Words can hurt. Learn to lead with inclusive language
Ever used terms or expressions that are unintentionally loaded or offensive (think: master bedroom, you guys, that’s lame). Turns out no matter how many times you said “sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me” as a child—what you say can and does hurt people.
And because the language we use directly impacts our social connections, it’s essential to equip ourselves with inclusive language—and avoid age-old terms and phrases that, while their use may be part of mainstream discourse, are discriminatory.
Not just a vague “how-to” guide, The Inclusive Language Handbook helps readers recognize and consciously avoid words that alienate and offend by unintentionally reinforcing cultural notions (think gender, race, sexual orientation, age, ability)—and choose intentional welcoming and respectful word choices. This is not about being politically correct. It’s about being inclusive—and demonstrating you value unique cultures, communities and identities.
“Sustainable business and strong relationships both rely on one thing—good communication,” says Ferguson. “In speaking with thousands of people on this topic, I’ve found that many of us are not always sure what to say in every situation in our increasingly diverse society.” In the workplace specifically, she adds, “repeating harmful language over time creates a toxic company culture, high employee turnover and a damaged reputation.”
Thus, inclusive language should be at the cornerstone of our word choice, and learning how to do that—from the boardroom to the bar—well, we definitely want to take a page out of that book.
Sometimes a belief in the future is what gives a history museum its staying power—because the past helps us prepare for it. So is the case with 120YO history powerhouse and Smithsonian affiliate North Carolina Museum of History. With a dedication to telling the stories of the state, nation and globe, the museum has also served as a tried-and-true space for learning, thinking and sharing. Begun with a literal gathering gallery of artifacts, founder Fred A. Olds traveled every county to amass tales and historical trinkets to get schooled on the state’s vast history. Olds’ passion and spirit of discovery and sharing—esse quam videri (to be rather than to seem)—continues to play out in the hallowed history museum today across educational programs, publications, events… and, of course, exhibits. Whether it’s the “sunken secrets” of Eastern NC, the fashions of the British aristocracy a la Downton Abbey, or a look at the history of women in country music via the upcoming traveling Grammy Museum exhibit, our tried-and-true museum maintains its dedication to preserving, interpreting and sharing the culture and history of the Tar Heel State. ncmuseumofhistory.org
25 Years Carolina Ballet EST. 1998*
25 Years Burning Coal Theatre EST. 1997
25 Years NCMA Summer Concerts EST. 1997
25 Years The Pour House EST. 1997
40 Years Goodnights Comedy Club EST. 1983*
75 Years Theatre in the Park EST. 1947
80 Years Rialto Theatre EST. 1942
85 Years Raleigh Little Theatre EST. 1936*
135 Years Pullen Park EST. 1887
*Celebrated anniversary last year or are celebrating next year
Pops of color burst brilliantly in the kitchen of this updated 1981 ranch home against a harmonious palette of warm grays and natural golden-colored oak hardwoods sanded to a rich, warm, custom-blended walnut stain. Here, interior designer Sally Williams of Raleigh’s Colorful Concepts shares how to reproduce this soothing, spacious-looking refresh.
Designer’s Tips
Nice & Neutral
A light neutral color (besides white) applied to all cabinets—including the island—gives the kitchen a larger feel.
Contrast This
Cabinet hardware with less contrast to the cabinet color makes for a more soothing kitchen that also appears more spacious.
Seat Shades
If finding the perfect perch in your preferred color (aka aqua stools) eludes you—paint them! And the rubbed look is easily achieved with a bit of sanding.
Get Lit
Three pendants above an island is better than two—but adjust pendant size down to accommodate three if your space is tight.
SOURCE THE LOOK
Appliances
Ferguson, Raleigh
Cabinets
Custom by Mark Burford, Wood Done Right, Chapel Hill
Counters
Sienna bordeaux granite, sourced through CRS Marble and Granite, Raleigh
A traveling pop-up women’s boutique? Mais oui! And you know it’s très chic. Providing a platform for brands and customers alike for a face-to-face client-to-product experience, La Soeur is an ever-evolving pop-up of unique (and vintage!) brands, themes and locales that is planted in North Hills until July 7. French for “the sister,” La Soeur serves up super sibling vibes via its sisterly MO of partnering with sustainable, small-batch brands—sourced both locally and the world over—to save makers and retailers the hassle of a brick-and-mortar and serve you a range of selects all in one. NTM, once you’re hooked on the fab finds, you can still find them online. So in the famed words of French poet and screenwriter Jacques Prévert, “Plus tard ce sera trop tard. Notre vie c’est maintenant”—aka “Later it will be too late. Our life is now.” Shop on. Lassiter District, North Hills, lasoeurpopup.com
We get a look inside the homes of some of Raleigh’s top media titans—and the juxtaposition between their big colorful on-air personas vs. their more muted, elegant and sophisticated spaces. Meet CBS17’s Bill Young, WRAL’s Amanda Lamb and ABC11’s Kim Deaner.
Bill Young CBS17 In TV news, it’s not typical to put down roots—so when CBS17’s Bill Young decided to buy his first-ever house in Raleigh after nearly 20 years in television, he couldn’t wait to renovate and personalize it to make it home. “I’m really proud of finally feeling settled,” says Young. Here, Young dishes the details and accoutrements of his living room/dining room refresh—and gives us a look inside his life.
Amanda Lamb WRAL Behind the 30-plus-year-veteran TV reporter—not to mention podcaster and author—is a married mother of two “amazing college-aged girls and one precocious poodle, Dolly Parton,” says Lamb. As empty-nesters, she and husband Reginald “Grif” Griffin recently swapped their Cary home of 26 years for a DTR downsize with a view: a three-bedroom condo situated in a Boylan Heights high-rise that now lends her the invaluable time, space and money for experiences, not things. Here, a look at Lamb’s new locale. @alamb
Kim Deaner ABC11 Kim Deaner fell in love with weather at the age of 7 and always wanted to be a meteorologist. Ergo the degree in atmospheric science from NC State University and 18-plus years as a meteorologist in the Raleigh market. So, “how I ended up reporting on traffic at ABC11 for more than six years now is a mystery.” An avid reader with a self-described “simple style,” the wife of 28 years and mom to one boy, two girls and two fur babies gives us a glimpse of her fixer-upper. @kimdeanerabc11
