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THE CAROLINA INDIAN VOICE
eost office box irs published $ach thursday Pembroke, n.c. U3n nHHHHHHH j
volume 10 number 4 *???????*???????????????? *2sct?rcx>py ******** viifsm" *
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-A Front Page Editorial
LUMBERTON CITY SCHOOLS
GUILTY, AS CHARGED,
1965 VOTING RIGHTS VIOLATION
It's official. On January 26, the U.S.
Justice Department rejected the pleas of
the Lumberton City School System to
rescind an earlier objection lodged
against die annexations to the system
which occurred in the late sixties and
early seventies.
In other words, Lumberton City
Schools was found guilty, as charged, of
violating the 1965 Voting Rights Act The
U.S. Justice Department ruled that the
illegal annexations of Batter Ten Mile,
Lakewood Estates, Clyburn Pines and
Country Club areas were unconstitution
al because die school system did not
present enough evidence to show that
the annexations were not for the express
purpose of discrimination. According to
the ruling, "There is evidence of
convulated, meandering district Unes
with the results beiag blacks and Indians
were excluded from annexed areas. Such
exclusion is a clear violation at the 15th
amendment at the constitution." The
15th amendment guarantees that foe
right to vote will not be denied due to
race.
In a front page editorial dated January
1, 1961, foe Cirifoi Man Voice
termed the resulting suit a case at
"educational ?mii?| hoi?w to
roast in 01' Robeson." Even earlier, in
1974, foe Carotins Indian Voice ran an
article that noted a "massive investiga
tion of Robeson underway by the
nijiiiiniaa * Imfim** ?#***+ .*?
At that Am (1974) we noted that foe
Lumberton City Schools had been
notified that they were in violation of the
Voting Rights Act at 1965. The confir
mation came after a three man team from
the Gvil Rights Division at the Depart
ment of Justice visited the county.
As everyone should know by now
Robeson County is one of 40 counties in
North Carotins subject to foe Voting
Rights Act. The only way ooe can gain
the dubious distinction of being subject
to the voting rights act is to discriminate
against Macks, Indians or other so-called
minorities, although the term is mislea
ding in Robeson County: combined foe
Indians and blacks are actually foe
majority and foe whites are foe minori
ties.
Lumberton City Schools was not guilty
of technical violations, as noted in the
local press, but rather were guilty of
serious violations of the corner stone of
civil rights legislation--the 1965 Voting
Rights Act
The interest in Robeson County by the
Justice Department was spurred by
Dexter Brooks, a Pembroke attorney
now, but in 1974 a summer legal intern at
the justice department while in law
school at Chapel Hill. Now a. very
successful attorney, Brooks serves as
attorney for die Robeson County School
System.
The Lumberton City Schools are
expected to meet in emergency session
in the next few days but their options are
limited as there is no appeal of a justice
department ruling of a voting tights
violation as occurred in this case.
And penalties are severe. Under the
Voting Rights Act "...whoever shall
deprive or attempt to deprive any person
of any right secured by the act shall be
fined not mora than S5.000 or imprisoned
not more than five years or both." .
Plus corrective action must be taken to
assure that discrimination no longer
i_ *1. ? _ia 1, A??
exists in tne situation.
The case was brought by the Lumbee
River Legal Services with headquarters
in Pembroke. Joining them be the Nh
was the ChrU Liberties Union with offices
in Atlanta, Ga.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERET
The areo la question is the richest
tax base in Robeson County and Is home
fur a number of Pembroke State
University administrators and faculty,
Industry big trigs and Lumberton
professionals. Actually, If the 1970
ra^ ^ ilel I r.1 m ? a.
Education), had been followed, the
Magnolia, Green Grove, and other
schools in the county school system.
They simply skirted the issue by
/' ? *? ' ' 1 ? ?
Luther Britt.
It la estimated that the area produces
(according to whomever you talk to) 20 to
40 percent of the revenue that goes into
the operation of the Lumberton City'
Schools. Some 700 students would be
affectedin the predominately white area,
according to school sources.
