Fighter frame. The CROP Walk will take place in downtown Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Laura Lupton)

With spring around the corner and temperatures warming, you may be feeling motivated to tackle more than the typical spring cleaning project. Does your kitchen need modernization? What about that old tile shower? Maybe there’s something more pressing, like gutters that aren’t doing their job.
Whatever upgrade you’re pondering, the North Carolina Spring Home Expo is a wealth of expertise and resources for any homeowner. Steven Neft, Marketing Representative with the Expo, said that the lineup of exhibitors is perfect for anyone looking to renovate, build, or decorate their home.
“You get to meet with representatives from these companies and gain inspiration on what you want to do for the spring and summer months at your home,” he said.
He explained that the Expo appeals to a wide array of needs.
“Whether you want to repaint your home, if you want to add lighting, if you want to fix your roof, these are all things people that are looking at, also kitchen and bathroom renovations are very big on everybody's list for the spring, summer, fall months.”
While some homeowners prefer tackling renovations and upgrades spontaneously, some prefer planning in advance. Neft says the Expo is for both. Lovers of spontaneity can visit without any pre-planning. The event and parking are both free, and no tickets are required for entry. For visitors who want more predictability, the vendor list will be published the week of the Expo at northcarolinahomeexpo.com. From there, you can identify ahead of time the specific vendors you wish to visit.
Neft explained that meeting vendors in person can inform decisions that are otherwise hard.
“We're all kind of reluctant sometimes to have people come to our home. But if you then meet these people first at the show, you get a better feeling. So it's a great opportunity to connect with people who could help you with those projects,” he said.
Visitors can fuel their search for the perfect home renovation project by visiting the food trucks that will be on-site with concessions. According to the North Carolina Home Expo website, the event is child-friendly and will even have activities to entertain the younger crowds.
Additionally, visitors can take advantage of money-saving deals by attending the Expo.
“There are also going to be exclusive discounts that are given away. So if you attend the show, you get the opportunity to get a special discount,” Neft explained. “That means, for example, if you’re thinking of doing that bathroom over again, and the bathroom companies there will be offering you a coupon that you could then use when you finalize a deal, you save money, and it's exclusive for the people attending the show.”
Neft said he expects to see 3,000 to 5,000 attendees and the exhibitor list is still growing.
“Anybody looking to exhibit still has the opportunity! We have a few booths open,” he shared.
The North Carolina Home Expo will be held March 21-23 at the Crown Complex, 1960 Coliseum Dr. The expo will be open Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Following a closed session, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to extend Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin’s contract for another two years. The new contract takes effect March 1 of this year and runs through March 1, 2027, with an annual salary of $140,000.
The minutes from the closed session, which lasted about 35 minutes, were sealed, with no action taken.
According to ZipRecruiter, as of February 2025, the average salary for a town manager in North Carolina was $108,407 per year. Most salaries range from $96,800 to $128,600, with top earners making $144,953.
According to a CityView report, McLaughlin has been with the town since 2015, previously serving as the town’s planning director, economic development director and development services director, overseeing code enforcement while also serving as interim town manager.
Regarding the promotion and contract extension, Bellflowers told CityView they have confidence in McLaughlin.
“The Hope Mills Board of Commissioners reviewed Town Manager Chancer Mclaughlin’s past year accomplishments and next year’s opportunities toward building a culture of continuous improvement for residents and businesses,” said Bellflowers. “During the review, Mr. Mclaughlin expressed the confidence he has in our community and the board agreed by having confidence in his leadership abilities, dedication, work ethic; and, looks forward to continuing a productive relationship in coming years.”
At the start of the commissioners’ meeting, McLaughlin provided an update on last Monday’s 20-acre brush fire near Jack Britt High School.
“The deputy fire chief has indicated the fire is under control and has been handed over to the North Carolina Forestry Service, which will be monitoring the area for the next few days until it is completely extinguished,” McLaughlin said. “The N.C. Forestry Service has also placed a double fireline around the fire to keep it contained, and it is expected to smolder for the next few days, possibly a week.”
According to ncagr.gov, North Carolina’s Forest Service reported 1,935 wildfires in the state since January 1, burning just over 5,179 acres.
Town Deputy Fire Chief Robert Hurlburt told CityView that wildfires are common this time of year due to dry weather and a lack of rain.
“It just takes a spark,” Hurlburt said. He added that the fire was near a homeless encampment but could not confirm the cause, as the investigation is still ongoing.
Other town business
The board unanimously approved a non-contiguous annexation of 4.96 acres at 140 Missy Byrd Drive, which encompasses Lot 7 of the All American Business Park. The town’s planning staff intends to zone the property as a planned commercial district with conditional zoning.
Additionally, the board reviewed an initial zoning request for 10.06 acres of undeveloped land on Applebury Lane off Cumberland Road. The request proposed zoning the land as a residential and planned commercial district, with plans for future town home construction. The board unanimously approved the zoning request.
The board also heard budget requests from various town committees. These requests will help guide funding decisions during the upcoming budget retreat on Thursday at the John W. Hodges Public Safety Center.

Orange Street School is not just a building but a beacon of hope and creativity for our community's youth. While many stories have emerged about the school's revival, it's essential to highlight one of its most significant collaborators: Sandhills Jazz Society. At the heart of our community, Sandhills Jazz Society is committed to fostering musical talent among students and has been nothing short of remarkable.
Founded in 2018 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts and educational organization in Fayetteville, Sandhills Jazz Society has tirelessly worked to establish our city as a vibrant hub for musical exchange. The music is not just about jazz but about connecting with diverse interests to create innovative programs tailored for young individuals who may not find their passion in traditional sports.
Sandhills Jazz Society is excited about launching the Orange Street Music Education Lab, developed in collaboration with Fayetteville-Cumberland County Parks & Recreation. The lab represents a significant leap forward in providing youth with artistic expression and skill development. SJS will oversee all daily operations at the lab, ensuring that every aspect—from maintaining industry-leading equipment standards to offering expert technical support is handled with precision and care. SJS has meticulously designed the recording studio, adhering to the highest standards of acoustics, aesthetics, and functionality, with every detail thoughtfully planned to ensure an exceptional experience for artists, producers, and sound engineers.
Tina Turner is a passionate leader of the project. She is excited to share insights into their transformative work at Orange Street School.
“As one of the three founders of the Sandhills Jazz Society, I am thrilled to embark on this exciting project. Being an alumnus of E.E. Smith, I feel a deep sense of pride in being able to bring this initiative to Orange Street School. Our vision embraces a wide spectrum of music genres, including jazz, blues, and world music, as well as evolving forms influenced by modern technologies and media. This opportunity allows me to contribute to the community. It holds a unique and cherished place in my heart as I connect my past experiences with this vibrant musical endeavor,” she said.
Turner also shared that their mission is to promote interest in jazz music and engage new generations with their work while producing an enjoyable and financially viable annual All-American City Jazz Festival. They aimlessly strive to increase appreciation for jazz and strengthen the arts community through special projects such as artistic exchanges, partnerships, educational workshops, community programs, and collaborations that enhance the art form.
Tyshica Smith will be working alongside the Sandhills Jazz Society. With Smith at the helm as Youth Development and Cultural Arts Coordinator, there is confidence that her expertise will enrich their program significantly through her innovative approach to creating inspiring opportunities
for our youth.
In showcasing the contributions of the Sandhills Jazz Society, Up & Coming Weekly wanted to highlight SJS’s efforts of unwavering belief in nurturing our youth through music. Their work deserves recognition as they play an integral role in shaping future generations—one note at a time.
The Orange Street School is a testament to resilience and community spirit, having served generations of Black students since its inception in 1915. Originally one of the first publicly funded schools for Black children in Fayetteville, it played a pivotal role in the educational landscape, eventually becoming the birthplace of E.E. Smith High School, our historically Black public high school. However, after years of neglect and disrepair following its closure in 1953, this cherished institution was at risk of being forgotten.
Now, 110 years after it opened its doors, we are witnessing a remarkable revival. The revitalized two-story brick building at 600 Orange Street has undergone an impressive four-year renovation. This transformation is not only about restoring bricks and mortar, but about renewing hope and opportunity for our community’s children and teens.
The journey to this moment hasn’t been easy. Fueled by passionate advocacy from groups like the Orange Street School Historical Association and The Ville’s Voice during critical moments such as the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, their efforts highlight the importance of preserving this historic site for future generations.
With financial support from city, county, state, and significant contributions from partners like Google and Microsoft through The Two-Six Project—raising an additional $500,000 for Two-Six Labs—the Orange Street School is set to become more than just a building; it will be a beacon of empowerment for youth in our community.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 27 to celebrate its reopening. The school offers STEM educational activities and cultural arts geared toward youth in the city and Cumberland County that are dedicated to ensuring equitable access to learning opportunities for every student. By integrating fine arts and scientific resources into their curriculum, they are committed to delivering high-quality student outcomes that encompass mastery of essential 21st-century skills. These skills include proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math, and artistic endeavors that foster creativity and expression. Impressive!
The Orange Street School’s overall goal is to emphasize critical thinking and problem-solving abilities alongside effective communication and collaboration. They understand the importance of digital literacy in today’s world, equipping students with information and communication technologies necessary for success. We can all see why and thank all who contributed to the reopening of this remarkable school!

