Blog
Dawn Blagrove Raises Constitutional Concerns in Public News Service Feature on Police Tracking Technology
Emancipate NC Executive Director Dawn Blagrove is continuing to raise concerns about the constitutional implications of new police surveillance technology in a recent Public News Service story titled “NC police department tracker tech raises constitutional questions.”...
Update: The Concerned Citizens of Tyrell County v. Tyrrell County
A federal judge has rejected Tyrrell County’s attempt to block depositions from current and former county commissioners in an ongoing lawsuit challenging the county’s Confederate monument. U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert Numbers rejected the county’s request for a...
Dawn Blagrove Speaks to the Johnston County Democratic Party
Community members and local leaders gathered for a dynamic program hosted by the Democratic Women of Johnston County, the Young Democrats of Johnston County, the Senior Democrats of Johnston County, and the African American Caucus of Johnston County. The event...
The Emancipated CLE is TOMORROW!
We invite you to join us for the EMANCIPATED CLE on February 27 in Durham — a full day of learning, connection, and practical tools for justice-focused lawyering. This year’s program features: Andreina Malki, organizer with Siembra NC, on effective advocacy and...
Toia Potts Speaks at The Manifesto of Child Welfare in the 21st Century Webinar
We are proud to share that Emancipate NC Organizer Toia Potts was recently a featured speaker in The Manifesto of Child Welfare in the 21st Century webinar, hosted by Narrowing the Front Door. This timely and powerful conversation examined how government policies,...
A Reflection by Executive Director Dawn Blagrove
"Restoring Justice" 20x24 acrylic by Dawn Blagrove As an attorney, this moment in American history is frightening and upending. The rule of law should have always been the guardrails protecting Democracy from falling off the rails. Restoration is long overdue.
Dawn Blagrove to Receive Criminal Justice and Law Award at the 2026 Image Awards
We are thrilled to share that Dawn Blagrove, Executive Director of Emancipate NC, has been named the recipient of the Criminal Justice and Law Award at the upcoming 2026 Image Awards, hosted by the Flood Group. This honor recognizes Dawn’s...
How State Prosecutors Handle Marijuana Cases in NC
By Dillon Sharpe, Emancipate NC Attorney Marijuana remains illegal in North Carolina—but hemp is 100% legal. Across the state, countless businesses legally sell hemp products, including flower, vape cartridges, and edibles. Yet despite hemp’s clear legal status, most...
Concerns over Raleigh’s Approval of the GPS Tracking System, StarChase
Emancipate NC Executive Director and attorney Dawn Blagrove is raising concerns about Raleigh’s approval of the GPS tracking system, StarChase. She warns that the technology grants law enforcement sweeping tracking capabilities that could affect everyday residents....
Federal Judge Sides with Emancipate NC in Lawsuit Against UNC Chapel Hill
By Jaelyn Miller, Emancipate NC Attorney and Community Organizer In March 2025, Emancipate NC, alongside the ACLU of North Carolina and Muslim Advocates, filed a lawsuit against UNC Chapel Hill challenging the university’s treatment of protesters involved in the...
Emancipate NC Files Lawsuit with ACLU of NC to Challenge Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for Incarcerated People
By Jaelyn Miller, Emancipate NC Attorney and Community Organizer Elizabeth Simpson, Strategic Director & Attorney at Emancipate NC and the ACLU of NC filed a lawsuit to challenge a provision of House Bill 805. The bill, which targets trans North...
Raleigh’s New Crisis Call Diversion Line is Up and Running!
By Jaelyn Miller, Emancipate NC Attorney and Community Organizer After years of advocacy by Emancipate NC, the City of Raleigh has finally begun implementing its alternative response program, Raleigh CARES. In 2023, Emancipate NC helped convene a coalition of...
In Inquest Article, Phillip Vance Smith II asks: What is the Role of the Prison Journalist?
In the spring of 2023, two journalists drove through North Carolina to meet me at Nash Correctional Facility. Phoebe Judge and Lauren Spohrer—the hosts of the true crime podcast Criminal—had spent about six months pestering the Department of Adult Correction (DAC) for...
NCCU School of Law Hosts Annual Willie Gary Competition
By Dillon Sharpe, Emancipate NC Attorney On October 18, 2025, the North Carolina Central University School of Law Trial Advocacy Board (TAB) hosted its annual Willie Gary 2L/3L Opening and Closing Statement Competition. The event serves as a critical gateway for...
Emancipate NC Speaks out Against Police Brutality in Greensboro
By Dillon Sharpe, Emancipate NC Attorney On November 10, 2025, Emancipate NC attorneys Dawn Blagrove and Dillon Sharpe traveled to Greensboro to stand in solidarity with Alisia Ray, Quinten Thomas, and Nathaniel Williams—three individuals who were violently arrested...