Local News

NC History Center breaks ground, shares history

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Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Written by Aly Hansen

July 25 marked a momentous day for the NC History Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction. The foundation for the museum announced building would begin soon at the location picked out on Arsenal Ave. The location is important; it was here that Fayetteville’s arsenal was located during the Civil War, and remnants of the building can still be seen in the area.
Gen. William T. Sherman targeted the arsenal during his Southern campaign.
The Fayetteville area saw its fair share of events during the Civil War, as did much of the state of North Carolina. The museum, however, won’t focus on the battles that were fought in the area, but on the reconstruction that happened after.
“It will be the first and only museum in North Carolina that focuses on an important part of our history. Important and frankly overlooked at this point in time, and that's Reconstruction. It’s the story of our state putting itself back together after the Civil War,” said Pamela Brewington Cashwell, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
Brewington Cashwell is proud of Fayetteville, having grown up in the area.
“This is home for me, I grew up here and went to Pine Forest with Kathy Jensen. Fayetteville is important to me, this is an exciting project,” she said.
The museum has had its detractors; not everyone was thrilled with another Civil War museum opening. But Brewington Cashwell and Mac Healy, chair of the N.C. Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction Foundation, are a part of a team of people who believe the stories of the everyday people living in the area need to be told.
The museum’s goal is to collect 100 stories from all 100 counties in North Carolina; 10,000 stories in all. The museum plans to display as many of the stories as they can.
The museum has been a fifteen year project in the making, and the July 25 ceremony marked the next phase of the project.
The planning is finished, according to Healy. The construction is what is coming next, and the project will be a big one. The center will be a 60,000 square foot space with exhibitions, classrooms, a library, an archive and a lecture space. It will also feature a gift shop and cafe.
“The center will be a place not to learn about the great battles of the Civil War, but of the stories of the very diverse people living in North Carolina during this tumultuous time and what they experienced,” said Adam Brakenberry. “It will also be a place where friends can meet for a cup of coffee or ice tea, and where their kids can play in the park.”
Brakenberry represented Vines Architecture, the firm responsible for the design of the building, at the ceremony. The steel structure is expected to be in place by Spring 2026, with a potential grand opening in the Spring of 2028.
In the meantime, The N.C. Center on the Civil War, Emancipation & Reconstruction Foundation will continue to teach school aged children local history and continuing lectures for the public. The Hari Jones Lecture Series is an example of the work the foundation has been doing locally.
Healy was quick to thank so many people for coming together on the project. From the center staff, to cultural resource personnel, and even to Fayetteville and Cumberland County government and leadership, Healy was grateful for everyone coming together to “get the project off the ground.”
“We brought together 30 historians. You can well imagine that 30 historians on a tragic time like the civil war might have different opinions. They have worked together, or apart at times, for the last ten years, building the story. That is all part of the process we have been through,” he said.
“The only way that these sorts of projects work is by everyone working together and pulling in the same direction,” said Brewington Cashwell. “The long history of this project points to the resilience of people in North Carolina.”

(Photo: A photograph of the model of the museum's building shows a landscaped area and part of the building. Photo courtesy of Marc Barnes and Vines Architecture)

WAY2REAL Community Center launches in Fayetteville

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Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Written by Jamie Bishop