(Photo:The Music Education Lab in the Orange Street school will focus on creating artistic expression and skill development for students. Photo courtesy of Tina Turner, Sandhills Jazz Society)

Some of you may recall the old Chiffon margarine commercial’s warning that “It is not nice to fool Mother Nature.”
Mother Nature had nothing on the Goddess Circe who was the original liberated woman. Helen Reddy might have been thinking about Circe when she warbled “I am Woman/ Hear me roar!” Today we shall ponder Circe, Greek Mythology’s Lady of the Island.
Circe was the daughter of Helios the Sun God. As an adult Goddess, she rode in Helios’ chariot of the Sun to the island of Aeaea. The island of Aeaea had no consonants in its name because consonants had not yet been invented. Being part Sun God, Circe had flashing sunbeams from her eyes with hair that shoots out fiery rays. It is likely that Circe’s eyes were the inspiration for The Association’s 1967 big hit Windy who “has stormy eyes/ That flash at the sound of lies.”
Circe was an outdoorsy gal who gave her heart too easily. She shows up in Mythology swimming in the sea surrounded by beasts who are part man and part animal. Jason and the Argonauts spot her and seek absolution for a recent murder. Circe slits the throat of a suckling pig.
She dribbles its blood onto Jason and his posse which purifies them of their murderous act. She still doesn’t much cotton to them. Shortly thereafter she orders them off her island.
Meanwhile, Glaucus, a sea God, has fallen for the beautiful mortal Scylla. Unfortunately, Glaucus loves Scylla, but she doesn’t love him. Glaucus is part fish which may account for Scylla’s body shaming of him. Glaucus goes to Circe to ask for Love Potion #9 to make Scylla fall in love with him. Unfortunately, Circe falls in love with Glaucus.
He doesn’t love her back, or even her front for that matter. This makes Circe angry at Scylla. You would not like Circe when she is angry. Circe knows about magic wands and potions. She mixes up a potion which she slips into the pool where Scylla takes her daily bath.
When Scylla gets into the water, the potion turns Scylla into a man-eating monster with a human upper torso but six dog heads on tentacles growing out of her lower body. She is an angry mess.
On another day, Circe ran into King Picus who was out hunting boars. Circe immediately fell in love with Picus who was married to Canens, a sprightly wood nymph.
Picus remained loyal to his wife, rejecting Circe’s romantic overtures. Circe did what any spurned Goddess would do, she turned Picus into a woodpecker. (Author’s note: Picus never played for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers). Canens, grief-stricken at being married to a bird, threw herself like Ophelia into a river and drowned.
Circe enjoyed her ability to transform men into animals. Rumor has it that the ability to turn men into animals remains viable in some lady persons of the female persuasion. Odysseus was on his way home from the Trojan War when he stopped on Circe’s island for supplies. He sent a scouting party onto the island which ended up at Circe’s house.
Her house was surrounded by wild beasts like wolves and lions who were just lounging around while Circe was inside singing. Circe came outside and offered the men wine which had the equivalent of ancient Roofies in it. The wine turned the men into pigs with men’s brains.
Circe put them into her pig sty to keep for an old-fashioned Eastern North Carolina BBQ pig picking. The Scout who had been watching all this occur skedaddled back to Odysseus on his ship to warn him.
Odysseus, while on his way to save his men, ran into Hermes who gave him a magic flower that makes him immune to Circe’s powers. Odysseus pulls a sword on Circe to make her swear not to hurt him and to turn her pigs back into his men. After complying, Circe naturally falls in love with Odysseus. He chills with her for about a year.
Odysseus finally tires of his fling, realizing he misses his wife Penelope. He goes back to Greece but slips back to see Circe several times who becomes the Baby Momma for three of his kids.
What have we learned today? Men are not far removed from being pigs. Pouring alcohol on a problem can always make it worse. Helen Reddy was right when she sang: “Yes, I’ve paid the price/ But look how much I’ve gained/ If I have to, I can face anything/ I am strong/ I am invincible / I am woman.”
Moral: Mess with independent women at your own risk.

(Illustration by Pitt Dickey)

Cumberland County is pausing construction of the $145 million Crown Event Center for up to 30 days while an outside lawyer reviews the project.
The Event Center had been scheduled to open in spring 2027. A 1,100 space, $33 million parking deck to support the Event Center had been scheduled to open in April 2026.
The county Board of Commissioners met for about 70 minutes in closed session on Wednesday morning before returning to public session to vote 6-0 to suspend all Crown Event Center work. (Commissioner Jeannette M. Council was absent.)
The pause is “for the purpose of reviewing and also investigating the scope, schedule and the financial budget for this particular project,” Vice Chair Veronica Jones said in a motion to initiate the delay.
When the review is done, County Commissioner Henry Tyson told CityView on Wednesday afternoon, the commissioners may decide that the Event Center project will continue, they could postpone it, they could change its location, or they could cancel it.
“I think it’s just good that we have this review so that we know exactly where our position lies and what the status of the project is,” he said.
During a news conference on Wednesday to discuss the delay, reporters asked Commissioners Chair Kirk deViere if there was a specific problem that prompted the review.
DeViere answered by saying the Board of Commissioners has changed. “Three new board members. You have a new board,” he said. (DeViere, Tyson and Pavan Patel took office in December, so they had not previously been part of the decision-making for Event Center.)
The Event Center is one of the largest, most expensive projects in Cumberland County history, he said.
“This board feels that we want to have an outside review of the scope of this project at this time,” deViere said. “We want to ensure that every part of this contract, every part of this project is properly done, and it’s efficient, and all aspects are accountable, and we’re getting the best use of taxpayer dollars.”
As a new commissioner, Patel said he wants this assessment.
“We’ve got a $145 million project that has kind of shifted in various ways,” he told CityView. “So we just want to make sure before we move forward, that we’ve got everything tightened up, we’ve looked over everything with a second set of outside eyes. Basically, that we do our due diligence, because there are a lot of capital projects going on.”
The county is hiring attorney J. Scott Flowers of the Hutchens Law Firm of Fayetteville to conduct the review, deViere said. Flowers’ fee for the review has not yet been determined, County Manager Clarence Grier said in an email later Wednesday.
Event Center to replace Crown Theatre, Crown Arena
Construction of the Crown Event Center began in October in downtown Fayetteville on the Gillespie Street parking lot of the county courthouse. With a 3,000-seat auditorium and other meeting space and facilities, the Event Center is to be a venue for concerts, stage shows and other performances, and host banquets, conventions, and other activities.
It is to replace the Crown Arena and Crown Theatre at the Crown Complex on Coliseum Drive off U.S. 301 South and Owen Drive. The buildings are being replaced due to age (they were built in the late 1960s), lack of compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act, and the estimated costs of upgrading and modernizing the structures vs. building a new performing arts venue.
The much larger Crown Coliseum, built in the 1990s, is unaffected by the Crown Event Center project and will remain in operation. The commissioners voted on Wednesday to hire L & L Drywall & Construction of Fayetteville for $835,363 to modernize the coliseum’s bathrooms.
The Crown Complex and construction of the Crown Event Center are funded via the county’s hotel occupancy tax and by a 1% prepared food and beverage tax levied on food and drink served in restaurants and other retail outlets for immediate consumption.
When the review is done, the county commissioners will consider and bring the results to the public, deViere said.
“I want to ensure that everyone understands that this 30-day pause is a responsible and a pro-active step to ensure accountability and transparency,” he said. “Once this review is complete, you have my word that I will communicate the next steps on this project, and how we will move forward.”

