Cardinal & Pine readers are a pretty plugged-in bunch. So most of you know Phil Berger, the longtime leader of the NC Senate. 

Folks like former Gov. Roy Cooper might get more national headlines. But you could make a strong case that Berger is—and has been for a long time—the most powerful politician in the state. 

I’d argue that, for better or worse, Berger has directly impacted more North Carolinians than big national figures like President Donald Trump or Joe Biden. 

Which is why it’s enormous news that his political career in the state could be all but over, depending on the outcome of the most under-the-radar primary election in the state. 

If Berger goes down, the state could be heading for big changes in the way it does politics. I broke it down in a new Billy Ball Explains NC. 

A new Billy Ball Explains NC premieres every Wednesday afternoon on YouTube. Make sure to like and subscribe to @cardinalandpine so you won’t miss an episode. 

Don’t forget to like and subscribe after you watch the video. It helps us spread good information and reach more eyes and ears. 

One quick correction: In Tuesday’s email, I accidentally got the location of the Roanoke River Lighthouse in Edenton wrong. Thanks to several eagle-eyed Cardinal & Pine readers for spotting the error.

Here’s what you’ll find in today’s Cardinal & Pine newsletter: 

Cardinal & Pine reader Don Stewart sent us this photo of an owl braving cold temperatures. 

Don, I’m pretty sure he sees you. 😬

A volunteer at F.A.R.M. Cafe in Boone preps the salad for the day. (Kaden Theisen)

Marcus Gupton became an employee of Boone’s F.A.R.M. Cafe (“Feed All Regardless of Means”) after hearing about the pay-what-you-can cafe through a friend. 

Gupton was having a hard time. He’d been homeless in the western NC community for a decade or more. He heard that you could work for a meal. 

Eventually, he got a job at F.A.R.M. Cafe. As Cardinal & Pine contributor Vanessa Infanzon reports, he’s been washing dishes and training volunteers in the dishroom. He’s got an apartment in Boone now. 

“I think the majority of people are beginning to recognize that even something as simple and basic as food is becoming difficult for more and more people to obtain,” Gupton told Cardinal & Pine.

Today, we published a deep dive on pay-what-you-can cafes in NC. They’ve sprung up in places like Boone, Pittsboro, and Raleigh, and they’re making a difference. Make sure to read and share! 

Over the next week, North Carolinians have an opportunity to make their voices heard. You can engage directly in our state’s democracy by joining ICE protests, participating in get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts, and attending election night events.

With the March primary taking place Tuesday, March 3, this is a great opportunity to get involved locally in your community.

🗓 Friday, Feb. 27

ICE Is Not Welcome Here! Cary ICE Office, 9-11 a.m.

Hosted by: Engaged Defenders of Democracy

Location: ICE headquarters, 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. 28

Navigating the Unexpected in Dangerous Times, 1-5 p.m.

Host: Indivisible Guilford County
Location: New Garden Friends Meeting, 801 New Garden Road, Greensboro

Saturday night in Greensboro, attendees will learn how to participate in nonviolent community resistance through a four-hour training. Free childcare is available for children ages 2-12. Sign up here.

25th Annual African American Cultural Celebration, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Host: The North Carolina Museum of History, North Carolina African American Heritage Commission
Location: North Carolina Museum of Art, 2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

On the last day of Black History Month, come to the North Carolina Museum of Art to celebrate the history and culture of African Americans in North Carolina. For 25 years, this annual event has honored Black artists, musicians, and authors who have shaped North Carolina.

BULL CITY GOTV For Congresswoman Valerie Foushee, with Special Guest, noon

Host: Foushee for Congress
Location: Provided upon registration

On the final day of early voting, supporters of US Rep. Valerie Foushee are canvassing voters in Durham.

Durham Canvass for Nida, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; 1 p.m.-4 p.m.; and 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Host: Nida for NC-04
Location: Provided upon registration

Supporters of Durham County Commissioner Nida Allam’s campaign for Congress will be canvassing at multiple times in Durham on Saturday.