It is obviously a time for reconciliation,
discussion, dialogue and new directions
in education circles in Bobeson County.
But, seemingly, Osborne (Obbie) Lee,
Jr., the attorney for the Lumberton City
Schools, is having hone of that, if a
report in the Robesonian is to be
believed.
In Tuesday's edition of the Robesoni
an, there was a report of a talk Lee gave
to a PTA meeting in Lumberton. At the
meeting Lee called Lumbee River
Legal Services, "a dissident element in
this county..." Lee topped that inflam
matory remark, according to (he Robe
sonian, by saying, "(LRLS) (is) trying to
foment trouble."
- A Lumberton school official, who
obviously asked not to be identified
publicly, said, "the best word to describe
Lee is 'bombastic.' " And, in Us most
bombastic fashion, as we see it, Lee went
on to say that the Lumberton City School
System was not discriminatory
and that be saw "no reason for the
lawsuit but to cause chaos and confu
sion." He laid afl the blame at the feet of
Inssbow BfonS'-Infl^iHariditsnj,. . . a,
. a *rm, m ? ? "a ..
we RiaMveiiMj coocorreo wnc*
Julian Pietce, the head of LRLS, termed
Lee's remarks "nonsense."
Pietce went on to say, "Anytime we
become a dissident element in Robeson
County it's when we're trying to protect
tiie civil rights of others, and then
Unity
Conference
More than 500 Indians from through
out North Carolina are expected to attend
the Seventh Annual Indian Unity Con
ference March 4-6 in Raleigh.
Highlighting the conference will be
speeches by several national Indian
leaders, an appearance by cast members
of the outdoor drama "Strike at the
Wind," and an art contest featuring
works by North Carolina Indians.
The conference has two purposes, ?
according to Jim Lowry of Tryon,
chairman of the N.C. Commission of
Indian Affairs which is sponsoring the
event. Purposes are to provide a forum
for Native Americans to address the
needs of Indian communities and to
provide an opportunity to share Indian
heritage and culture.
The conference will meet at the Royal
Villa Hotel and Convention Center in
Raleigh.
With almost 65,000 Indians, North
Carolina has the largest Indian popula-.
tkm of any state east of the Mississippi
River. The recognized tribes to North
Carolina are Cherokee, Coharie, Haliwa
Saponi, Lumbee and Waccamaw- Siou
an.
Following the theme "Building a
Better Future through Indian Unity,"
workshop topics vrffl include women's
issues, today's farming issues, educa
tion, future employment and training,
federal programs and budget policy,
national Indian isaues and the political
process, and N.C.archaeology legisla
tion.
Banquet speaker will be Ada Deer, a
member of the Mcnoarinee tribe. She
is oo the faculty of die University of
Wisconsin and was formerly associated
with the Native American Rights Fund to
Washington. The banquet is scheduled
for 7 p.m. March 5.
Other speakers wffi -be Dr. Joseph
Oxendtoe, proteseui at Temple Univef
sity and president of Indian Rights
Association, Philadelphia; David Lester,
commissioner. Administration far Native
? <r"^/r-L"a ??
w * * ^ ?waau^a^maa^^uu ^ a air
someone needs to be that element." >
As pointed oat by Pierce, end many
others, Lee seems to have forgotten thatj
a three }adge panel with the U.&
Supreme Court has held that (M
Lumberton School Syetem \f in violatiM
of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. And, mqe*
rh?n this, they most come into complian
ce or risk the consequences which, as
noted earlier in this editorial, are sevea&
Too, the attempt to avoid die law, ha*
been expensive to Lamberton City
Schools. Their legal fees, according to ?
reliable source, have already cost them
"more than S20.000 but less thah
$40,000."
Lee shows a brazen disregard for ?#
law, if the quotes attributed to him ase
accurate, when he says, "No one in tbd^
wildest imagination would have evtjy
thought the school system was subject !*
that." "That" being the 196S Voting
Sights Act. Lee was also reported to bane
said, in regard to the 1965 Voting RlgtMk
Act, 'that he feels the act is ?f
questionable constitutionality in that it
refers only to 13 southern states and 40
counties. Our comeback to that would wis
that the federal court, and the uA
constitution, la open to challenge by dhy
citizen who is so inclined...including lit.
