<div class="text-xl text-gray-700 mb-8 leading-relaxed">
  <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Governor Josh Stein Announces 2025 North Carolina Awards to be Held in Western North Carolina </span>

lsaito Thu, 07/24/2025 - 16:24

        <div class="field field--name-field-city-location field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Raleigh, NC</div>
  
        <div class="clearfix text-formatted field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:0px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Governor Josh Stein today announced that the North Carolina Awards, the state’s highest civilian honor, will be presented on November 13 at a ceremony in Asheville. All net proceeds will go to a fund to help communities recovering from Hurricane Helene. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">“I am proud that this year’s North Carolina Awards will be held in western North Carolina to help shine a light on the fact that the area is open for folks to enjoy,” <strong>said Governor Josh Stein.</strong> “This year, we will honor the very best of North Carolina while encouraging tourism and helping support the ongoing recovery out west.” </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">“For more than 60 years, the North Carolina Awards have celebrated the outstanding people who make North Carolina a great place to live, learn, and work,”<strong> said NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Secretary Pamela B. Cashwell.</strong> “We are excited to host one of our state’s most prestigious events in Asheville this year and to dedicate proceeds from the event to western North Carolina recovery efforts.” </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Governor Stein and Visit NC recently teamed up to encourage people to “<a style="color:rgb(70, 120, 134);font-size:14px;text-decoration:underline;" href="https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fclick-1346310.icptrack.com%2Ficp%2Frelay.php%3Fr%3D38515099%26msgid%3D524774%26act%3DC9RH%26c%3D1346310%26pid%3D1142058%26destination%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.visitnc.com%252Frediscover%26cf%3D13425%26v%3Dbdc3acb64ae81011c1163fd28209cd0b02ae06b74420a9fda3d2b67964ac4597&data=05%7C02%7Clogan.saito%40nc.gov%7C9b0c8ed50aed47b2f83508ddcac818a6%7C7a7681dcb9d0449a85c3ecc26cd7ed19%7C0%7C0%7C638889682935025033%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=X1xaJJ8uNQCv66HrXBDhdVULufxeAiHdQSnzhgMm50Q%3D&reserved=0" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rediscover the Unforgettable</a>” in western North Carolina as the region reopens to visitors after Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein announced the initiative in June at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park. The initiative seeks to bring people from all over to western North Carolina to boost tourism, support local businesses, and highlight outdoor recreation opportunities. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">The North Carolina Awards event will be held at the historic Grove Park Inn. <strong>Tickets will go on sale soon. </strong></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Created by the General Assembly in 1961 and administered by the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, the award recognizes “notable accomplishments by North Carolina citizens” in the fields of literature, science, fine arts, and public service. </p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin-bottom:0px;margin-top:16px;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;">Past award recipients include some of the country’s most distinguished artists, poets, writers, performers, journalists, scientists, and public servants. Since the awards’ inception, more than 300 notable men and women have been honored by the state of North Carolina, including William Friday, James Taylor, Etta Baker, Maya Angelou, Lee Smith, Eric Church, Selma Burke, and Branford Marsalis. </p></div>
  
        <div class="field field--name-field-release-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item">Jul 24, 2025</div>
</div>