Defend Democracy Saturdays: Morrisville, 9-11 a.m.

Host: Engaged Defenders for Democracy
Location: Morrisville Carpenter Road & Davis Drive, Morrisville

You can make your voice heard with other members of the community as they peacefully march. Organizers request positive signs only.

Help Sort Winter Food Drive Donations, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Host: Durham Democrats
Location: 1737 Hillandale Road, Durham

The Durham County Democratic Party has collected over 7 tons of food for community members in need. Sign up to help them sort through the food they’ve collected to help the people of Durham.

🗓 Tuesday, March 3

No Tyranny Tuesdays at Brier Creek, Raleigh, NC, 4-5:30 p.m.

Host: Citizens Resisting Tyranny
Location: 10198 Glenwood Ave., Raleigh

As part of a weekly protest, join Citizens Resisting Tyranny in the Briar Creek neighborhood in western Wake County on the corner of Briar Creek Parkway and Glenwood Avenue. You can bring your own sign or get one when you arrive.

Primary Night Watch Party!, 7-10:30 p.m.

Host: NC Democrats
Location: Provided upon sign-up. RSVP Required.

The North Carolina Democratic Party is hosting a primary night watch party as results from Tuesday’s election roll in.

Guilford County Election Night Watch Party, 7:30-10 p.m.

Host: Advance Carolina
Location: Back Table, 816 S. Elm St., 1A Greensboro

Join fellow community members in Guilford County as results from the North Carolina primary election are announced.

🗓 Wednesday, March 4

Monthly Social, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Host: Indivisible CLT
Location: Carolina Beer Temple, 215 N. Ames St., Matthews

Enjoy conversation and refreshments at CLT Indivisible’s monthly social gathering. Register here. Free parking is available. You can also bring non-perishable food items to help those in need.

Durham CVI Event, 6-8 p.m.

Host: North Carolinians Against Gun Violence Action Fund
Location: 1805 Chapel Hill Road, Durham

Join North Carolinians Against Gun Violence as they discuss efforts to prevent gun violence and keep Durham safe.

🗓 Thursday, March 5

Statewide Down Home Health Justice working group, 6-7:30 p.m.

Host: Down Home NC
Location: Virtual

In this free virtual training, you will learn how Down Home NC is pushing back against cuts to affordable health care in President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” and fighting for health care access for all. Register here.

ICE Out of Cary Rally, 5:30-7 p.m.

Host: Wake County Indivisible
Location: 316 N. Academy St., Cary

Join Wake County Indivisible in a protest outside of the Cary Town Hall during the annual “State of Cary” address to share opposition to ICE’s presence.

Western Piedmont Coalition Meeting, 6-7:30 p.m.

Host: Democracy North Carolina
Location: Hygge Coworking, 330 Camp Road, Charlotte

This monthly meeting is an opportunity for those trying to plug into the activist space to learn more about organizing and how they can play a role in their community. The Western Piedmont coalition consists of people from Mecklenburg, Gaston, Union, and Cabarrus counties.

(Graphic by Alexis Lawson)

Our celebration of Black History Month continues with this look at historic Parrish Street in Durham, often referred to historically as “Black Wall Street.” 

The thing about Black history, as it’s so often told in the South, is that it centers on bad news and tragedy. And yes, an oppressed people will face a lot of that.

But unfortunately, we tend to leave out the joy, the camaraderie, and the triumphs, too. 

Black Wall Street was the center of Black wealth and entrepreneurship in the early 1900s in the Bull City. Durham was unique for its thriving Black middle class and Black upper class. 

The city was home to the NC Mutual Life Insurance Co., one of the most influential and successful Black businesses of the 20th century. It was created by John C. Merrick, a Clinton, NC, native who was born into slavery in the 1800s. 

Black Wall Street’s success was a testament to the remarkable ability of some folks to break through in the most difficult of circumstances. The city of Durham recognizes it today as a historic district. 

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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 content from Vanessa Infanzon and Alexis Lawson. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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