Profiles

  • New Lumbee leader talks about NC tribe’s future – and federal recognition
    by Sarah Nagem
    John Lowery, who is the new chairman of the Lumbee tribe in North Carolina, said he will continue to push for full federal recognition. Read more
  • Rural North Carolina hospital leader emerges as outspoken critic of COVID ‘noise’
    by Sarah Nagem
    Joann Anderson, president and CEO of UNC Health Southeastern in Robeson County, has emerged as a Facebook-posting, say-it-how-it-is advocate for COVID vaccines and a fighter against misinformation, conspiracy theories and political divides.Read more
  • Pastor keeps faith despite losing father, brother and son who died from COVID in 18 days
    by Les High
    Pastor Jerome Bullard of the Bridge of Life Church in Leland, N.C., conducted the funerals of his father, brother and son, all of whom died from COVID within a span of 18 days in late July and August. Read more
  • Ivey Schofield
    Writer profile: Ivey Schofield
    by Border Belt Independent
    Today the Border Belt Independent highlights staff writer Ivey Schofield, who majored in languages but has found her calling in journalism. She splits her time between The News Reporter in Whiteville and the BBI. Q. Tell us a little about yourself.     I grew up in a small town in South Carolina called Eastover. After graduating high school, I moved almost 1,000 miles away to …Read more
  • Sarah Nagem named editor of the Border Belt Independent
    by Les High
    Sarah Nagem will join the staff of the Border Belt Independent as editor June 1. “Sarah brings with her a passion for journalism that gives voice to the most vulnerable people in society,” said BBI Publisher Les High. “Growing up poor in West Virginia, she saw firsthand how generational poverty can limit access to many basic needs, including health care, transportation and education. She is …Read more