Private First Class Roland Leon Bragg couldn’t be called anything but a hero for his actions during World War II. A native of Webster, Maine, Bragg enlisted in the Army at the age of 20 in July 1943. He was stationed at Fort Bragg and deployed to Europe with the 513th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 17th Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps.
Bragg received a Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry and a Purple Heart for wounds he sustained during the Battle of the Bulge. The Silver Star is the third highest military decoration for valor, and Bragg more than earned it.
After he was wounded during the battle, Bragg and other wounded paratroopers were captured by a German soldier and brought behind enemy lines. Bragg and the German shared something in common: they were both Freemasons. The German soldier agreed to let Bragg go free, but only if Bragg would knock him out to make it look like a struggle.
“Wounded as he was, Pvt. First Class Bragg was more than happy to oblige,” said Lt. Gen. Gregory Anderson, current XVIII Airborne Corps commander.
Bragg took the German soldier’s uniform, commandeered an ambulance, loaded up the wounded, and drove for the American line. He made it through the day convinced that he was the sole survivor of the ordeal, as he was told all whom he had tried to save, died.
But nearly 50 years later, he received a letter. A former paratrooper had reached out, looking for information about a fellow soldier, who had loaded himself and others into an ambulance and had driven like mad to get them to safety.
“I remember sitting at that kitchen table reading that letter; chills went up and down my spine,” Bragg is quoted to have said.
That man, John Marks, lived to see the 50th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge, a battle he only survived because of the heroism of Roland L. Bragg.
“They met, two ordinary men bound by an extraordinary moment, and found each other across the decades. This stands as a testament to the bonds forged in this place. Over 80 years have passed since Pvt. First Class Bragg was here,” said Lt. Gen. Anderson. “Eight decades of soldiers from Fort Bragg deploying to every major conflict defending America and her allies across the globe. They come home to Fort Bragg.”
On Friday, March 7, Fort Liberty was redesignated to Fort Bragg in Roland Bragg’s honor.
Editor’s note: I've been in Fayetteville as an Army spouse for over ten years, and I have experienced most of that time working on Fort Bragg in various capacities.
I worked in the Fort Bragg Garrison Public Affairs Office as part of the staff of the Paraglide for years. I have enjoyed my time on Bragg, photographing the first MLB game held on a military installation; interviewing and photographing Presidents Obama, Trump and Biden, and Vice President Pence; jumping out of airplanes with the Golden Knights and experiencing then Secretary of the Army Patrick Murphy's first jump out of a plane since he had served; covering medical training lanes out at the Medical Simulation Training Center as part of the Army Best Medic Competition; experiencing the wonderful Thanksgiving feast provided by the 2nd Brigade Combat Team's Dining Facility.
But something that I considered the most important, and special, thing I did as part of the PAO office was the 100th anniversary celebration of Fort Bragg in 2018. Thanks to the support of then Garrison PAO Tom McCollum, I literally got to write the history of the installation for the newspaper over the course of the year.
The renaming ceremony is another chapter in this history.
In 1918, when the military post was being created, the War Department cast around for a native North Carolinian who had served in the military. They did this all across the South with the different installations, but North Carolina was unfortunately a little short on supply of top notch generals, and so Braxton Bragg was chosen.
Braxton was far from a celebrated general. A quote from an unnamed Confederate soldier that often gets tossed around regarding Bragg says, “General Bragg proceeded to ask me ‘Do you know what a retreat looks like?’, to which I responded, ‘Yes, I ought to General, I’ve been with you during the whole campaign.’”
While not the ideal candidate of strength the War Department was hoping to find, Camp Bragg nonetheless became Braxton Bragg’s namesake.
One could argue, and I have, that naming the installation after Braxton Bragg was a political move. The War Department needed North Carolina (and other Southern states) to agree to these large military installations. The climate and soil were similar to what they were finding in Europe, where World War I was raging. The South was still feeling a bit of the sting of the Civil War, and by naming these installations after Southern generals, the War Department hoped to get a little goodwill.
Fast forward to 2020, when Congress pushed past a veto by President Trump to rename the installation. The political naming battle continued, with “Liberty” being chosen to replace “Bragg” in 2023. The moniker was suggested by a Gold Star mother who said, “My son didn’t die for Bragg, he died for liberty.”
The nation had learned who Braxton Bragg was, and what he represented: Not just a substandard general, who probably didn’t deserve to have the “Center of the Military Universe” named after him, but a slave owner.
And now we are back to Bragg, but this time the Bragg being honored is someone worth honoring. At the ceremony on March 7, Lt. Gen. Anderson was adamant about the legacy and tradition of Fort Bragg. He talked about the statue of Iron Mike, how it represents all soldiers who come and train in the crucible of the installation.
“Fort Bragg is where soldiers transform from ordinary to the extraordinary and where the call finds its answer,” he said.
While I certainly find that to be true, I also see that Bragg has a legacy of politics that it can’t seem to escape.
“The military is supposed to be apolitical. Politicizing the arm of the executive branch that is responsible for policy when diplomacy fails is dangerous. [We are] politicizing a good man’s name,” a soldier told me.
The family, however, doesn’t believe it’s political at all. Jennifer Bell and Rebecca Amirpour believe the renaming was done simply to honor their grandfather’s legacy.
Diane Watts, Roland Bragg’s daughter who was also at the ceremony, said, “They were looking for a man of good character, and they found my dad.”
Looking at Pvt. First Class Roland Bragg’s military career and quiet life after, it’s hard to disagree with her assessment.
“In his honor and in the shared legacy of all who call this home, we answer the call,” Lt. Gen. Anderson said. “Welcome back to Bragg.”

(Photo: The family of Roland L. Bragg unveils the new Headquarters XVIIIAirborne Corps Fort Bragg sign on March 7 at corps headquarters.  Photo by Aly Hansen)

When walking through the gallery of the Arts Council of Fayetteville | Cumberland County visitors may hear the quiet sounds of music, the scratching of pencils, or gentle brush strokes of oil paint on canvas. Rounding the corner into the small room off the main gallery, they’ll be greeted by dancing figures, growling tigers, and colorful flowers.
In the center of the room, quietly working on a large easel, an artist works on her next piece. While the tigers may look like they will jump toward them, guests can breathe a sigh of relief knowing they will stay on the canvas when current South Eastern Artist in Residence Lady Natalia Perez Lozano invites them into her studio to talk about art.
Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is originally from Colombia and has lived in Fayetteville for over a decade. She has been an artist as long as she can remember.
Throughout her childhood art felt like a game to be played through color and imagery. When she began studying through workshops and apprenticeships with established artists, she learned to focus her craft through individual techniques. She remembers honing skills on specific media, like the oil paint she currently uses, but also elements of painting, like color and texture.
Perez Lozano also studied fashion design, and the female figure remains a central force in her work.
“I think the piece of art always reflects the personality of the artist in some way or another,” she says.
Animals and nature also appear throughout her pieces. Her current series focuses on interaction and instinct, particularly on how emotions play a role in human nature. When creating a painting, Perez Lozano uses an organized, almost academic means of processing her next move.
“Let’s take something like [the idea of] empowerment. I close my eyes… and I see this power woman. She is sitting down, relaxed. She’s like ‘I am being myself. I OWN my life.’”
From this initial idea, she researches historical works, sketches ideas, and builds a color theory all before a drop of paint hits the canvas.
It’s this approach to creativity that Perez Lozano hopes to share with the community. As part of her six-month stint as the Arts Council SEAR, she will present two workshops for community engagement. She already knows she wants to share her insight into honing the creative process to work for participants.
She hopes attendees can take her ideas and adapt to their own process, whether the mission is art or otherwise.
While art has always been her mission, Perez Lozano had some initial hesitancy in applying for the Southeastern Artist in Residence program, but it quickly melted when she saw the potential benefits to her work. SEAR provides a mid-career artist an opportunity to lean into their craft through dedicated time, space, and funds.
Perez Lozano has already enjoyed more time focusing on her work and the opportunity to speak with the community. She looks forward to completing her series and showing them in August, with a constant mind to her goal: helping to educate and empower the community to feel through art.
“I want to make people feel something. To be moved. A little bit of the artist’s sensibility. You can like it. You can not like it. I just want you to feel something!”
For more information about SEAR and Lady Natalia Perez Lozano, visit https://www.wearethearts.com/sear.

(Photo: Lady Natalia Perez Lozano is the new Southeastern Artist in Residence with the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Photo courtesy of the Arts Council) 

Fayetteville film lovers, mark your calendars—an electrifying cinematic event is coming your way. The Cameo Art House Theatre is set to welcome Mickey 17, the highly anticipated new film from Academy Award-winning director Bong Joon Ho (Parasite), on March 7.
Starring Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo, Mickey 17 is based on Edward Ashton’s novel Mickey7 and delves into the mind-bending world of space exploration, human expendability, and corporate control.
The story follows Mickey Barnes (Pattinson), a low-level worker assigned to an interstellar colony mission. His job is unlike any other—he is an “expendable,” a worker whose consciousness is transferred to a new body every time he dies. As Mickey starts questioning the ethics and purpose of his existence, he uncovers secrets that could change everything.
Bong Joon Ho, known for his genre-bending storytelling and sharp social commentary, directs and co-writes the screenplay, promising another visually stunning and thought-provoking experience. The South Korean filmmaker has been a dominant force in modern cinema, blending social critique with thrilling narratives.
His 2019 film Parasite made history by becoming the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. Bong has also helmed critically acclaimed films such as Snowpiercer (2013), Okja (2017), and Memories of Murder (2003). His unique ability to seamlessly mix genres, from dark comedy to horror and science fiction, has solidified his reputation as one of the most innovative directors of his generation.
Mickey 17 is particularly significant as it marks Bong’s return to science fiction, a genre in which he has previously excelled with Snowpiercer. This film not only explores the implications of human expendability and cloning but also raises deep philosophical questions about identity, labor, and corporate control in an increasingly technological world.
Given Bong’s track record of intertwining social issues with compelling narratives, Mickey 17 is expected to provoke thought and discussion long after the credits roll. With stunning visuals and a gripping storyline, it has the potential to redefine modern sci-fi cinema.
For those who love science fiction with humor, satire, and imagination, Mickey 17 stands among some of the most memorable sci-fi comedies that have entertained audiences over the years.
Some of my favorites in the genre include:
• Spaceballs (1987) – A hilarious parody of Star Wars, Mel Brooks’ sci-fi comedy follows the misadventures of Lone Starr and his sidekick Barf as they attempt to save Princess Vespa from the evil Dark Helmet.
• Back to the Future (1985) – This classic time-travel adventure sees teenager Marty McFly accidentally transported to 1955, where he must ensure his parents fall in love or risk erasing his own existence.
• Short Circuit (1986) – A lovable military robot named Number 5 gains self-awareness after being struck by lightning and goes on the run, pursued by the government that wants him back.
• Weird Science (1985) – Two teenage nerds accidentally create the perfect woman using a computer, leading to a series of wild and comedic misadventures.
• Ghostbusters (1984) – A group of eccentric scientists start a ghost-hunting business in New York City, battling supernatural threats with their proton packs and signature wit.
• Men In Black (1997) – Secret agents J and K protect Earth from extraterrestrial threats while keeping the public unaware of the universe’s hidden alien population.
• Her (2013) – A thought-provoking and emotional sci-fi romance about a lonely man who develops a deep connection with his AI operating system, voiced by Scarlett Johansson.
• The Truman Show (1998) – Jim Carrey stars as Truman Burbank, a man who slowly realizes his entire life has been a reality TV show, leading to existential and comedic dilemmas.
• The Fifth Element (1997) – A visually stunning, action-packed sci-fi film where a cab driver (Bruce Willis) must protect a mysterious woman who holds the key to saving humanity.
• Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022) – A mind-bending multiverse adventure that blends action, comedy, and philosophy as an ordinary woman discovers she has the power to exist across infinite realities.
With a runtime of 2 hours and 19 minutes, Mickey 17 is rated R and is expected to deliver a thrilling blend of suspense, dark humor, and philosophical depth.
Don’t miss your chance to see Mickey 17 on the big screen at the Cameo Art House Theatre.

