Project Description

Patchwork North Carolina represents an unprecedented collaboration between the Christian Science Monitor, the NewsHour and UNC-TV's North Carolina Now.

In conjunction with the Patchwork Nation project, North Carolina Now correspondent Rob Holliday presents Patchwork North Carolina, a series of reports capturing the economic climate of eastern North Carolina's Edgecombe County, NC. As part of the Patchwork Nation community type "Minority Central," Edgecome County represents many similarly-situated communities located primarily in the South; home to large pockets of black residents but a below average percentage of Hispanics and Asians; with median household incomes below national median and large income disparities between black and white households; and revealing racial disparity mirrored in voting trends, with blacks voting Democratic and whites supporting Republicans.

Through these local reports, Patchwork North Carolina provides a picture of how the larger state, region, and country are faring through the prism of this local Tar Heel community situated squarely in "Minority Central."

We would like to know "What's Your Point of View" on how the economy is impacting your life. You can help us understand more about the nation through the lens of your own community. Comment here and become a member of our local contributor base, sharing your comments, insights, and viewpoints about what's going on in your region as the larger nation embarks on what looks to be an era of dramatic change

Citizen bloggers in Edgecombe County and beyond will contribute their stories - what they are seeing, hearing and reading - about the issues that impact their lives and the lives of those around them. Visitors to the site can also "Join the Discussion" with a wide variety of blogs and online commentary covering a range of issues related to conditions, considerations, and culture in Edgecombe County, and other counties across the state, allowing viewers like you to learn more, engage in the debate or join the conversation about our own Patchwork North Carolina.