In a powerful step forward for community development, healing, and innovation, the City of Fayetteville has partnered with Dr. Tony Haire to open the WAY2REAL Community Center, a new 10,000-square-foot facility located at 2400 Murchison Road. Designed to be a cornerstone for behavioral change, educational enrichment, and multimedia creativity, the center is already making waves across Cumberland County.
WAY2REAL, which stands for We All Yearn 2 Rise, Excel, Achieve, and Lead, is more than an acronym. It is a philosophy rooted in the transformation of individuals, families, and neighborhoods. The center offers an impressive range of services, including low-cost mental and behavioral health care, STEAM--Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math--tutoring, youth and adult leadership programming, and hands-on training in music production, podcasting, and digital content creation.
"This isn’t just a youth center. It’s a life center,” said Dr. Haire, director of the center. “We’ve created a space where minds can be renewed, creativity can flourish, and families can find resources and restoration all under one roof.”
One of the center’s central missions is to address how people think, especially youth. With Dr. Haire’s background in behavioral therapy, the programming at WAY2REAL is built to challenge and reshape limiting beliefs.
“Everything starts with thought,” said Dr. Haire. “You can’t change behavior until you change thinking. The number one thing we do every day is think, but are we thinking correctly?”
This approach informs not only the counseling and mental wellness services offered, but also the broader structure of programming. Each activity, from creative writing to music composition to robotics, is embedded with the goal of building emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and decision-making skills.
Among the most unique features of the center are its two multimedia spaces: the Benny Pough Recording Studio and the Mathew Knowles Library and Podcast Studio. Named after leading figures in the music industry, Pough, a music executive formerly with Roc Nation, and Knowles, the father of Beyoncé, the studios serve as hubs for creative expression and entrepreneurial training.
Youth have access to professional-grade equipment and expert mentorship to learn everything from recording music to launching monetized YouTube channels or podcast series.
“For young people, especially those in underserved communities, storytelling and creativity can be an open door to purpose,” said Dr. Haire. “We’re equipping them with the tools to build something of their own.”
Vic Frost, one of North Carolina’s top podcasters, leads technical operations and training in the studios.
“It’s the first of its kind in Fayetteville,” Haire noted. “Our youth can create, produce, and distribute their own stories, music, and messages in a professional setting for free.”
Adults and organizations can also rent the space for commercial podcasting needs, receiving guidance in content development, post-production, and digital monetization. WAY2REAL’s focus on youth is deeply intertwined with its support for families. The center offers parenting workshops, mental health education, leadership training, and digital literacy sessions. Parents are required to sign their children in and out of sessions, reinforcing structure and presence.
“We can’t just transform the kids. We’ve got to work with the adults too,” said Dr. Haire. “We’re teaching parents how to parent again. That may sound simple, but it’s revolutionary.”
The center’s leadership curriculum is grounded in the globally respected John Maxwell philosophy.
“We’re not just offering leadership, we’re offering the best version of it,” said Haire, who is a certified Maxwell speaker and trainer. “And we’re doing it in a way that’s accessible to everyone.”
The facility also houses a fully equipped computer lab and STEAM program launching this fall under the direction of Dr. Felicia Harris. The lab is available to students for academic projects and schoolwork, with support from retired teachers and volunteers. Scheduling is managed through an on-site kiosk, ensuring efficiency and access to consistent programming.
Beyond academics and media training, the center meets basic needs through a robust food and clothing pantry. In partnership with Manna Church and local leaders, the pantry provides food to families weekly and school uniforms to children in need.
Michelle Smith, a Fayetteville resident and volunteer, oversees the clothing program with a personal passion.
“She came to me in tears and said, ‘This is what I’m called to do,’” Haire said. “And she’s done it with excellence. Every shirt is pressed. Every garment is wrapped. That’s dignity.”
Manna Church delivers regular pallets of food to the center, and beginning in September, the center will host monthly food giveaways.
WAY2REAL is not an island; it’s a network. The center works closely with Fayetteville Technical Community College, Cumberland Nursing Academy, and regional workforce development agencies. Army recruiters and public-school representatives also maintain a presence, providing career and education pathways for students and young adults.
“This is about bringing everything under one umbrella so that our families don’t have to go to five different places to get help,” Haire said. “We’ve created one ecosystem of opportunity.”
In addition to the physical offerings, WAY2REAL introduces youth to long-term planning through a visionary exercise called “The History of Your Future.” Students are asked to imagine themselves in the year 2040, identify their dreams, and reverse-engineer the steps needed to achieve them. “When you can see your future, you can change your present,” Haire said.
The center is open Monday through Friday and hosts events and workshops throughout the month. All youth programming is free, and adult services are either free or low-cost depending on the offering.
As Dr. Haire says, “There’s only one of you in 8.2 billion people. That means you don’t have to compare yourself to anyone. You just have to be the best version of you. That’s what WAY2REAL is all about.”
To learn more, volunteer, or get involved, visit www.way2real.life.

Fort Bragg ACS celebrates 60th birthday

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Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Written by Audra Satterlee, Army Community Service

The Army Community Service 60th Birthday Bash drew more than a thousand people to celebrate ACS’s 60 years of service to the military community. The celebration, hosted July 26 on the grounds of the Soldier Support Center, provided families with an opportunity to enjoy carnival games, connect with valuable safety and prevention information and resources, and get school supplies to help youth get ready to go back to school.