(Photo courtesy of Cameo Art House Theatre)

Get ready for an extraordinary musical journey as the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra proudly presents "Mallet Madness," an enchanting concert that will transport audiences into the mesmerizing realm of percussion instruments.
This exceptional performance, taking place on March 14 and 15, promises to be a feast for both the ears and eyes as talented musicians showcase their mastery over various mallet instruments, from the resonant marimba to the shimmering vibraphone.
The historic Haymount United Methodist Church, located at 1700 Fort Bragg Rd., provides the perfect acoustic setting for this unique musical experience. Concert-goers are invited to arrive early when doors open at 6:30 p.m., allowing time to settle into the beautiful venue and peruse the evening's program before the performance begins at 7:30 p.m.
"Mallet Madness" promises to be an extraordinary musical experience under the expert direction of Dr. Daniel McCloud, who serves as both the assistant director and accomplished percussionist of the FSO. This captivating performance will bring together eight masterful musicians who will demonstrate their virtuosity on an impressive variety of percussion instruments. The carefully curated program weaves together rich, resonant harmonies and compelling rhythmic patterns that will mesmerize audiences.
Featured prominently are the innovative works of the celebrated contemporary composer Steve Reich, known for his groundbreaking contributions to percussion music. The concert will also highlight original compositions by FSO's own talented Dr. McCloud, creating a perfect balance between established masterworks and fresh musical perspectives. This unique chamber music experience showcases the full spectrum of percussion's expressive possibilities.
Whether you're a percussion enthusiast or simply looking for an evening of extraordinary music, this concert is not to be missed. Both performances will feature the same repertoire, allowing you to choose the evening that best fits your schedule.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://ci.ovationtix.com/36404/production/1198899, by contacting the FSO office at 910-433-4690 or at the door the night of the concert.
Discounts are available for seniors, military personnel, college students, children, and Cumberland County Schools employees, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this spectacular event.
Don’t miss out on an evening of mesmerizing music and experience the vibrant world of percussion with the Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra.

(Photo courtesy of Fayetteville Symphony Orchestra)

St. Patrick's Day is March 17 and there are many great local events to help you celebrate!

Saturday, March 8
• Pups and Pattys at WOB Bar & Kitchen, 1944 Skibo Rd.-11 a.m.
Prepare to celebrate at Pups and Patty's, a St. Patrick's Day feast designed for you and your furry friend! Sample Irish-inspired snacks and beverages, and mingle with other pet owners and their dogs. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/bddjrsdv

• Lucky Drink Coasters at North Regional Library-10:30 a.m.
Create a festive St. Patrick's Day atmosphere by decorating a beverage coaster with Celtic or seasonal patterns. Registration is required by calling 910-483-7727 ext. 1436

Monday, March 10
• St. Paddy's Week Events at Heckler Brewing Company, 5780 Ramsey St. #102
Heckler has a whole week of events planned starting with Irish Food on Monday and ending with St.. Paddy's Day celebration on Monday, March 17. For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/hecklerbrewing

Wednesday, March 12
• St.. Patrick's Day Potluck at Hoke County Public Library, 334 N Main St., Raeford-Noon Bring a dish to share and celebrate. The remaining items after the celebration will go to their Open Door Soup Kitchen. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/33sbnben

Friday, March 14
• Irish Mingle at Lavish Rose Boutique, 121 S. 5th St., Saint Pauls-5 p.m. Girls' night out that includes boutique clothing, a custom charm bar, trucker hat bar, permanent jewelry, botox, brow waxing and more. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2p9nrfc5

Saturday, March 15
• St.. Patrick's Day-Fayetteville Marksmen at Crown Complex - 6 p.m. Join the Marksmen in their Irish green jerseys for St.. Patrick's Day hockey action against Evansville. Don't forget your green! For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/mph2a47d

• St..Paddy's Day Beer Mile at Dirtbag Ales-2 p.m. Rogue Alpha Athletics has teamed up with Dirtbag Ales in Hope Mills, NC, to host the St.. Paddy's Day Beer Mile. Participants may run, jog, walk, or crawl the 1-mile-ish route while enjoying four 10oz beers from Dirtbag Ales' brewery. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/aaas7tc6

• St. Patrick's Day Event at Gaston Brewery Taproom, 421 Chicago Drive-Noon Join in for food trucks, themed drinks, vendors, Irish food, kids’ crafts, and more. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/2ktdcjbd

• Saint Patrick's Day Parade at 1 Village Green Rd.. W., Pinehurst -10 a.m. The Village of Pinehurst will celebrate Irish heritage during the yearly Saint Patrick's Day Parade. Colorful floats & Celtic merriment await everyone who joins the festivities! For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4djhp6wh

• March 2025 Monthly Meal-St. Patty's Day Meal at American Legion Post 230, 1654 Veterans Dr., Spring Lake-4 p.m. The signature dish of this feast is freshly prepared corned beef, served alongside root vegetables including potatoes, cabbage, carrots, and turnips, plus dessert. Adults pay $12, and kids under 12 pay $6. Everyone is welcome. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/yc6mdk6f

• St. Patty's Day Celebration at Static Line Brewing Co, 1671 Buffalo Lake Rd.., Sanford-Noon. Eat, Drink & be Irish! Enjoy games, food, small-batch limited-release beer, karaoke, and more. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/mr32y84r

• St. Patrick's Themed Brunch at WOB Bar & Kitchen, 1944 Skibo Rd.-11 a.m. Celebrate St.. Patrick's Day with an unforgettable brunch experience! With Irish-themed dishes and emerald-colored brews, they're offering special holiday menu items to help you embrace the festive mood. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/y77u4zu4

• Saint Patrick Party at Dad Bod Dive Bar, 444 W. Russell St.-1 p.m. Enjoy a DJ, door prizes, green beer, a special menu and drink specials. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/3sa874z8

• Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt at Cape Fear Botanical Garden -9 a.m. Find the ten sneaky leprechauns hidden throughout the Garden and earn a fun prize in the Gift Shop. (This is a self-guided tour) For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/5bw4e6sm

Sunday, March 16
• St. Patrick's Day at 305 Legion Dr., Sanford-3 p.m. Catch The Back Alley Katts playing live from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Also enjoy corned beef and cabbage and other Irish food, a costume contest, and prizes. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/546tsafs

Monday, March 17
• St.Patrick’s Day Party at Stewart's Tavern, 116 N Main St., Raeford-5 p.m.-Head out to Stewart’s to celebrate St.. Patrick’s Day. Don’t forget to wear your green. For more information visit https://tinyurl.com/4a4ffnwf