Lee. He ought to sue far whatever (|b'
feels is wrong with the Justice Depam>
merit, Eastern District Federal Cot|,
and the U.S. Supreme Court and lUk
Cjmgremcf th, y^S^s. I
America hvas and dies by th"
coustitmlbn. Any American chlaan with s *
grievance baa a right to lay it up against
the constitution and find out where he (or
she) stands. We are proud to be
Americans, living in a land where the
constitution has the last word on every
constitutional question. Sometimes it
takes a long time to be heard but one can
be heard in America if he is able to
persevere and articulate his grievance.
We stand by the constitution. Without
the constitution, and the federal judiciary
(whose role it is to interpret it), and the
justice department (whose role it is to
enforce it), we would lose all the basic
freedoms which accrue to American
citizenship, no matter what one's race,
creed or color. The dominant race, or
political party, would, otherwise, prevail
right or wrong. That might be all right in,
say, Poland, but it is anathema to
America.
I say to Mr. Lee, and all those who rely
on politics and tradition to see them
through constitutional assaults, God
bless America, the land of the brave and
free. And God bless the constitution and
the federal courts, the guardians of our
freedom.
And, furthermore, as noted earlier,
this is simply a case of the educational
chickens coming home to roost in 01'
Robeson. Now let's get on with a
reasonable process that will guarantee
our children (all of them-black, white
and Indian) a decent edncaton so that
they can live and work and play in a free
society, ft Is a time for reconciliation,
realistic approaches, not wild eyed
rhetoric that is better left in the 1860s
where H belongs.
How many school systems are
enough? All reasonable men in Robeson
County agree that five Is too many. Is one
enough? Two? How many? Let's get on
with ft.
And, to set the record straight, we
wish to take ambrage with Mr. Lee when
says In regard to Lombee River legal
Service, "1 don't think much of them
legally, philosophically or other wise."
Lot the record show that Lambee River
Legal Services woe the salt; that speaks
well of their legal ability. They won the
suftia federal court (with even the UJL.
Supreme Court ruling favorably in their
behalf); that speaks well of their 1
philosophy. And edncatton In Robeson
County will improve considerably be
-???; ? *??"
Jpjpgjfl
PemtrokeJ^y&es Honor Local Men for
Contributions to Community
' " ' 1 ?' ... J.i
i in 1 " L~"
Shew* Ml to right, Brat rewi Sgt. Robert
WBfaw [DeBar ?) OxemBne
'? enploywl by SeaUiaaeiet w
Pembroke--The Pembroke Jaycee Club
tfeuse was filled with excitement Thurs
day night, January 21, 1982 when
serveral persons were honored for their
contribution to society and their com
munity.
The evening began with attorney
Donald BuUard, Chaplain, giving the
invocation. After which everyone enjoy
ed the steak dinner prepared by the
Pembroke Jaycettes. Jimmy Goins,
President of the Pembroke Jaycees,
welcomed everyone to the event. Antho
ny Chavis, Chairman of the DSA,
recognized the guests and expressed
appreciation for everyone's attending.
Noah Woods, past president and fine
Jaycee himself, introduced the guest
speaker of the evening, Dr. Gerald
Maynor of PSU. Dr. Maynor,-whose topic
was based on our educational system, is
also a member of the Robeson County
Board of Education, District IV.
Dr. Maynor said things that touched
the hearts of many and made the Jaycees
proud to be a part of a worthwhile
organization, as well as being an
American.
Dr. Maynor also spoke about another
important issue, the economy and
emphasized that education will be a
major factor in battling inflation. One of
the moat important remarks Dr. Maynor
made was that the family must become
more united to face the hard decisions in
the future which are facing everyone.
The most presitigious moment came
when the presentation of the seven
awards to deserving individuals began.
Carneil Locklear presented the Outstan
ding Young Rescuer Award to Kevin
Sampson. This was the first time that
this category had been included in the
annual awards.