<section class="mb-12">
  <h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">How This NC Law Affects Immigrants</h2>
  <div class="bg-gray-50 p-6 rounded-lg">
    <p class="mb-4">
      State laws in North Carolina can impact immigrants in several key areas:
    </p>
    <ul class="list-disc pl-6 space-y-2 text-gray-700">
      <li><strong>Driver's Licenses:</strong> Eligibility and documentation requirements</li>
      <li><strong>In-State Tuition:</strong> Access to affordable higher education</li>
      <li><strong>Professional Licenses:</strong> Ability to work in licensed professions</li>
      <li><strong>Law Enforcement:</strong> Interactions with local police and sheriffs</li>
      <li><strong>Public Benefits:</strong> Access to state-funded programs and services</li>
      <li><strong>Employment:</strong> E-Verify requirements and workplace protections</li>
    </ul>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="mb-12">
  <h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">What You Need to Know</h2>
  <div class="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
    <div class="bg-white p-6 rounded-lg shadow-md border-l-4 border-[#C9974D]">
      <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3">For Documented Immigrants</h3>
      <p>Even with legal status, state laws can affect your rights and benefits. 
      Stay informed about changes that might impact your work authorization, 
      driver's license, or access to services.</p>
    </div>
    <div class="bg-white p-6 rounded-lg shadow-md border-l-4 border-[#C9974D]">
      <h3 class="text-xl font-bold mb-3">For Undocumented Residents</h3>
      <p>Understanding North Carolina state laws is crucial for protecting yourself 
      and your family. Know your rights and what services are available to you.</p>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="mb-12">
  <h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">Action Steps for North Carolina Residents</h2>
  <div class="bg-[#6B1F2E] text-white p-8 rounded-lg">
    <ol class="space-y-4">
      <li class="flex items-start">
        <span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">1.</span>
        <div>
          <strong>Review Your Status:</strong> Understand how this law change affects 
          your specific immigration status and family situation.
        </div>
      </li>
      <li class="flex items-start">
        <span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">2.</span>
        <div>
          <strong>Document Everything:</strong> Keep copies of all important documents 
          and any interactions with state agencies.
        </div>
      </li>
      <li class="flex items-start">
        <span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">3.</span>
        <div>
          <strong>Know Your Rights:</strong> Understand your rights under both federal 
          immigration law and North Carolina state law.
        </div>
      </li>
      <li class="flex items-start">
        <span class="text-[#C9974D] font-bold text-2xl mr-4">4.</span>
        <div>
          <strong>Seek Legal Advice:</strong> Consult with an experienced immigration 
          attorney who understands North Carolina state laws.
        </div>
      </li>
    </ol>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="mb-12">
  <h2 class="text-3xl font-bold text-[#6B1F2E] mb-6">Local Support from Vasquez Law Firm</h2>
  <div class="bg-gradient-to-r from-[#C9974D] to-[#d4a574] text-white p-8 rounded-lg">
    <p class="text-xl mb-6">
      With offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Smithfield, and Goldsboro, Vasquez Law Firm understands the unique 
      challenges facing immigrants in North Carolina. We stay current on all state 
      laws that affect our immigrant communities.
    </p>
    <div class="grid md:grid-cols-2 gap-6">
      <div>
        <h3 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Our NC Services Include:</h3>
        <ul class="space-y-2">
          <li class="flex items-start">
            <span class="mr-2">✓</span>
            <span>State law compliance guidance</span>
          </li>
          <li class="flex items-start">
            <span class="mr-2">✓</span>
            <span>Driver's license assistance</span>
          </li>
          <li class="flex items-start">
            <span class="mr-2">✓</span>
            <span>Education access support</span>
          </li>
          <li class="flex items-start">
            <span class="mr-2">✓</span>
            <span>Know Your Rights training</span>
          </li>
        </ul>
      </div>
      <div>
        <h3 class="text-2xl font-bold mb-4">Why Local Expertise Matters</h3>
        <p>
          Immigration law is complex enough without navigating state-specific 
          regulations. Our North Carolina-based attorneys understand both federal 
          immigration law and NC state laws that affect you.
        </p>
      </div>
    </div>
  </div>
</section>

<section class="bg-gradient-to-r from-[#6B1F2E] to-[#8b2635] text-white p-8 rounded-lg shadow-xl">
  <h2 class="text-3xl font-bold mb-4">Need Help Understanding This Law?</h2>
  <p class="text-xl mb-6">
    Don't navigate North Carolina immigration challenges alone. Our bilingual team 
    is ready to help you understand how these changes affect you and your family.
  </p>
  <div class="flex flex-col sm:flex-row gap-4">
    <a href="/free-consultation" class="bg-[#C9974D] text-white px-8 py-3 rounded font-bold text-center hover:bg-[#d4a574] transition">
      Schedule Free Consultation
    </a>
    <a href="tel:18449673536" class="bg-white text-[#6B1F2E] px-8 py-3 rounded font-bold text-center hover:bg-gray-100 transition">
      Call 1-844-YO-PELEO
    </a>
  </div>
</section>

<div class="mt-12 p-6 bg-amber-50 border-2 border-amber-200 rounded-lg">
  <p class="text-sm text-amber-900">
    <strong>Disclaimer:</strong> This article discusses North Carolina state law as it may affect 
    immigrants. State laws change frequently and interact with federal immigration law in 
    complex ways. This is not legal advice. Please consult with an experienced immigration 
    attorney familiar with North Carolina law for guidance specific to your situation.
  </p>
</div>

<div class="mt-6 text-sm text-gray-600 border-t pt-4">
  <p>
    Original source: <a href="https://governor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/07/24/governor-josh-stein-announces-2025-north-carolina-awards-be-held-western-north-carolina" class="text-[#6B1F2E] hover:underline" 
    target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">lsaito</a>
  </p>
  <p class="mt-2">
    This content was automatically generated from official sources and reviewed for accuracy.
  </p>
</div>