This newsletter was not written by artificial intelligence. 

Why? Because computers are a lot more intelligent than I am. But for my money, I’d rather hear a human voice any day.

Speaking of AI, data centers are going up across the state of North Carolina. It’s a huge story. But in a new Billy Ball Explains NC, we take a look at the hidden costs of these data centers. 

As billionaire-owned companies like Meta, Amazon and Apple buy up land in the Tar Heel state, they’re raising red flags about water consumption, high utility bills, and their effect on the fight against climate change. 

Take a look, and make sure to like and subscribe to help us spread good, factual information. 

Tap the graphic and watch a new must-see episode of Billy Ball Explains NC. Make sure to like and subscribe!

Thanks for reading, North Carolina. Here’s what’s in today’s email: 

Cardinal & Pine reader Melanie Woodfield is a master of the nature photograph. She’s granted this newsletter several beautiful views from NC. 

This snapshot of a blue jay in Waynesville is a really good one. Thanks, Melanie! Send us your photos by tapping the button below, folks. 

The Trump administration’s trade war could lead to thousands of lost agricultural jobs in North Carolina. (Adobe Stock)

As the Public News Service reports, in the last year, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has moved toward what it calls a “race-neutral” policy under President Donald Trump.

What does that mean?

It means shifting funds away from the federal Discrimination Financial Assistance Program, which compensated farmers who faced racial discrimination in the USDA’s lending practices before 2021. 

That’s a big impact. A new story takes a look at how Black farmers in NC are faring amid the shift. 

This week, North Carolinians have the opportunity to participate in protests against ICE and in support of democracy, attend events honoring Black history, and attend organizing meetings in support of reproductive rights and fair courts.

With primary early voting underway through Feb. 28, it’s a great opportunity to make your voice heard.

🗓 Friday, Feb. 20

Engaged Defenders for Democracy – ICE Is Not Welcome Here! Cary ICE Office (9-11 a.m.)

Location: 140 Centrewest Court, Cary

Join peaceful protesters in Cary as they stand on the sidewalk on the corner of Evans and Centrewest Court to protest ICE policies against immigrants outside of their local offices. 

🗓 Saturday, Feb. 21

Down Home NC – Smithfield MLK Parade March (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Down Home NC will be participating in the MLK Parade in Johnston County, and you can join them! Those interested in being in the parade should arrive no later than 10:15. This is a rescheduled event from January.

NC African American Heritage Commission – Echoes of Change: Resilience Against Oppression Walking Tour (11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)

Location: NC Freedom Park 218 North Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC 27601

Through this one-hour walking tour, with two different start times, attendees will learn about the struggle for civil rights in the 20th century and the role that people like Julius Chambers and Ella Baker played in securing equal rights for African Americans in NC and beyond.

Guilford County Indivisible – Rage Against the Regime (11 a.m.-12 p.m.)

Location: 4203 West Wendover Ave., Greensboro

Join Guilford County Indivisible for a Saturday protest against the Trump administration in Greensboro.

Wake County Indivisible – No Kings Sign Making (1-3 p.m.)

Location: Provided upon sign-up

Join Wake Indivisible for a sign-making workshop for the March 28th ‘No King’s’ event.

🗓 Sunday, Feb. 22

Indivisible CLT – Activist Care Workshop: Finding Your Focus (2:00-4:00)

Location: Virtual

A virtual training designed to help attendees find their place and areas of interest in activist spaces.

NAACP New Hanover County Branch – Souls to the Polls (1 p.m.)

Location: St. Stephen AME Church, 501 Red Cross St., Wilmington

Marchers will walk from the church to Cape Fear Community College in downtown Wilmington to vote early in the primary elections. Lunch will be provided by TASTE-N-SEIZE Food Truck.

Flip NC – Fight for Justice: A Launch Party for 2026 (6-8:30 p.m.)

Location: Motorco Music Hall 723 Rigsbee Ave., Durham (registration required)

Come out to Flip NC’s event in Durham to learn what is at stake in the upcoming North Carolina Supreme Court election.

🗓 Monday, Feb. 23

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic – Raiz Story Circle: Rooted in Our Power (6-7:30 p.m.)

Location: Durham County Main Library, 300 N. Roxboro St., Durham

As part of an activist training in Durham, attendees will share their “why” for supporting reproductive rights, healthcare access, and justice.

🗓 Wednesday, Feb. 25

Wake County Democratic Party: Western Wake Dems Social & Talk (6-8 p.m.)

Location: Provided upon sign-up

If you live in Western Wake County, you can attend to meet local elected officials and socialize with other attendees. 

🗓 Thursday, Feb. 26

Engaged Defenders of Democracy – Oppose Oligarchy Demonstration: Raleigh (7:30-9 a.m.)

Location: 4601 Capital Blvd., Raleigh

This weekly peaceful protest event is an opportunity for people in the Raleigh area to rally in support of democracy and against oligarchy.

Alamance Hour of Action (4-5 p.m.)

Location: 1388 S. Main St., Burlington

In this edition of a weekly peaceful protest, residents of Alamance County will march on Thursday, Feb. 26, in downtown Burlington in support of democracy.

READ MORE: Here’s what to watch for in the 2026 NC primaries

Joseph McNeil, Franklin McCain, Billy Smith, and Clarence Henderson sit in protest at a Woolworth’s in Greensboro, North Carolina. (Public domain)

You simply cannot talk about Black History Month in NC and leave out the Greensboro Woolworth sit-ins. 

Cardinal & Pine contributor Dorothy Scott has written a new guide to this pivotal moment. It’s not just crucial to our state’s history, but to the entire country’s. 

Four Black North Carolina A&T students walked into a “whites-only” Woolworth’s lunch counter and asked to be served. When they were refused, they started coming back every day to sit and wait. 

The peaceful protest didn’t just change the policy at Woolworth’s. It gave the budding Civil Rights Movement a winning strategy. 

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Billy Ball. I’m an NC native and journalist. I tend to lean left on opinion, but I lean no way on facts. Today’s edition includes stories from Public News Service and Dorothy Scott. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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