It’s a beard, hot rod and blues-infused rock-and-roll takeover when ZZ Top brings its Elevation Tour to the Crown Theater on Fri., March 21. The legendary rock band comprised of current lineup Billy Gibbons, Frank Beard and Elwood Francis, the group’s long-time guitar tech who replaced Dusty Hill after his passing in 2021, is the Community Concerts of Fayetteville’s hot ticket for the spring. Seats are going fast, and a sellout is expected for “That Little Ol’ Band from Texas.”
Attractions Executive Michael Fleishman said Community Concerts is thrilled to bring the “Rock’n Roll Royalty” back to town. It was May 15, 1983, when the wildly popular ZZ Top first played the Cumberland County Memorial Area and Auditorium, the Crown Theater and Arena’s predecessor, B.C. (before the Crown). With an appeal spanning 50+ years, ZZ Top’s signature rock, blues and boogie music, racy lyrics and shenanigans on stage make them well worth the wait.
Originally from Houston, Texas, ZZ Top exploded on the rock scene in 1969 when two rival bands launched, to quote Humphrey Bogart’s last line in Casablanca, “the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Moving Sidewalks vocalist-guitarist Billy Gibbons merged with drummer Frank Beard and bassist-vocalist Dusty Hill of the band American Blues to form the new band poised for greatness. Before this combination, one that not only stuck but succeeded for 51 years until Hill’s death four years ago, other musicians joining band leader and frontman Gibbons included bassist/organist Lanier Greig, drummer Dan Mitchell and bassist Billy Ethridge, a previous bandmate of Stevie Ray Vaughan. ZZ Top combined Gibbons' blues style and Hill and Beard's rhythm section to create an unmistakable trinity of sound.
The band’s symbolism precedes its sound: iconic chest-length beards; hats, trench coats, bandanas and sunglasses; 360-degree guitar spins; classic cars; and the double twin “Zees” silver logo of keychain fame all add up to no one less than ZZ Top. The Texas trio is known for dramatic, even cultural, costumery, from western-themed outfits and grease-stained mechanic suits to traditional Mexican serapes, head-to-toe leather and sequined jumpsuits. And don’t forget the hats—lots and lots of hats. Whether posing for an album cover or appearing live in concert, the ZZ Top boys pull all the stops in its style, staying true to what they know and what they like.
The good times lovers are also known for their goodwill. The band members have supported numerous campaigns and charities, including Childline, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, VetsAid, the Delta Blues Museum and Hurricane Harvey relief in Houston, the band’s hometown.
While their outfits change and entertain, one fixture remains. You guessed it, the beards! A visual trademark with practically their own personas, this thing for Gibbons and Hill, dating to 1978, is an inseparable part of the band’s image. Despite his last name, drummer Frank only briefly joined the facial hair hijinks. How serious was and still is the beard commitment? So much so that when razor company Gillette offered Gibbons and Hill a million dollars to shave off their beards, a promo to which they did not turn a hair—and certainly not shave it! In this new era for ZZ Top, with new (but not-so-new) comer Francis, fans take heart that he sports a classic ZZ Top-style beard, much like Gibbons’.
While the Tres Hombres’—a nickname nod to the band’s third studio album title and commercial breakthrough— stage show is the icing on the cake, ZZ Top's music is the dessert fans crave. And what a sweet fix it is! ZZ Top has released 15 studio albums, sold an estimated 50 million records, earned six number-one singles on the Mainstream Rock chart, and crafted four gold, three platinum, two multiple-platinum albums and one diamond-level disc. They have the beards and the bling.
Who can’t hum the gritty “A-haw haw haw-haw” refrain in “La Grange” (the smash hit from Tres Hombres) with its bawdy lyrics about a Texas brothel? “Beer Drinkers and Hell Raisers,” also on this 1973 classic, has been an anthem for the ZZ Top community (the fan club is called Tres Hombres, btw) for decades.
The band’s all-time best-known album, Eliminator, scaled both Mainstream Rock and Billboard Pop charts in 1983 and even earned the #43 spot on Guitar World’s “100 Best Guitar Solos” for the “Sharp Dressed Man” famous guitar riff. Other household-name hits from this LP were “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” “Legs,” “Got Me Under Pressure” and “TV Dinners.” The innovative Eliminator album, one of the music industry’s first certified diamond, incorporated drum machines and synthesizers to combine new wave elements with ZZ’s signature rock and blues. The imagery may be remembered as much as the musicality. Point in case is the “Legs” video with the girl and the album’s namesake car, the bright red, ZZ graphic-adorned 1933 Ford Coupe owned by Gibbons, an admitted “car guy.” Eliminator’s star power on the radio and MTV skyrocketed the eclectic ensemble.
Earlier music, ZZ Top’s First Album (1971), Rio Grande Mud (1972), Fandango (1975) and Deguello (1979), gave the world the great little ditties of “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Tush,” “I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide” and “Just Got Paid,” among so many others. After Eliminator’s pinnacle of the most records sold for the band, Afterburner (1985) became ZZ Top's highest-charting album, placing #4 on the U.S. Billboard. Recycler (1990) and ZZ Top's Greatest Hits (1992) closed ZZ Top's contract with Warner Records as they moved on to RCA and cut the million-selling Antenna (1994) album. The 90s rendered Rhythmeen (1996), XXX (1999) and an electric Super Bowl XXXI halftime show in 1997.
Riding into the 21st Century on Chrome, Smoke & BBQ, a four-CD compilation from the London (ZZ Top’s original record label) and Warner Bros. years put out in 2003, ZZ Top’s success continues to soar. In the first two decades of the 2000s, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004), released La Futura (2012), Goin' 50 (2019) to celebrate the band's 50th anniversary and cut expanded and remastered versions of earlier LPs. By the time Hill died in 2021, ZZ Top could say it was music’s longest-running band with an unaltered lineup.
“Get ready for a night of full-tilt, non-stop fun. You’ll love this one,” Fleishman said. “Community Concerts is halfway through its 89th season. ZZ Top is up next, and then on Friday, April 18, we switch to a night with country greats, the one and only Shenandoah.” Founded in 1935, Community Concerts is Fayetteville's oldest art organization; the nonprofit organization just announced American country music band Shenandoah as the headliner for this season’s last show.
McKinley James opens for ZZ Top with an original playlist described as “American rock & roll, amplified soul, and raw rhythm & blues.” Comprised of guitarist/singer James and his father, drummer Jason Smay, the duo is originally from Webster, New York. By the time McKinley moved to Nashville as a teenager in 2017, he'd already appeared on the cover of Eric Church's platinum-selling album Mr. Misunderstood. James and Smay’s new album, Working Class Blues, follows McKinley James Live!, McKinley James Import 45, Still Standing By, By My Side and McKinley James Live in Nashville.
On tour, the band's current line-up of Gibbons, Beard and Francis has performed before millions of fans on four continents—and now they are coming to Fayetteville. Don't miss the iconic ZZ Top with guest McKinley James in Fayetteville at the Crown Theatre for one night only. Get your tickets now at https://www.crowncomplexnc.com/events/detail/zz-top-1.

(Photo: ZZ Top will be playing at the Crown Theatre as part of their Elevation Tour. ZZ Top has been an iconic band for decades. Photos courtesy of Community Concerts)

The Fayetteville Marksmen are excited to announce the return of their popular Fayetteville Eats Food Festival. The community-loved event is set to take place on March 22, ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs.
Now in its fourth successful year, the Fayetteville Eats Food Festival continues its beloved tradition of uniting the community through two exciting attractions—delectable cuisine and thrilling hockey action. This unique event showcases unlimited tastings from Fayetteville's finest local food establishments and beverage vendors, creating a culinary adventure for attendees.
After sampling the diverse array of local flavors and specialties, festival-goers can transition seamlessly into an action-packed Marksmen hockey game. The festival organizers actively encourage participants to explore every food and drink offering available, ensuring they experience the full spectrum of local gastronomy before heading to the arena to support their hometown hockey heroes.
One ticket to the event grants you access to both the festival and the hockey game afterwards. You can choose from two exciting packages:
• General admission: Enjoy unlimited samples of food and beverages throughout the festival, plus an end zone ticket to watch the hockey game from a great vantage point;
• VIP: Get exclusive early access 30 minutes before general admission, receive 2 complimentary drink tickets, watch the game from premium center ice seating, and take home a special VIP gift.
The festival atmosphere will be electric with live musical performances, interactive games and activities, and many more entertainment options throughout the day! Tickets can be purchased online at https://marksmenhockey.com/community/fayetteville-eats/.
The Marksmen are expecting approximately 30-40 diverse vendors who will be participating in the upcoming event. Notable participants include the Italian-American favorite Carrabba's, breakfast specialist Eggs Up Grill, fast-casual dining spot Jaggers, authentic Southern cuisine from Tisdale's Southern BBQ, and artisanal coffee roaster Rise & Grind Coffees. These vendors represent just a sample of the wide variety of culinary options that will be available to attendees during the event.
And don't forget about the hockey game after. The highly anticipated Carolina Reapers, the most talked-about rebrand in hockey, will make their special one-night appearance as the Marksmen transform for the exclusive Reapers Night event. In this thrilling matchup, they'll face off against their rivals, the Roanoke Rail Yard Dawgs. Fayetteville Eats will run from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the game will start at 6 p.m.