Government Watch: Chamber holds Candidates Academy for political hopefuls

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Tuesday, 05 August 2025

Written by Jami McLaughlin

Greater Fayetteville Chamber
On Aug. 1, the Greater Fayetteville Chamber hosted a Candidates Academy with 18 candidates who are running for Fayetteville City Council to prepare for office. This all-day event brought local subject matter experts to share their knowledge on the workings of our community and government and outline what elected officials need to know about policy making in our All-America City.
These guests included new Police Chief Roberto E. Bryan, Jr., former state Representative Diane Parfitt, Fayetteville PWC senior communications and community engagement staff Tyler Patton and Lexi Hasapis, Fayetteville Economic Development President and CEO Robert Van Goens, NC Rep. Charles Smith (D-44) and President/CEO Bob Pinson of the Arts Council of Fayetteville/Cumberland County. Topics included identifying needs vs. wants, an overview of the downtown business district, the city’s economic outlook, crime and safety, the arts and our public utilities.
Cumberland County Commissioner Chair Kirk deViere led a session on the differences between City, County and State Jurisdictions, which he was uniquely qualified to lead as a former City Councilman and state Senator.
His presentation was particularly interesting as he outlined the sections of government, funding sources for each and what services each government entity provides. In his overview, deViere compared the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County and the State of North Carolina with the following:
• The City of Fayetteville is a municipal corporation that oversees the operation and functions of the city as well as implements policies set by the state. Funding sources include property and business taxes, sales taxes (portion), user fees from trash, water, parks, etc., federal and state grants, licenses, permits and user fees. Services include the Fayetteville Police and Fire departments, transportation services, historic preservation, street maintenance, water/sewer/stormwater, street lights and garbage collection (curb-side pickup) among other things. The budget for the City of Fayetteville for fiscal year 2026 is $315.2 million Operating Budget and $91.8 million Capital Improvement Plan (adopted June 2025).
• Cumberland County, a subdivision of North Carolina, enforces state laws at the local level and provides services that the state and Fayetteville do not. It also includes multiple cities and towns. Funding sources include property taxes, sales taxes (portion), federal and state grants and licenses, permits and user fees.
Services include Cumberland County schools and libraries, Cumberland County Sheriff's Office, court buildings and jails, Fire Marshal's Office, emergency management, healthcare and human services, public health and medical services, children and family Services, employment assistance, food and medical assistance, veterans’ resources, emergency medical services, tax collection and more. The budget for Cumberland County FY 2026 is $608.8 million in expenditures across all County funds, with $404.6 million appropriated to the General Fund (adopted June 2025).
• The State of North Carolina makes state-wide policy decisions and needs local government to carry out policies. Funding sources include Income and business taxes, sales taxes (portion), licenses and user fees, federal government and lottery receipts. Services include NC courts, criminal records, victim services, personal, home and roadway safety, emergency management, NC National Guard, adult correction, juvenile justice, Health and Human Services, children's services, low income programs and services, special needs and accessible living, Aging and Adult Services Taxes (personal, property, business), Unemployment Insurance, Tax Voter registration, vital and public records, driver's license and ID, vehicle title and registration, NC Train, Ferry Service Recreation and state parks. The FY 2025 budget for North Carolina is $34.16 billion in General Fund revenue collections anticipated for FY 2024-25.
It was important knowledge to distinguish what lies in a future councilman’s scope and the services they provide.
Another reminder was given from PWC with the North Carolina Community College System’s “Turn Over a New YOU” program, which focuses on empowering individuals to pursue high-demand workforce training programs within 10 workforce pathways leading to state or industry-recognized credentials at Fayetteville Technical Community College.
This program is in response to the 302,000+ new jobs projected to expand the North Carolina workforce by 2028 and the need for career professionals with next-level skills and training in critical industries.
The ten 10 Governor’s Emergency Education Relief funded industry sectors are automotive, aircraft maintenance, construction, criminal justice, emergency medical services, healthcare, industrial manufacturing, information technology, transportation and fire and rescue services.
The primary target audience is underemployed and unemployed adults, 25-44 years old, who need to quickly and affordably upskill with credentials that will help them secure a new job with stability, upward mobility and the ability to provide for their family. To find out more about what scholarships are available or more about the program, visit www.faytechcc.edu/turn-over-a-new-you.
Greater Fayetteville Chamber Candidates’ Forum
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber will also host a Candidates Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 14, which will be held at FTCC in Cumberland Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. This event offers a unique opportunity for the public to hear directly from those seeking to represent them and gain a deeper understanding of each candidate's vision and policies. It is open to the community and free of charge. The Candidates’ Forum is a valuable platform for community members to become informed voters and participate in the democratic process. Find out more at www.faybiz.com.
The City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County resume meetings after a brief summer hiatus in August, so stay tuned for further recaps and news.
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. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

(Kirk deViere speaks to candidates running for local offices at the Greater Fayetteville Chamber's Candidates Academy on Aug. 1. Photo courtesy of Jami McLaughlin)