A TRIBUTE TO OUR SISTER AND COMRADE

Lost to us all too soon, Janie was one of our prized gems with facets that reflected light in all directions. She was only 25 when passing away peacefully in December at her home in Greensboro, greatly loved by her proud family and her friends, among them many of us in the NC Green Party who were graced by her light and courage.

While still a UNC-Chapel Hill student, Janie became involved with the Green Party and its uphill battle to obtain ballot access in the state. She believed strongly in what we stood for – voicing the concerns of working and marginalized people to effect progressive change in our society, and doing so without the corrupting influence of money. Janie worked hard to collect over 800 signatures herself during our petitioning drive, leading to the NC Green Party’s success in 2022. Most people avoid conversations with strangers, especially about politics, but this usually shy young woman showed us her bravery and dedication, shining her light on our path.

Janie moved on from ballot petitioning to work on the Communications Team for Matthew Hoh and his 2022 Senate campaign in North Carolina, and yet finished her UNC degree in political science by year’s end. Janie then received a Rural Reporting Fellowship from the Scripps Howard Fund/Institute for Nonprofit News in 2023, began writing as a Rural Reporting Fellow for The Daily Yonder, and was sometimes heard on The Yonder Report, a weekly podcast about rural America.  In 2024 Janie was as a John Lewis Writing Fellow with The American Prospect. There Janie wrote frequent and timely articles covering some of the most controversial issues in North Carolina. Titles of all her articles are listed below. 

All the while, Janie continued to volunteer time with the Green Party – helping to organize a local chapter and serving as our Media Team Chair. In her typically quiet style, Janie accomplished all this without fanfare. Although she was indeed an intelligent and beautiful young woman, she also reflected great beauty from within. Janie immersed herself in the work of collective action and a belief in the importance of local journalism. Known for her humbleness, despite her admirable writing talents, Janie was never known to call much attention to herself. Her mind and her efforts stayed focused on others around her region who were struggling with a myriad of challenges, who sought a more just and democratic society.

Janie’s focus and the depth of her compassion appear in the variety of articles she wrote during 2023-24. We can honor her by taking time to read what Janie Ekere shared with us in her all too short life. We shall miss her tremendously.

In memory of Janie, with greatest respect and love,
Leaders and Members of the North Carolina Green Party

Search by a title below or for “Janie Ekere” at The American Prospect

Making Room Under the Bus
Student Debtors Could See Hopes Vanish Under Trump
Sunrise Movement Targets Climate Voters—and the Dangers of Trump
From Pews to Polls, to Save the Planet
SEIU Works the South
Rural America’s Project 2025 Problem
Mark Robinson: A Product of the Republican Controversy Pipeline
Debating Public Education in North Carolina
Outside Money and Dueling Claims of Working-Class Roots in Wisconsin Primary
The Hardships of a Working-Class Candidate
Sierra Club Turmoil Triggers Strike
A Continuing Struggle to Reform Payday Lending

Search by a title below or for “Janie Ekere” at The Daily Yonder

Q&A: Using Art to Highlight Coal Ash Pollution in Appalachia
Labor Organizers Discuss Immigrant Workforce Integration in Rural
Progressives Hope ‘Rural New Deal’ Will Address Economic Issues and Appeal to Voters
Organizing Against Culture Wars Trying to Reshape Public Schools
Report: Rural Communities Explore New Alternatives to Closing Local Newspapers
Lack of Local News Can Intensify the Community’s Disengagement in Public Life
Q&A: Tapping the ‘Dormant Energy in Rural Organizing’ 
Report: Central Appalachia Could Be a Safe Haven for Climate Change Migrants Q&A: Telling the Intersectional Stories of Rural LGBTQ+ People