The Phoenix Center of Fayetteville is hosting its annual Walk Awhile event on Friday, March 28 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event is an opportunity for men in the community to take a stand against domestic and sexual violence against women. This year’s walk will start at The Capitol Encore Academy located at 126 Hay Street and will end a few blocks down at Segra Stadium.
Registration starts at 6 p.m. in front of The Capitol Encore Academy and the walker fee is $30. Individuals can also register online at https://bit.ly/3EVE3iO. Men who need shoes can contact the Phoenix Center to schedule a fitting and pickup. These shoes go fast, so participants are encouraged to request their pair early.
Since 2009, except for a brief break during COVID, The Phoenix Center has faithfully hosted the Walk Awhile awareness event. A grand march through downtown Fayetteville of men in heels has become the beacon of hope for victims.
Deanne Gerdes, Executive Director of The Phoenix Center since 2008, said, “Walk Awhile is an event where men in the community take a stand against violence against women. The theme is to 'walk awhile in her shoes'. It is a family-friendly event where men throw on some high-heeled shoes and sashay a few blocks down Hay St during 4th Friday,” she said.
“I think the most important part of this event is what you may not realize, during the walk, there are dozens of victims cheering on from the sidewalk often amazed that strangers are willing to stand up for them, the walk is for my staff and volunteers who work tirelessly, non-stop doing really hard work to feel supported by the community and for all of us to be together to have a few laughs.”
Combating domestic and sexual violence is a community effort. From organizations like The Phoenix Center to the police department, each agency is responsible for providing and protecting the victim.
“This year it is really important, for the victims of course, but one of the things we work really hard at is our relationship with all local law enforcement in order to provide victim-centered services. That means that all of our multi-disciplinary teams need to work together on behalf of victims, and we do a great job. We recognize that each discipline has its own lane, but we are all on the same road and that is to make sure we are all meeting the needs of victims. There is no better example of the great work that can be accomplished between advocacy and law enforcement than the relationship between The Phoenix Center and the Fayetteville Police Department. Chief Braden will be leading the walk right into his retirement.”
The Phoenix Center was founded to provide support services to victims of sexual assault, with a mission to achieve zero tolerance for the crime of sexual violence and to reduce its trauma. All of the services offered by the center are free and include:
• 24-hour Crisis Hotline
• 24-hour Emergency Room Responders
• Counseling Referrals
• Support Groups
• Courtroom Advocacy
• Community Awareness
• Address Confidentiality Program
• Safety Planning
• Law Enforcement Advocacy
Support for The Phoenix Center is vital, especially now, with the number of domestic and sexual violence incidents increasing. According to a report by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations, there were 12 domestic violence-related homicides in Cumberland County in 2023 and the North Carolina Department of Administration, the Cumberland County domestic violence hotline received 994 calls in 2024. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic or sexual violence please reach out to these hotlines.
The Phoenix Center (local): 24-Hour Local Hotline: 910-485-7273
National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233.

The Orange Street School served generations of Black students before it fell into disrepair. Now, 110 years after it opened, the revitalized two-story brick building at 600 Orange Street is again ready to educate.
With a four-year, $1.45 million renovation complete, the building will now serve as a community center focused on children and teens who can use the space to explore their creativity in a new music lab, work with mentors and build skills in technology and the arts.
“For more than a century, this building has been a symbol of education. This is a space where Black students in this community have started to build their futures and pursue their dreams,” Malik Davis, City of Fayetteville council member, said to the crowd gathered for the school’s ribbon cutting on Feb. 27. “And while time took its toll on this structure, the heart of this school has never faded. Not only has this building been restored, but we have reinvented it for the next generations to come.”
The Orange Street School was built in 1915 as one of the first publicly funded schools for Black children in Fayetteville. It was the birthplace of E.E. Smith High School, the county’s historically Black public high school, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The school remained open until 1953, and the Cumberland County Board of Education used the building for offices and storage until 1983 before abandoning it, records show. Three years later, the board deeded the building to the Orange Street School Historical Association for $1. While the school already needed revitalization when the association took over, by the early 1990s, it was falling apart.
During the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, the Orange Street School Historical Association and The Ville’s Voice, a local Black activist group, protested outside The Market House in downtown Fayetteville to push for the building to be preserved and used as a community center. The Ville’s Voice members even cleaned up the building to make tutoring space for The Greater Life of Fayetteville to help kids struggling with online learning during the pandemic.
Programs for today’s students
The Greater Life of Fayetteville, a nonprofit serving at-risk youth, was the first community provider to call Orange Street School home during its revitalization. The group’s space on the ground floor now has a classroom with a touchscreen smartboard, a check-in area and a waiting room, all ideal for tutoring and mentoring youth. There are also new kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The stairs to the second floor retain the worn grooves from the generations of students who walked them before. Past the stairs is a museum with a historically accurate classroom based on the school’s earlier years. Two rows of small wooden desks neatly adorned with notebooks and pencils face a chalkboard.
Next to the museum is a music lab sponsored by the Sandhills Jazz Society. The lab features a vocal room, a drum room, guitars, pianos and commercial recording equipment. When not in use by students, community members can rent the space.
Two-Six Labs, a computer lab and workspace by the nonprofit the Two-Six Project, is across the hall. A large mural by local Gallery13 artist Carlos Tolentino and a wall of flatscreen TVs welcome students to the space. Desks prepped with laptops and headphones occupy half the room, while the other holds fuzzy, gray couches and lounge chairs.
The space will host master classes and activities for youth on STEM and cultural arts. Crystal Woodward, director of the Two-Six Lab, said such programming was previously lacking in Cumberland County, which has lots of youth sports activities but few options for those not interested in athletics.
Woodward is excited about the lab’s current class schedule, which ranges from entrepreneurship to songwriting to content creation. The classes will be taught by current or former Fayetteville and Cumberland County residents who’ve seen success in their given fields. The Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is also helping put on the activities.
“To do a master class with people that have ties right back here in Fayetteville is just so awesome because kids can really see that hey, I can go off and do that too,” Woodward told CityView.
The city, the county and the state all contributed money for the revitalization. The Two-Six Project’s partners, which include global companies like Google and Microsoft and local organizations like The Fayetteville Observer, raised another $500,000 to establish the Two-Six Labs.
“Things like this come together in a community when we work together,” Kirk deViere, chair of the Cumberland County Board of Commissioners, said at the ribbon cutting. “And there are more things that are going to happen in this community as we begin to realize that we all rise together. When we work together, great things like this can happen.”
While a North Carolina state senator from 2019 to 2023, deViere helped bring state dollars to the Orange Street School.
For Fayetteville resident Bishop McNeill, seeing the school find new life as a community space means a lot. As the son of Ernest McNeill, co-founder and later president of the Orange Street School Historical Association, he spent his entire life watching the community try to save the school. He also protested with The Ville’s Voice for the school’s new iteration.
“From when we camped out in the Market House to facilitating those meetings with Orange Street School Association and the City of Fayetteville, to now have these educational opportunities going back into the school and being able to offer these services to the community, it’s just like a 360 moment,” McNeill told CityView. “We are back to what the mission and goal was from the start.”
Still more work to be done
The Two-Six Labs completed on the day of the ribbon cutting is only the first phase of what the Two-Six Project is bringing to the Orange Street School. In a room adjacent to the completed lab will be another dedicated to e-sports, the ever-rising field of professional gaming.
“We see ourselves in these students,” Marc Somar, executive director of the Two-Six Project and a Fayetteville native, told CityView. “We’ve been afforded the opportunities at such a young age to work with some of these tech companies that we’ve been able to partner with and go on these trips and get these scholarships. Now it’s about how can we bring that here and prepare these students for something similar.”
While McNeill is excited by the offerings from the Two-Six Project, the Sandhills Jazz Society and other community partners, he said there is still more the Orange Street School can offer the community.
“You have all the services that can be offered inside the building, and there’s been a lot of renovation done to do that, but it’s also a big, several-acre lot with a lot of capabilities,” McNeill said.
The school sits on a 1.2-acre lot that stretches across Orange Street’s 500 block — land that McNeill would like to see used for splash pads and agricultural projects, which could allow the community to be self-sustaining. Woodward also wants an outdoor classroom space for students of the Two-Six Labs to use in the spring and summer.
McNeill would also like to see the work his father put into preserving the school memorialized. He said his father dedicated his final 30 years to restoring the Orange Street School, standing before the Fayetteville City Council petitioning for funding and putting in his own money and labor to repair the building.
His father’s work was acknowledged at the ribbon cutting by Theolive Washington, current head of the Orange Street School Historical Association. Without McNeill’s father bringing together the association, Washington said the school would have been nothing more than a home for pigeons.
“He passed away in 2014 on the steps of the Orange Street School while opening up for a group to come in,” McNeill said. “To see where we are 11 years later, knowing that his sacrifice has been worth it, that means a lot to me and should be mentioned and recognized.”

(Board of Commissioners Chairman Kirk deViere, Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones, and County leadership team members were honored to join City of Fayetteville, NC Government elected officials and community leaders for the Orange Street School ribbon cutting on Thursday, Feb. 27. Photo Courtesy of Cumberland County NC Government's Facebook page)