Dennis Moore, ous tan ding young fire
fighter in 1961, presented Warren Love,
a Pembroke Volunteer Fireman, aa thia
year's outstanding young fire fighter.
Donald Bollard, local attorney and a
dedicated Jaycee, presented Sgt. Robert
Locklear of the Pembroke PoRm Dept. as
the^ outstanding young law officer of
James Earl Locklear of the Prospect
area was presented the Outstanding
Young Farmer Award by Willie Harris
Locklear is an outstanding farmer and it
waa noted he Was deserving of this
presentation. Mr) Locklear operates ap
proximately 400 acres of land daring the;
. , ? r ^ k ? .. . ..
JWBwWw 1 lull ID flQnHHHDjT ID HID
General Hospital; and Jaaea Earl
Loddear who la a farmer; back tew, left
to rights Harry Sleber, LOF ?apervioor;
KcMn l*?wf ^'i' o^,
Award for 1982 to Lany Seiber of Maxton
who is an LOF supervisor. The Jayeees
would like to thank LOF and all their
employees for their support. This won
derful industry always gives the Jayeees
support in many of their 140 projects that
they run every year.
The most touching award of the
evening was the prestigious Distinguish
ed Service Award which was presented
to William (Dollar Bill) Oxendine.
President Jimmy Go ins presented the
award to Dollar Bill and everyone
present really felt the warmth of love
when this award was presented. Althou
gh Dollar bill is mildly handicapped, he
is always fighting to help in any way
possible. Said President Goins, "1 know
of no one in our community who deserves
PSUj and Danfotd Dial, limhir at
Pembroke Junior High School. (BB Hunt
???jsaat ' X1 '
this award more than Dollar BUI."
Everyone in the audience had to agree
because Dollar Bill is always involved in
making our community a better place to
live.
The Pembroke Jaycees wish to thank
everyone for their support, especially the
Pembroke Jaycettes who are always
encouraging. They would also like to
extend a hardy Invitation to every young
man between the ages of 18-35 to come
and get involved and start seeing their
lives begin to change for die better.
Carnell Locklear was recognized for
his service as public relations officer for
the Pembroke Jaycees and also for his
contribution to the Banquet as co
chairman of the annual Distinguished
Service Awards Banquet.
Joe Freeman BrittFi les for
Re-election
I
Joe Freemen Britt filed today far
re-election as district attorney for the
16th Judicial District in the May
Democratic Primary.
The 16th Judicial District is comprised
of Robe son-and Scotland Counties.
"I intend to continue the fight in our
courts for the rights of victims of crime
and for the safety of the public." said
Britt, "and 1 appte^te the opportunity v
of service that the citizens of out district
have given me ia the past.
"We brought thia district from third
from foe bottom to one of foe best in the
state in assigned Superior Court utiliz*
?ipnlftini " said Britt > in was first
Ha Is tfw immadlale oast pttiklflnt of
. . ... , .. ' J
?? -
Association (NCDAA) and presently
serves on the Governor's Commission odl
Length of Sentences in North Carolina.
Chairman of the NCDAA Legislative
Committee, he has worked for five years
representing the prosecutorial viewpoint
In the North Carolina General Assembly.
He also serves as a member of the
NCDAA-State Bar Liason Committee and
as Chairman, NCDAA Future Directions
Committee.
Britt has rendered public and profes
sional service as Pembroke State Univer
sity, trustee, president of the 16th
Judicial District Bar Association, chair
man of the 16th Judicial District
Committee on Judicial Selection of the
North Carolina Bar Association, the
Lumberton City Board of Adjustments
and Appeals, vice-chairman of the
Robeson County Courthouse Committee,
member ot the Robeson Technical
Institute Police Science Advisory
Council. co-chairman of the N.C. Ad-Hoc
Study Group on Juvenile DeBnqunaqr
and Drugs and Chairman of the
Lumberton City Heart Fund Drive.
Active in the Denxxratk Party, he had
held various local party offices. iactudia?
precinct chairman, president of the
Robeson County Young Democrats, and
. ... ounty
Iiiiuffoimi a Colonel in