Disclaimer: This isn’t a Sandhills News, Rant or NC Local product—it’s my personal experience on what it means to chase community-centered stories and navigate the reporting process as a researcher/reporter/traveler.
For those that don’t know me…
I’m Diara J. Townes ~ a researcher, scientist, journalist, and new North Carolina resident.
I’m a born-and-raised New Yorker, an HBCU-grad (the other real HU), a nerd cosplayer, and, occasionally, a Burning Man participant, aka a “Burner."
Ten years ago, almost to the day, I attended my first Burn. My fellow marine scientist—and one of my closest friends—led me into the magic of a manmade city in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert.
There, amid billowing tapestries and wisping incense, a spiritual teacher asked two dozen dusty Burners: “What is your superpower?”
In the shadow of rave music, dust storms and shouts of glee beyond the thin fabric walls and steel poles, the answer I heard was…curiosity.
Aaisha P. Trent as “Sly Cooper” (L) and me as “Static Shock” posing during the Black Comix Expo in Brooklyn, NY. Feb 11. 2018
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Reporting with You, Not Just for You
The things that drive my curiosity are diverse, but they all converge on one goal: contributing to a better world. That’s what keeps me knocking on doors, picking up phones, digging through records, and asking questions.
I’m also a pretty dedicated Blerd, loving everything from astrology and cosplay to oceanography and sci-fi.
But I’m especially curious about the big-picture environmental and economic issues shaping North Carolina and beyond.
It’s the tips, questions, and concerns I hear directly from locals (and now subscribers and followers) that inspire me.
In short, your curiosity will power my reporting.
From time to time, I’ll share surveys and other ways to get involved. I’ll also point you to helpful resources, such as local election guides and service journalism from other reputable outlets.
You may have read my narrative-driven stories in Sandhills News or The Rant this summer; I’m excited to share even more reporting with you this fall.
This newsletter is where I’ll share those stories and the behind-the-scenes of how they’re made, including unpublished photos and notes from the field.
Trying to open portals in the Dr. Strange photo set in the Avengers Experience at Disneyland Paris, 2023. Photo credit: Dan Richards
The Latest for the Curious
Sandhills News
“I love doing this dancing…It connects me back to my culture.”
Do you have an event you'd like me to cover?
Shorthand Section
My quick notes from my reporting during the Sanford Multicultural Celebration.
It’s a lot of arrows and boxes.
Poll Time!
When taking notes in class, for reporting, and the like, which method do you usually use?
Nadine Peoples sits in a lawn chair watching Danza Azteca perform at Kiwanis Park.
The African bead table, where attendees make bracelets.
Danza Azteca honors the four directions by burning traditional copal incense.
Trebor Dinero performs with a keyboard and his vocals, singing various pop culture songs from the 20th century, such as those by The Beatles and Bob Marley.
Cultural books are available for checkout at the Lee County Library community tent.
Magetsi 4-H club taking a bow and curtsy after their performance.
What I’m Reading
African-American’s Discover Black Scottish on TikTok and It’s a Family Reunion
By Nia Noelle for Black America Web
Many African-Americans on TikTok are surprised to discover the vibrant Black Scottish community—often admitting in the comments, “I didn’t even know there were Black people in Scotland!”
However, Black Scottish people have a rich and resilient history, dating back to early migration and later shaped by Caribbean, African, and local influences.
@starboysobersfitness Yes, this accent comes in melanin too, welcome to black Scottish Tik Tok. @ABI💫 @Court @BashTheEntertainer #scottishtiktok #blackscott... See more
That’s all for now!
You’ll hear from me every couple of weeks with:
Updates on published stories and insights on current investigations
Opportunities to share your perspective, your concerns, and ways to get involved
Occasional quick notes on local developments worth watching
Journalism isn’t just about reporting in a community; it’s about listening, asking together, and finding answers with each other.
Thanks for being here. Please share this newsletter with others who are interested in local stories and how they’re made.
Let’s get curious together.
Diara J., aka The Curious Scout
Thumbnail Throwback
More on the featured image in this newsletter ~
Black and brown cosplayers don the outfits of comic, movie, TV show and video game characters, posing together following the showcase event at the Black Comix Expo, co-presented by the Black Comics Collective and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Feb 11, 2018.
Photo Credit: Elena Olivo. Click the image to read the story!