After listening to and reading the public’s comments, the board of the PWC — the city-owned utility which supplies water, sewer and electricity service to Fayetteville and surrounding areas — voted 4-0 to raise the water and sewer rates and fees 5.5% on May 1 and another 5.4% on May 1 next year.
“I always hate a rate change. I always hate it,” PWC Commissioner Richard King said after he voted for the increase. Not only because King doesn’t like to pay more, he said, but “I hate it for the community, and I hate that it happened. But it’s the cost of doing business, unfortunately.”
With the new water rates and fees, a residential customer whose bill has been $81.62 for 4,000 gallons of water will pay $84.87 for 4,000 gallons starting May 1, and $88.12 starting May 1, 2026, according to a PWC document.
Residential prices on a per-gallon basis are not rising, but standard monthly fees are. Business customers will pay more per gallon plus have higher monthly fees.
The PWC commissioners were told this month that rising costs of building and maintaining the water and sewer system are driving the rate increase. This includes the construction of $111.2 million filtration plants to extract PFAS “forever chemicals” from drinking water supplies, expansion of service into areas that were annexed into Fayetteville, and expansion of the Rockfish Creek sewer treatment plant, listed in 2024 at $157.4 million.
While the PWC is facing these pressures, customers said the rate increase will put pressure on their budgets.
What the public thinks of the price increase
Ron Ross of Gray’s Creek praised the PWC, but said the Chemours Co. and its predecessor Dupont, which built a chemical factory that contaminated the Cape Fear River and southern Cumberland County with PFAS, should be forced by Fayetteville’s mayor and city council to pay the cost of building the PFAS filter system.
“If one cent of the citizens’ money is used to pay for this filtration system — I know it will be — but if one cent is used to pay for this, then next election, I think that we need to send a message to the mayor and city council. And the word is: You’re fired.”
The PWC gets its water from upstream of the Chemours plant, so the PFAS in its water comes from cities, towns and factories further upstream of Fayetteville that discharge their wastewater into the Cape Fear basin, said Wade Fowler during the public hearing. Fowler is a former commissioner of the PWC and a former Fayetteville City Council member.
“I think there needs to be more pressure put in that direction, still, by the state, on getting those people who are creating the problem to take care of it,” he said. “’Cause it’s a whole lot cheaper for ’em to take care of it before they put it into the system, rather than try to get it out of the system, which is what we have to do.”
Fowler suggested that to ease the rate increase, the PWC should evaluate its capital projects and delay those that are less pressing.
Channing Perdue of the Lock’s Creek community east of the Cape Fear River said her neighborhood is prone to flooding. She asked that water retention towers or a retention lake be built to collect stormwater to ease the flooding.
As for the water and sewer price increase, Perdue asked for the commissioners to consider families with fixed incomes. “I know there are programs out there to help, but sometimes they need that money, and a lot of them have children,” she said.
“We take all comments very seriously, take them under advisement,” said Commissioner Ronna Rowe Garrett. She was on the other side of rate increases and tax increases before she joined the PWC board, she said. Since she joined the PWC board, she has found that the city council, the county Board of Commissioners and the PWC board “work very hard together to ensure that the right things are done for the same tax base,” she said.
“So if it’s not paid for in one way, it’s paid for in another. And it’s the same group of people that’s being taxed, or rates increased. And we certainly understand that,” Garrett said.
UCW Editor's note: This article has been edited from its original due to space. To see the full article, visit https://bit.ly/3Xp7Jex

City of Fayetteville Update
The Fayetteville City Council met with members of the Cumberland County delegation on Thursday, Feb. 6 for dinner and discussion on state needs.
The Cumberland County NC state delegation includes state Rep. Mike Colvin, Rep. Frances Jackson, Rep. Charles Smith, Rep. Diane Wheatley, Sen. Val Applewhite and Sen. Tom McInnis. Also present were Cumberland County Board of Commissioners Kirk deViere, who serves as chair, and Commissioner Henry Tyson.
$29.5 million in state funding was requested for the 2025 with prioritized requests including:
• $4 million for mental health co-response, homeless support, and community-based violence interruption programs within the Office of Community Safety;
• $2 million for Affordable and Workforce Housing Initiatives;
• $500,000 for a transportation connectivity study (I-685, rail and surface transportation)
• $5 million to expand sewer and water infrastructure;
• $10 million for pedestrian and safety projects;
• $1 million for workforce development initiatives including STEM and NextGen workforce growth opportunities;
• $3 million for planning and feasibility of a regional public safety training center;
• $2 million for Cape Fear River Park Trail Extension Phase II;
• $2 million for Solid Waste & Transit facility modernization and improvements.
Discussions also included an equitable tax distribution, a direct flight to DC from the Fayetteville Regional Airport, public safety personnel recruitment and retention, a Rail to Raleigh initiative and the need for affordable and workforce housing.
Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen said that the City of Fayetteville was also exploring other flight paths to add to the schedule at Fayetteville Regional Airport.
McInnis said that there needs to be less regulation in permitting in order to build housing.
At their Feb. 10 meeting, the City Council approved an intergovernmental service agreement with Fort Bragg for solid waste. Fayetteville will now manage solid waste services on post.
They also approved $1.9 million to pay a local contractor M&E Contracting Inc. to finish the Mazarick Park Tennis Center on Filter Plant Road.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners adopted a Federal Legislative Agenda at their Feb. 13 meeting. These are county priorities to be advocated for on a federal level and include:
• Secure funding for safe, regulated drinking water in contaminated areas;
• Secure funding and services for individuals with mental health and substance abuse challenges;
• Seek funding for infrastructure improvements, PFAS removal, and organic waste processing;
• Prioritize funding for specialized training, detention facility improvements, and modern technology for the Sheriff’s Office;
• Secure funding to maintain services and expand breastfeeding programs;
• Support legislation for stronger child welfare services and improve funding for key programs;
• Strengthen infrastructure for senior services and support aging-related federal initiatives;
• Advocate for USDA payment reforms;
• Support childcare tax credits and provider assistance;
• Support the I-685/I-295 Cumberland County connection project;
• Secure additional funding for Veterans Services Offices;
• Funding to ensure compliance with DOJ’s mandate for ADA-accessible content by April 2026 deadline.
At their Feb. 17 meeting, the board adopted a resolution supporting $93.5 million in funding requests on a state level after a meeting with the Cumberland County state legislative delegation on Feb. 10. The priorities included:
• $5 million for public water infrastructure for the Gray’s Creek Water and Sewer District water expansion project and $50 million for public water and sewer county-wide infrastructure;
• $30 million, including $15 million of direct State appropriations for infrastructure needs and $15 million for a new state-of-the-art school;
• $4 million to expand comprehensive mental health and substance use treatment services for youth;
• $2 million for Regional Aquatic Center preconstruction needs;
• $2 million for a Mobile Incident Command Unit for Emergency Services and $500,000 for Digital Dispatch Equipment for Cumberland County’s Fire Chiefs Association;

Joint City of Fayetteville — Cumberland County Liaison Committee
Members of the Fayetteville City Council and Cumberland County Board of Commissioners met on Feb. 17 to discuss public safety with presentations from the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Cumberland County Fire Chiefs Association, the City of Fayetteville Fire Department and the City of Fayetteville Police Department.
The city and county meet jointly to discuss ways they can further collaborate and communicate effectively. Committee members include Board of Commissioners Vice Chairwoman Veronica Jones, Committee Chair; Chairman Kirk deViere and Commissioner Pavan Patel; Fayetteville Mayor Pro Tem Kathy Jensen, Committee Co-Chair; Mayor Mitch Colvin; and Councilwoman Courtney Banks-McLaughlin.
The next meeting will be held on March 17 in the Judge E. Maurice Braswell Cumberland County Courthouse.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests.
With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice in shaping policies, driving economic success, and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com.

(Photo courtesy of Cumberland County NC Government Facebook Page)

In one of my all-time favorite songs, Loves Me Like a Rock, Paul Simon poses the rhetorical question, “Who, who do you think you’re fooling?” Well, I would like to ask weekend news anchor turned fledgling Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth who the heck he thinks he’s fooling by renaming Fort Liberty (nee Fort Bragg) Fort Bragg all over again. Exit the original 1918 honoree, Civil War General Braxton Bragg, and enter World War II honoree Private First Class Roland Bragg.
It is a fair bet that most Americans will never know that and will not care if they do realize what has happened.
The situation is that now President Donald Trump made changing the name of the most populous military base in the country back to Fort Bragg a campaign issue. He did so because the millions of people who have passed through the base think of it by that name and because “lost cause” and white nationalist supporters in his base were upset when Confederate Braxton Bragg was stripped of that honor.
A little history here. In 2021, Congress mandated the renaming of all military bases honoring Confederate soldiers, and 9 bases were indeed renamed in 2023. Change is hard for most people, and these changes were no exception. Layer on the political and racial tensions still swirling around the Civil War 160 years later with a hard-fought, highly divisive Presidential race and here we are.
Historians and scholars debate the question of renaming buildings, monuments, military bases, and such for people who are later disgraced in some way, in this case for supporting slavery and attempting to divide our nation. We cannot erase history, they argue, so it is better to focus on explaining it accurately and teaching it to future generations. It is a reasonable argument.
In addition, we seek to erase Braxton Bragg and the 8 other Confederates honored with military bases named for them, but we continue to honor others who also supported positions and realities we now find repugnant and unworthy. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were both slave owners, but have you ever heard anyone advocating renaming or destroying the Washington Monument or the Jefferson Memorial? Is renaming just for those lesser than a Founding Father?
But back to the various Braggs.
Out of the millions of United States veterans, Roland Bragg was one of at least 5 soldiers named Bragg considered for the renaming. The list also included a US Ambassador and Congressman and a woman pilot who helped open flight training for black pilots at 5 locations, including the famed Tuskegee Institute. The operative word here, of course, is Bragg, because the whole idea was to go back to the future.
That said, Roland Bragg, was a hero in a way the mediocre Braxton Bragg was not. As 21-year-old paratrooper from Maine, Roland Bragg earned the Silver Star and 2 Purple Hearts for his service, which included stealing a Nazi ambulance, loading up 4 wounded US paratroopers, and driving them 20 miles through active gunfire to an allied hospital. Bragg believed that all 4 died of their wounds until he received a letter from one of them in 1993 and they reunited.
However worthy this enlisted man is, it is hard to get around the deep cynicism of this renaming. It is less to honor a hero than to wink at and perpetuate history and ways of thinking that millions of Americans find increasingly offensive and a violation of the spirit of the law passed by Congress in 2020. It is a sleight of hand that most Americans will never know happened.
So, “who,” Pete Hegseth, “who do you think you’re fooling?”

Every citizen who meets the basic requirements — adulthood, residency, and the completion of sentence after a felony conviction — can cast a ballot in North Carolina. There’s no test of civic knowledge required to exercise the civil right to vote, nor should there be. (Our state constitution still contains a Jim Crow-era literacy test to vote, but it’s vestigial and unenforceable.)
That having been said, effective self-government is difficult to sustain when voters lack basic information about candidates, issues, and our constitutional system. Surveys show such ignorance is especially prevalent among young people. In a recent poll of Americans aged 18 to 24, only a quarter knew the vice president breaks ties in the U.S. Senate. Most thought the Electoral College had responsibilities other than electing presidents, such as regulating campaign finance or certifying congressional elections.
Here in North Carolina, the latest High Point University poll tested the political knowledge of state residents. Some of the results, while troubling, fell short of catastrophic. Most respondents to the survey, conducted in late January, knew that Republicans currently control the U.S. House of Representatives, though 13% said the Democrats did and 22% were unsure. Two-thirds identified the GOP as the more conservative party and 55% knew that the U.S. Supreme Court was the federal branch empowered to declare a law unconstitutional.
But North Carolinians flubbed this question: “As far as you know, does the federal government spend more on Social Security or foreign aid?”
Just 21% knew the correct answer. Social Security accounts for one-fifth of total federal spending. Foreign aid is about 1%. Alas, most North Carolinians thought either that foreign aid was the bigger expenditure (41%) or that the U.S. spent about the same on foreign aid and Social Security (10%). The rest admitted they didn’t know.
I concede that civic knowledge isn’t a game of Jeopardy. Voters need not know which president prosecuted the Mexican-American War (North Carolina’s own James K. Polk) or was the first to be impeached (another native Tar Heel, Andrew Johnson) in order to exercise their franchise responsibly. Still, as America continues to stumble toward a fiscal crisis of unprecedented magnitude, far too few of us have a firm grasp on its primary causes and probable consequences.
If present trends continue, publicly held federal debt (excluding debts owed by one part of the government to another) will hit a record 106% of gross domestic product in 2027 and shoot up to 122% of GDP by 2034. Washington is now spending more on interest payments to bondholders than on national defense.
The U.S. House has just approved budget targets that, if fully implemented in subsequent legislation, would extend the tax cuts enacted during President Trump’s first term (generally good) and reduce future spending growth by trillions of dollars (also good). Unfortunately, under all reasonable scenarios, it also guarantees multi-trillion-dollar deficits as far as the eye can see.
Why aren’t voters more upset about all this? The reason isn’t a lack of concern. The vast majority say they worry “a great deal” or a “fair amount” about federal spending and deficits. The problem is that they misunderstand the causes and underestimate the necessary remedies. Far too many left-leaning people think it’s largely a revenue matter and can be addressed by hiking taxes on millionaires and billionaires. As I’ve pointed out many times, doing so might realistically nudge federal revenues up modestly as a share of GDP, by a percentage point or so. But our deficits are running closer to 7% of GDP.
Far too many right-leaning people believe combating fraud and axing a few programs like foreign aid will do the job. Nah. The sum of Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, national defense, and debt service represents 76% of all federal spending. Eliminate every other federal expenditure and that still wouldn’t balance the budget (Washington currently finances nearly 30% of its budget by borrowing).
Voters deserve to know the truth. They deserve politicians willing to speak it.

Editor’s note: John Hood is a John Locke Foundation board member. His books Mountain Folk, Forest Folk, and Water Folk combine epic fantasy with American history (FolkloreCycle.com).

Success in life requires determination, resilience, and a commitment to the pursuit of excellence. For military service members, success also requires a strong support system like the one offered by Fayetteville Technical Community College’s Military & Veterans Program.
I’m Christian "Nate" Valentin, and my story is a prime example of how FTCC’s MVP can make a difference while serving those of us who serve or have served in the military. With the team at both the Fort Bragg Training and Education Center and the All American Veterans Center on the Fayetteville campus, FTCC is genuinely dedicated to helping military and veteran students, along with their families, succeed.
I was born in the Philippines, and growing up, my family instilled in me strong values like character, knowledge, and a solid work ethic — values that have shaped both my military career and my academic pursuits. These principles stuck with me when I moved to Los Angeles in 2017. I worked odd jobs while attending high school and stayed involved in sports to help build leadership skills and a sense of teamwork.
In July 2019, I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a 92R Parachute Rigger. While serving, I stayed committed to my education, constantly pushing myself to improve both professionally and academically. FTCC made it possible for me to excel while balancing my active duty service with higher education. FTCC’s flexible programs, supportive environment, and encouraging instructors were the keys to my success.
FTCC’s support has gone beyond helping me earn my degree. The team here was crucial in helping me get accepted into the Army Green to Gold program, a program that allows enlisted soldiers to earn a commission as an officer. This is a major step for me, as it will allow me to become an Army officer, and eventually pursue my goal of becoming a pilot. I’m also working on short-term goals, like earning my Jumpmaster and Free Fall certifications and aiming for the rank of Staff Sergeant. I have a clear vision for the future, and my next step is to complete my bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, I plan to retire from the U.S. Army with a fulfilling career.
I hope my journey can inspire other military and veteran students. FTCC has provided me with an amazing support system, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. If you or someone you know is military-affiliated and interested in higher education — whether in-person or online — FTCC’s All American Veterans Center is ready to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them at military@faytechcc.edu or vso@faytechcc.edu, or call 910-678-8580 for more information. You can also visit the All American Veterans Center at the Fayetteville campus or the military services office located at Fort Bragg. The MVP team is here to help make your success story a reality.

(Photo courtesy of FTCC)

The president of the United States today sends troops to fight in distant lands for long periods, enters into binding agreements with foreign powers, and takes other extraordinary actions, all without prior approval from Congress.
Presidential candidates promise to reverse their predecessors’ agreements on the first day they take office. And they confidently promise to take other dramatic and costly actions unilaterally on that same first day.
We have come to expect, even demand, such power plays from our presidents. So, it is fair to ask what explains the enormous growth of presidential power from its lowly state in the late 19th century to the imperial presidency of today.
One man, retired UNC-Chapel Hill history professor William Leuchtenburg, who died last month at the age of 102, spent much of his life explaining the growth of presidential power. For example, ten years ago, he gave us one response to this question in the form of a book, “The American President: From Teddy Roosevelt to Bill Clinton.”
That book follows the expansion of presidential power during the 20th century, showing how it grew in periods of reform to responses to domestic challenges and during the two World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, and the War on Terror.
Reviewing this book in “The American Scholar,” Michael Sherry wrote that Leuchtenburg “is perhaps today’s greatest presidential historian, and not of the presidency as some insular realm, but as it intersected with national life, which makes this book also a history of the nation in the 20th century.”
Not surprisingly, Leuchtenburg’s answer to the question about the growth of presidential power is not a simple one-liner. In fact, it is a big 800-pager. That might be bad news for readers of other books, but this author’s great story-telling gifts and a long lifetime of thoughtful study make each instructive page a pleasure.
Filmmaker Ken Burns, himself a great storyteller, explains Leuchtenburg’s contribution better than I can.
"This is a riveting narrative, written by someone with a deep knowledge of the presidents and our complicated country. It seems an almost effortless work, but, of course, it's not. William Leuchtenburg has spent the better part of a century studying the mechanics of this republic and the men (so far) charged with leading it. The result here is a fast-paced, dramatic literary achievement that will be around and used for centuries."
Critics of Barack Obama’s use of executive agreements to bypass Congress on the Iran-nuclear arms and the Paris climate deals can blame Teddy Roosevelt. When the Senate refused to ratify a pact in 1905 with Santo Domingo, he simply made an executive agreement with the same terms. Later he explained. “The Constitution did not explicitly give me power to bring about the necessary agreement with Santo Domingo. But the Constitution did not forbid my doing what I did.”
Woodrow Wilson also expanded the role of the presidency, but surprisingly, according to Leuchtenburg, “he conducted a minimalist operation in the White House.” Wilson’s chief of staff was his only staff, “save for employees such as clerks.”
“With no speechwriters and very little technical support, the president had to handcraft documents. On an old portable typewriter, he banged out diplomatic notes to be sent over the signature of the secretary of state.”
Both Wilson, during the First World War, and Franklin Roosevelt, during the Second, took extraordinary actions as commander-in-chief that resulted in increased power for the office.
However, both of them got congressional authority before committing troops in those wars. But, Leuchtenburg writes, “after Truman’s unilateral action in Korea, the power vested in Congress alone to declare war became almost a relic.”
Important as understanding the origins of increased presidential power was to me, the book’s exploration of each president’s background, character, and family kept me turning the pages and, at the end, made me believe that I knew each of them as a close friend.
Thanks to William Leuchtenburg who made every reader a close friend to presidents.

Editor’s note: D.G. Martin, a lawyer, served as UNC-System’s vice president for public affairs and hosted PBS-NC’s North Carolina Bookwatch.